Julia Dozier, District Executive Director of Economic Development and Contract Education
Dublin, CA (PRWEB) August 25, 2014
The OSHA Training Center at Chabot-Las Positas Community College District is announcing the recent release of two hazard communication publications as part of an ongoing campaign to help small employers comply with OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). Hazard Communication: Small Entity Compliance Guide for Employers That Use Hazardous Chemicals focuses on assisting employers that use rather than produce chemicals in order to identify the parts of the rule that apply to their facilities and help them develop and implement an effective hazard communication program. The HCS requires employers to make sure that all chemicals received from their suppliers are appropriately labeled with accompanying safety data sheets.
“In order to protect workers from hazards such as sensitization and flammability, employers need the detailed chemical hazard information and recommended protective measures contained on labels and SDSs,” said Julia Dozier, Director of the OSHA Training Center at Chabot-Las Positas Community College District. "Workers have both a right and a need to know detailed chemical hazard information so they can take steps to protect themselves when necessary.”
The OSHA Fact Sheet on Steps to an Effective Hazard Communication Program provides an overview of how to implement an effective hazard communication program in six steps, including:
1. Learn the Standard and Identify Responsible Staff
2. Prepare and Implement a Written Hazard Communication Program
3. Ensure Containers are Labeled
4. Maintain Safety Data Sheets
5. Inform and Train Employees
6. Evaluate and Reassess Your Program
OSHA believes that the Hazard Communication Standard is of critical importance to ensuring that hazardous chemicals are identified, and that proper measures are implemented in workplaces to achieve safe use and handling. By understanding chemical hazards and using available information to implement the proper control measures to address these hazards, employers can maintain compliance with the HCS as well as protect their exposed workers.
Additional information on the Hazard Communication Standard can be found by consulting OSHA’s Hazard Communication: Small Entity Compliance Guide for Employers That Use Hazardous Chemicals and the OSHA Fact Sheet on Steps to an Effective Hazard Communication Program.
About the OSHA Training Center
The OSHA Training Center at Chabot-Las Positas Community College District offers high quality Occupational Safety & Health Administration standards-based training for construction, maritime and general industry at its Center in Dublin, California, as well as locations throughout California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii and Guam. Programs offered include OSHA safety standards, Outreach Trainer courses, Cal/OSHA standards curriculum, environmental courses and customized onsite safety training. Upcoming courses include Health Hazard Awareness and Hazardous Materials. For more information, including a complete course schedule, visit the OSHA Training Center website or call (866) 936-OSHA (6742).