Hazard communication training in healthcare is required for any employee who may be exposed to hazardous chemicals. That includes nurses, lab staff, pharmacy workers, sterile processing, housekeeping, and maintenance. Disinfectants, sterilants, and some medications all carry chemical hazards. The 16-minute video, in English, covers the written plan, labels, and Safety Data Sheets.

Hazard communication in hospitals is covered by OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200. Healthcare employers must maintain a written program, a list of hazardous chemicals, labeled containers, and accessible Safety Data Sheets. They must also train employees on the chemical hazards in their work areas.

HazCom training is required when an employee first starts a job involving hazardous chemical exposure. It is also required whenever a new chemical hazard enters the work area. The standard doesn't set a fixed annual refresher, but many healthcare employers repeat HazCom training yearly to keep it current.

Common hazardous chemicals in hospitals include disinfectants, cleaners, and sterilants such as ethylene oxide and glutaraldehyde. Formaldehyde in labs and certain hazardous drugs, such as some chemotherapy agents, add to the list. Mercury, compressed gases, and anesthetic gases may also be present. Staff should know where to find each Safety Data Sheet.

A written hazard communication program must list the hazardous chemicals in the workplace. It must also explain how the facility handles labeling, Safety Data Sheets, and employee training. It must also describe how employees learn about hazards of non-routine tasks. In hospitals, the program should reach every department that stores or uses chemicals.