Hazard Communication
Hazard Communication (HazCom) training is designed to ensure employees understand the chemical hazards they may encounter in the workplace and is required under OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200. Often referred to as the "Right-to-Know" standard, HazCom requires employees to be informed of the hazardous chemicals present in their work area, understand the health and physical risks associated with those chemicals, know how to access and interpret Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), and recognize the information contained on chemical labels. The standard also emphasizes proper chemical handling, storage, personal protective equipment (PPE), emergency response procedures, and methods for reducing employee exposure.
Hazard Communication training is applicable to all employees who work with or may be exposed to hazardous chemicals during the course of their duties. Understanding chemical hazards is a foundational component of maintaining a safe workplace and helps employees recognize potential risks before they result in injury, illness, property damage, or environmental impacts. Training also reinforces an employee's responsibility to follow established safety procedures, report concerns, and seek guidance when working with unfamiliar substances or processes.
A key component of OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard is alignment with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). GHS provides a standardized approach for identifying and communicating chemical hazards through consistent labeling, pictograms, signal words, hazard statements, precautionary statements, and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) formats. By establishing a common international framework, GHS helps ensure that employees can quickly recognize and understand chemical hazards regardless of the manufacturer, supplier, or geographic location of the product. Employees covered under Hazard Communication training will learn how to interpret GHS labels and pictograms, locate critical information within a 16-section SDS, and apply this information to safely handle, store, and respond to chemical hazards in the workplace.
Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) serves as the campus resource for hazardous materials management and regulatory compliance. EHS coordinates and manages the disposal of hazardous chemical waste generated on campus, including chemical, biohazardous, pharmaceutical, and pathogenic waste streams. For assistance with hazardous materials, chemical inventories, SDS requests, waste disposal, training, or regulatory questions, contact EHS at lscott@coloradocollege.edu, ehs@coloradocollege.edu, or by phone at Extension x6678. While email and phone inquiries are welcome, the preferred method for obtaining service and ensuring timely response is the submission of a TMA Work Order, which allows requests to be properly documented, prioritized, and tracked through completion.
Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) will be hosting Hazard Communication (HazCom) training sessions over the coming months to help employees better understand OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard, Globally Harmonized System (GHS) requirements, chemical hazard recognition, Safety Data Sheet (SDS) usage, labeling requirements, and safe chemical handling practices. These sessions are intended for employees who work with or may be exposed to hazardous chemicals as part of their job responsibilities and will provide practical guidance for maintaining a safe and compliant workplace.
Training schedules, registration information, and course announcements will be published on the Safety Training website as they become available. Employees and supervisors are encouraged to stay tuned to the Safety Training site for updates and upcoming training opportunities. EHS looks forward to partnering with departments across campus to promote chemical safety awareness and regulatory compliance through these educational offerings.