Essentials of OSHA Hazard Communication (HCM)

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 1 • Health Hazard Classes

Examines acute toxicity, skin and eye effects, respiratory sensitization, 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, oxidizers, 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 recognize when these supplemental categories apply and how they appear on labels.

Lesson 1 • SDS Format and Legal Requirements

Introduces the mandatory 16-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 1 through 3: product identity, hazard summary, and ingredient disclosure. Learners locate chemical identifiers and assess ingredient transparency.

Lesson 3 • Regulatory, Disposal, and Transport Sections

Reviews Sections 12 through 16 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 4 through 6 covering emergency response information. Learners translate SDS guidance into immediate workplace action steps.

Lesson 5 • Handling, Storage, and Exposure Controls

Analyzes Sections 7 through 8 on safe use practices and occupational exposure limits. Learners connect SDS guidance to engineering controls and PPE selection.

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 labeling 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 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 • Program Requirements and Components

Outlines the mandatory elements of a written HazCom program and how they interconnect. Learners identify gaps in existing programs 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 • Program Auditing and Continuous Improvement

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

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 behavioral 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 maximize retention and behavior 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 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 prioritize 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 8 data to specify appropriate PPE.

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 prioritize 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.