Hazard Communication: Right to Understand (GHS)
Exposure to hazardous chemicals on the job is a safety concern for millions of workers, including college and university staff. Teaching, administration, and maintenance staff commonly use chemicals for cleaning, disinfection, maintenance, and campus labs. This interactive online course with live action scenarios demonstrates how OSHA’s Hazard Communication regulations can help you work safely with chemicals and prevent injury to yourself and others.
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Course Details
Learning Objectives
- Explain the purpose of OSHA’s GHS-aligned Hazard Communication Standard
- Outline employer and employee responsibilities for chemical safety communication
- Understand and interpret information on chemical container labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Specs
- English (US)
- Spanish (US)
- Spanish (European)
- Spanish (Mexican)
- French (Canada)
- French (European)
- Arabic
- Chinese (Simplified Mandarin)
- Chinese (Traditional Mandarin)
- Filipino Tagalog
- German
- Hindi
- Italian
- Japanese
- Korean
- Portuguese (Brazilian)
- Portuguese (European)
- Russian
- Thai
- Vietnamese
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hazard Communication and why is it important in higher education?
Hazard Communication, also known as HazCom, is a federal standard designed to ensure that employees are informed about the chemical hazards they may encounter in the workplace. In higher education settings, this applies to various departments such as science laboratories, maintenance areas, art studios, and custodial operations. These environments often involve the use of chemicals that, if mishandled, could pose serious health or safety risks. The HazCom Standard requires proper labeling, access to Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), and training to promote informed and safe practices. It is essential for staff and faculty to understand the risks associated with chemicals they handle or store. A strong hazard communication program helps prevent accidents, exposures, and long-term health issues.
Who is responsible for chemical safety in a college or university setting?
Chemical safety is a shared responsibility between the institution and its employees. The college or university is required to design and upkeep a physical hazard communication program, ensure chemicals are correctly labeled, and provide access to SDSs. Employers must also provide training and make sure that safety procedures are followed. Employees—including faculty, lab technicians, maintenance workers, and custodial staff—are responsible for reading labels, following safety protocols, and reporting any unsafe conditions. Everyone has a responsibility to create and maintain a safe environment. Regular communication and cooperation between departments are critical to successful chemical safety management.
What is a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), and where can it be found?
A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provides specific information regarding a chemical, such as its foreseeable hazards, ingredients, safe handling methods, and steps to take in an emergency. The format is standardized into 16 sections, which allows users to find the necessary information quickly. At colleges and universities, SDSs are typically stored in digital databases, though printed versions may also be available in labs or supply rooms. Employees must be able to access these sheets during their shifts to stay informed and prepared. Understanding how to read an SDS is an important part of working safely around hazardous materials. Schools are also required to keep SDSs up to date and use them as part of their employee safety training.
What training is required for employees working with hazardous chemicals?
Employees who work with or near hazardous chemicals must receive hazard communication training as part of their job orientation and whenever a new chemical hazard is introduced. Training must cover how to read and understand labels and SDSs, proper storage and handling techniques, and what to do in the event of a spill or exposure. The training should also explain how to use personal protective equipment (PPE) and identify signs of chemical-related health effects. Refresher training may be provided annually or as needed to reinforce safety practices. In higher ed, this training may be coordinated through Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) departments. Comprehensive training helps ensure that employees are aware, prepared, and confident in handling hazardous materials safely.
Sample Video Transcript
Some chemicals pose health hazards that cause both immediate, acute, and long-lasting chronic health effects. Acid spilled onto the skin causes an immediate burn, while inhaling asbestos particles in the air usually takes years before the effects result in a serious health condition like mesothelioma, lung cancer. Other examples of health problems caused by chemical exposure include heart ailments, kidney and lung damage, sterility cancer, burns, and rashes. It should be noted that exposure to bloodborne pathogens is not addressed by HazCom standard or this lesson. Information about bloodborne safety can be found in OSHA’s bloodborne pathogen standard.
In addition to health hazards, chemicals can present safety hazards, such as potential to cause fires, corrosion, radiation, explosions, and contents under pressure, such as gases. Some chemicals can present more than one hazard and are identified by multiple hazard classes.
