Hazard communication training is required for any employee who may be exposed to hazardous chemicals under normal working conditions or in a foreseeable emergency. That includes production workers, maintenance staff, cleaners and lab personnel. Training must happen when a worker first starts the job and whenever a new chemical hazard is introduced into the work area.

OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200, covers chemical hazard communication and is often called the Right to Know law. It requires chemical labels, Safety Data Sheets, a written hazard communication program and employee training. The standard is aligned with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) and was most recently updated in 2024.

A Safety Data Sheet has 16 sections in a standard order. Key sections for workers include Section 2 for hazards, Section 4 for first aid, Section 7 for handling and storage, and Section 8 for exposure controls and PPE. Employers must keep SDSs readily accessible to employees during every shift.

On a chemical label, the signal word Danger marks a more severe hazard and Warning marks a less severe one. Only one signal word appears on a label. Workers should take both seriously, read the hazard statements and pictograms, and check the Safety Data Sheet before handling the chemical.

If you discover a chemical spill, warn people nearby, leave the immediate area and report it to your supervisor or emergency contact. Only clean up a small spill if you know the chemical, are trained and have the right PPE and materials. Follow your facility's spill response plan for anything larger or unknown.