FREE TOOLBOX TALKS / HAZARD COMMUNICATION

Hazard Communication (HazCom) Safety Video & Toolbox Talk

Watch our free Hazard Communication safety video to learn how workplace chemical hazards are communicated through labels, Safety Data Sheets, hazard classifications, and protective measures. This short HazCom video is a practical resource for workplace safety meetings and weekly toolbox talks.

Hazard Communication, commonly called HazCom, helps employees understand the chemical hazards they may encounter in the workplace. In this training session, we review the importance of reading chemical labels and Safety Data Sheets, recognizing hazard pictograms and signal words, using appropriate personal protective equipment, and knowing what to do in the event of a chemical exposure or emergency. Employees and employers both have important responsibilities for making workplace hazard communication effective.

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Hazard Communication

: Key Safety Points

Hazardous chemicals and substances are present in many workplaces, from construction sites and manufacturing facilities to maintenance shops and warehouses. OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard is designed to ensure employees receive understandable information about the chemical hazards they may encounter and the precautions needed to work with them safely.

Understand Chemical Labels

Chemical labels provide important information about a product and its hazards. Employees should read labels before using a chemical and follow the manufacturer’s precautions and workplace procedures.

Hazardous chemical labels may contain:

A product identifier.
A signal word such as Danger or Warning.
Hazard statements describing the nature of the hazard.
Pictograms identifying specific types of hazards.
Precautionary statements explaining recommended protective measures.
Manufacturer or responsible-party information.

Employees should never ignore, remove, or intentionally deface required chemical labels.

Know the Hazard Pictograms

Hazard pictograms provide a quick visual indication of the types of hazards associated with a chemical.

Depending on the chemical, pictograms can identify hazards such as:

Flammability.
Acute toxicity.
Corrosivity.
Explosive or reactive hazards.
Oxidizers.
Compressed gases.
Irritation or other less-severe health effects.
Serious or long-term health hazards.

Employees should learn to recognize the pictograms they may encounter in their workplace and understand the precautions associated with them.

Use Safety Data Sheets

Safety Data Sheets, or SDSs, provide detailed information about hazardous chemicals. OSHA’s standardized SDS format contains 16 sections covering information such as chemical identification, hazards, ingredients, first-aid measures, accidental-release procedures, handling and storage, exposure controls, personal protective equipment, and other important safety information.

Employees should know how to access the SDS for chemicals they work with and review the information whenever they are unsure about a product’s hazards or safe handling procedures.

Follow Safe Chemical-Handling Practices

Hazard Communication only works when employees use the information provided to them.

Important practices include:

Read chemical labels before using a product.
Know how to access workplace Safety Data Sheets.
Follow manufacturer instructions and workplace procedures.
Use the required personal protective equipment.
Understand emergency and spill-response procedures applicable to your workplace.
Make sure workplace containers are properly identified and labeled as required.
Report damaged, missing, or unreadable labels and unsafe chemical conditions.

Understanding the chemicals you work around and taking appropriate precautions can help prevent exposures, injuries, and illnesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hazard Communication or HazCom?

Hazard Communication, commonly called HazCom, is the system used to communicate information about hazardous chemicals in the workplace. OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard requires employers to provide employees with information and training about hazardous chemicals they may be exposed to, including appropriate labels and access to Safety Data Sheets.

What information is found on a Safety Data Sheet?

A Safety Data Sheet contains standardized information about a hazardous chemical. The 16-section format includes chemical identification, hazard information, ingredients, first-aid measures, firefighting measures, accidental-release procedures, handling and storage information, exposure controls, personal protective equipment, and other technical and safety information.

What do the pictograms on chemical labels mean?

Pictograms are standardized symbols used to communicate specific chemical hazards. They can identify hazards involving flammability, toxicity, corrosion, compressed gases, oxidizers, serious health effects, irritation, and other chemical hazards. Employees should be trained to recognize the pictograms associated with chemicals used in their workplace.

Can this video replace required HazCom training?

No. This general awareness video is designed to supplement workplace safety training and toolbox talks. Employers remain responsible for providing Hazard Communication training that addresses the hazardous chemicals, procedures, and conditions employees may encounter in their specific workplace.

Who should watch this Hazard Communication safety video?

This video is useful for employees, supervisors, safety managers, construction workers, maintenance personnel, and others who may work with or around hazardous chemicals. It can be used as a resource during safety meetings, employee refresher training, and toolbox talks.