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Environmental Health & Safety

Hazard Communication Plan

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The Hazard Communication (HazCom) Program aims to enhance awareness of proper hazardous material handling while ensuring compliance with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). Additionally, it establishes written procedures detailing TCU's system for managing hazardous chemicals and materials in the laboratory and non-laboratory workplaces. This includes safe use, handling, and disposal of hazardous chemicals, in addition to outlining employee training requirements.

The main components of the HazCom Program include:

  • Assignment of Program responsibilities.
  • Identification of hazardous chemicals in work areas.
  • Maintaining a chemical inventory for each work area and ensuring proper labeling of chemical containers.
  • Ensuring employees and students have access to safety data sheets (SDSs) for each chemical in the inventory.
  • Assessing chemical hazards and developing safe use procedures. 
  • Training requirements.

Hazard communication is a legal requirement designed to accurately convey the risks associated with chemicals or materials used or stored in the workplace. Identification and communication of chemical hazards will follow OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200 and align with the provisions of the United Nations GHS.

 

Resources & Forms
Hazard Communication Program (HazCom)
OSHA 1910.1200 - Hazard Communication
OSHA 1910.1450 - Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories 
OSHA Brief - Hazard Communication Standard: Safety Data Sheets
OSHA Brief - Hazard Communication Standards: Labels and Pictograms
Safety Data Sheets

Training
Employees shall receive information and training on hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of their initial assignment, whenever a new physical or health hazard the employees have not been previously been trained on is introduced into their work area, and annually thereafter. 

Training is managed by the Office of Risk Management, specifically the Environmental Health & Safety Coordinator and the Hazardous Material Safety Manager. HazCom training is administered online via the HSI/Safety Skills learning management system. For additional information, contact safety@tcu.edu. 

Hazard Communication - HZC-1.2
Individuals who complete this course shall be able to understand the purpose and requirements of a Hazard Communication (HazCom) program, recognize chemical hazards in the workplace, and implement appropriate controls. Additionally, they will be able to identify sources of information on workplace chemical hazards and understand the requirements for medical recordkeeping. 

HAZCOM: Chemical Labels and SDSs - SNP-29.2
This online course provides individuals with information about the hazards and training over how to protect themselves from harm when working with hazardous chemicals. It also covers labeling requirements under OSHA's Hazard Communication (HazCom) standard.