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OSHA Hazard Communication Course
More than 2 million students worldwide

OSHA Hazard Communication Course

Get the practical OSHA HazCom knowledge you need to protect workers, stay compliant, and handle chemical hazards with confidence. This course covers GHS classification, safety data sheets, compliant labels, written programmes, and enforcement — everything from the shop floor to the compliance office. Whether you manage a facility or train a crew, you'll walk away ready to act.

Dedika for businesses

What you will learn:

  • Interpret all 16 sections of a Safety Data Sheet to support safe chemical handling decisions.

  • Classify physical and health hazards using GHS criteria and bridging principles for mixtures.

  • Design compliant GHS labels with correct pictograms, signal words, and precautionary statements.

  • Build and audit a written HazCom programme tailored to a specific worksite's chemical inventory.

  • Develop effective HazCom training plans that meet regulatory requirements for diverse worker populations.

  • Apply the hierarchy of controls and occupational exposure limits to reduce chemical risk at work.

How you study in practice OSHA Hazard Communication Course

How you practise OSHA Hazard Communication Course

For companies looking to train their teams

With Dedika for businesses, the course includes exercises and examples tailored to your company and its specific needs.

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Course content

8 Chapters • 40 LessonsDuration between 4 and 360 hours (you decide)

Chapter 1See details

Foundations of Hazard Communication

  • Lesson 1 • The Globally Harmonized System Overview

    Explains the GHS framework that underpins modern HazCom standards. Learners connect GHS classification logic to the labels and safety data sheets they will encounter.

  • Lesson 2 • Why Hazard Communication Matters

    Introduces the occupational risks of chemical exposure and the regulatory rationale for HazCom. Grounds learners in the real-world consequences of inadequate chemical communication.

  • Lesson 3 • Key Stakeholders in HazCom Compliance

    Maps the roles of chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors, and employers. Learners understand how responsibilities flow through the supply chain.

  • Lesson 4 • Scope and Applicability of HazCom

    Defines which chemicals, workplaces, and workers fall under HazCom requirements. Learners distinguish covered substances from exemptions to apply the standard correctly.

Chapter 2See details

Chemical Hazard Classification

  • Lesson 1 • Health Hazard Classes

    Examines acute toxicity, skin and eye effects, respiratory sensitisation, carcinogenicity, and reproductive toxicity. Learners link exposure routes to specific health hazard categories.

  • Lesson 2 • Documenting and Verifying Classifications

    Covers how manufacturers record classification rationale and verify accuracy. Learners understand the documentation trail that supports defensible hazard determinations.

  • Lesson 3 • Physical Hazard Classes

    Covers flammables, explosives, oxidisers, compressed gases, and related physical hazard categories. Learners apply classification criteria to common workplace chemicals.

  • Lesson 4 • Environmental and Simple Asphyxiant Hazards

    Addresses aquatic toxicity classifications and simple asphyxiant designations. Learners recognise when these supplemental categories apply and how they appear on labels.

  • Lesson 5 • Classification of Mixtures

    Explains bridging principles and cut-off values used to classify chemical mixtures. Learners practice classifying mixtures when full test data are unavailable.

Chapter 3See details

Safety Data Sheets: Structure and Content

  • Lesson 1 • SDS Format and Legal Requirements

    Introduces the compulsory sixteen-section SDS format and the information required in each section. Learners understand what constitutes a compliant SDS versus a deficient one.

  • Lesson 2 • Identification and Composition Sections

    Covers Sections one through three: product identity, hazard summary, and ingredient disclosure. Learners locate chemical identifiers and assess ingredient transparency.

  • Lesson 3 • Regulatory, Disposal, and Transport Sections

    Reviews Sections twelve through sixteen covering environmental, transport, regulatory, and other information. Learners identify compliance obligations embedded in the final SDS sections.

  • Lesson 4 • First Aid, Fire, and Accidental Release Sections

    Examines Sections four through six covering emergency response information. Learners translate SDS guidance into immediate workplace action steps.

  • Lesson 5 • Handling, Storage, and Exposure Controls

    Analyses Sections seven through eight on safe use practices and occupational exposure limits. Learners connect SDS guidance to engineering controls and PPE selection.

  • Lesson 6 • Physical Properties, Stability, and Toxicology

    Covers Sections nine through eleven providing physical data, reactivity, and toxicological information. Learners use these sections to predict hazardous behaviour and health effects.

Chapter 4See details

GHS Labels: Design and Interpretation

  • Lesson 1 • Precautionary Statements in Depth

    Breaks down P-codes into prevention, response, storage, and disposal categories. Learners select and combine appropriate P-codes for a given hazard profile.

  • Lesson 2 • Workplace Labels and Secondary Containers

    Covers labelling requirements for transferred chemicals, secondary containers, and in-plant piping. Learners design compliant workplace labels for non-retail settings.

  • Lesson 3 • Label Legibility and Durability Standards

    Addresses physical label requirements including size, contrast, language, and durability. Learners evaluate existing labels for compliance deficiencies.

  • Lesson 4 • GHS Pictograms and Their Meanings

    Examines all nine GHS pictograms, their associated hazard classes, and correct usage rules. Learners match pictograms to hazard categories without reference materials.

  • Lesson 5 • Required Label Elements

    Identifies the six compulsory GHS label elements: product identifier, signal word, pictograms, hazard statements, precautionary statements, and supplier information.

Chapter 5See details

Written Hazard Communication Programs

  • Lesson 1 • SDS Accessibility and Retention

    Covers requirements for making SDSs accessible to workers during all shifts and retaining outdated SDSs. Learners design an SDS management system for a sample facility.

  • Lesson 2 • Programme Requirements and Components

    Outlines the compulsory elements of a written HazCom programme and how they interconnect. Learners identify gaps in existing programmes using a structured checklist approach.

  • Lesson 3 • Chemical Inventory Management

    Explains how to compile, maintain, and audit a workplace chemical inventory list. Learners link each inventory item to its corresponding SDS and label.

  • Lesson 4 • Programme Auditing and Continuous Improvement

    Introduces audit methods to verify programme effectiveness and identify corrective actions. Learners apply audit findings to strengthen HazCom programme performance over time.

  • Lesson 5 • Contractor and Multi-Employer Coordination

    Addresses HazCom obligations when multiple employers share a worksite. Learners develop communication protocols to exchange hazard information across employer boundaries.

Chapter 6See details

HazCom Training Programme Development

  • Lesson 1 • Training Requirements Under HazCom

    Specifies what topics must be covered, when training must occur, and who must receive it. Learners distinguish initial training requirements from refresher and change-triggered training.

  • Lesson 2 • Evaluating Training Effectiveness

    Introduces methods to measure knowledge gain, skill transfer, and behavioural change after training. Learners design evaluation tools aligned to HazCom training objectives.

  • Lesson 3 • Designing Effective HazCom Training

    Applies adult learning principles to HazCom content to maximise retention and behaviour change. Learners structure training sessions using job-relevant examples and active practice.

  • Lesson 4 • Training Delivery Methods and Media

    Compares instructor-led, e-learning, video, and hands-on training formats for HazCom content. Learners select appropriate delivery methods based on audience and resource constraints.

  • Lesson 5 • Training for Diverse and At-Risk Populations

    Addresses language barriers, literacy levels, and temporary worker needs in HazCom training. Learners adapt training materials to reach all workers effectively.

Chapter 7See details

Exposure Assessment and Control Strategies

  • Lesson 1 • Respiratory Protection Basics

    Introduces respirator types, selection criteria, and fit-testing requirements linked to SDS data. Learners match respirator classes to specific chemical hazard profiles.

  • Lesson 2 • Exposure Monitoring Methods

    Covers personal air sampling, area monitoring, and biological monitoring techniques. Learners design a basic exposure monitoring strategy for a chemical-intensive work area.

  • Lesson 3 • Hierarchy of Controls for Chemical Hazards

    Applies the elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative, and PPE control hierarchy to chemical risks. Learners prioritise controls based on effectiveness and feasibility.

  • Lesson 4 • Skin and Eye Protection Selection

    Covers glove material compatibility, eye protection types, and protective clothing selection for chemical hazards. Learners use SDS Section eight data to specify appropriate PPE.

  • Lesson 5 • Understanding Occupational Exposure Limits

    Explains permissible exposure limits, threshold limit values, and short-term exposure limits. Learners interpret OEL types and apply them to workplace monitoring data.

Chapter 8See details

HazCom Compliance Management and Enforcement

  • Lesson 1 • Responding to Citations and Appeals

    Explains the citation response process, informal conferences, and formal contest procedures. Learners draft an abatement plan and understand the appeal timeline.

  • Lesson 2 • Common HazCom Violations and Penalties

    Identifies the most frequently cited HazCom deficiencies and their associated penalty structures. Learners use violation data to prioritise compliance improvement efforts.

  • Lesson 3 • Building a Culture of Chemical Safety

    Connects HazCom compliance to broader safety culture and leadership commitment. Learners identify management practices that sustain worker engagement with chemical hazard information.

  • Lesson 4 • Regulatory Inspection Processes

    Describes how regulatory inspections are initiated, conducted, and concluded for HazCom compliance. Learners prepare documentation and personnel to respond effectively during inspections.

  • Lesson 5 • Recordkeeping and Documentation Systems

    Covers required HazCom records, retention periods, and documentation best practices. Learners design a recordkeeping system that supports both compliance and continuous improvement.

Certification

Your valid completion certificate

This course is for you:

  • EHS coordinator: responsible for chemical safety but lacking formal HazCom training.

  • Facilities manager: overseeing operations where hazardous substances are stored or used.

  • Manufacturing supervisor: leading crews who handle chemicals daily without clear guidance.

  • Safety committee member: tasked with reviewing compliance gaps across a multi-department site.

  • Career changer: moving into occupational health and needing a credible regulatory foundation.

  • Small business owner: personally managing chemical compliance without a dedicated safety staff.

What our students say

Your lessons are perfect. I purchased the one-year package and finally have the opportunity to follow various topics of interest without needing to change platforms... I'm grateful for everything you do, I've already recommended you to other people...
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Giulio CarloDigital Marketing Student
I like how the lessons are straight to the point and how I can change chapters and skip content I don't need.
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The platform is fast, simple to use. The diversity of content and complementary videos really help with learning.
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