How to Comply with OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), also known as the "Right to Know" standard, is a set of guidelines established by OSHA. It aims to ensure that employers and employees in funeral homes and the deathcare industry are informed about the hazardous chemicals present in the workplace and how to work safely with them.

Non-compliance with the Hazard Communication Standard can expose your funeral home to fines of up to $15,625 per violation.

The purpose of the Hazard Communication Standard, with its Globally Harmonized System (GHS) enhancement, is to clearly communicate to employees the dangers of chemicals in the workplace in a consistent manner, throughout the world. These enhancements align OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard with the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals.

The HCS is aimed at reducing and preventing chemicalrelated injuries and illnesses in the prep room, care center, and other parts of the workplace.

Here are the key requirements of the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard:

1. Hazard Classification: Employers must determine the hazards of all chemicals present in the workplace. This involves evaluating the chemicals to identify potential physical and health hazards, such as flammability, toxicity, and carcinogenicity.

2. Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Manufacturers and importers of hazardous chemicals are required to provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for each hazardous chemical they produce or import. Employers must maintain an SDS for each chemical they use, and make them readily accessible to employees.

3. Container Labeling: All containers of hazardous chemicals in the workplace must be labeled with specific information, including the product identifier, signal word, hazard statement(s), precautionary statement(s), and pictograms.

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4. Employee Training: Employers must provide training to employees on the hazards of the chemicals they work with, the proper methods for handling and storing chemicals, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

5. Written Hazard Communication Program: Employers must develop and maintain a written Hazard Communication Program that outlines the procedures, policies, and responsibilities related to the handling of hazardous chemicals in the workplace.

6. Employee Access to Information: Employees have the right to access information about the hazardous chemicals they work with, including the SDS and container labels. This information must be provided to employees upon request.

The Hazard Communication Standard is designed to ensure that both employers and employees of funeral homes have the necessary information and training to work safely with hazardous chemicals, reducing the risk of chemical-related incidents and promoting a safer work environment.

To comply with OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200), including the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), be sure to have everything listed in this article fully customized to your facility and your employee base. FBS

Certified Safety Training (CST) is the leader in funeral home, crematory, and cemetery OSHA compliance. Backed by more than 30 years of industry experience and Certified Safety Professionals, CST matches industry expertise with customizable, award-winning programming to make sure that customers have the highest-quality safety programs, plans, training, and advice.

To bring your entire workplace – facility and personnel – into compliance with OSHA, contact Certified Safety Training: help@certifiedsafetytraining • 609.375.8462 • www.certifiedsafetytraining.org