Issues
- Inadequate hazard communication programs can lead to accidents and injuries.
- Improper training or use can harm workers, especially if they do not know about the acute and/or chronic effects on their health.
- Employee injuries and illnesses resulting from exposure to hazardous chemicals can cause a range of health problems, from skin irritation to long-term diseases.
- Employees do not utilize appropriate PPE.
- Failure to comply with OSHA regulations can result in legal and financial consequences, including fines and potential lawsuits.
Sources of Hazards
- Six (6) most hazardous substances:
- Acids and caustic substances
- Disinfectants
- Glues and solvents
- Biological hazards
- Paints and heavy metals
- Pesticides
- Examples of acute hazards (usually physical in nature):
- Asphyxiants: Chemicals that deprive the body of oxygen, such as carbon monoxide.
- Corrosives: Substances that cause damage to tissues upon contact, such as strong acids.
- Irritants: Chemicals that cause inflammation of the skin, eyes, or respiratory tract.
- Sensitizers: Substances that can cause allergic reactions after repeated exposure.
- Examples of chronic hazards (usually health hazards in nature):
- Carcinogens: Chemicals that can cause cancer, such as asbestos or benzene.
- Reproductive toxins: Chemicals that can damage reproductive organs or impair fertility.
- Mutagens: Substances that can cause mutations in DNA, potentially leading to cancer or other genetic disorders.
- Teratogens: Chemicals that can cause birth defects in developing fetuses.
- Employees have not been properly trained.
Regulations
Hazard classification, labels, safety data sheets, and training.
29 CFR 1926.59 Hazard Communication
Note: The requirements applicable to construction workers are those set forth in 29 CFR 1910.1200.
OSHA Standard 1926 Subpart Z
The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) is aligned with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). This update provides a common and coherent approach to classifying chemicals and communicating hazard information on labels and Safety Data Sheets.
OSHA Standard 1926 Subpart Z—Toxic and Hazardous Substances
The requirements applicable to construction work under this section are identical to those set forth in 29 CFR 1910.1200.
- 1910.1200 Appendix A – Health Hazard Criteria (Mandatory)
- 1910.1200 Appendix B – Physical Hazard Criteria (Mandatory)
- 1910.1200 Appendix C – Allocation of Label Elements (Mandatory)
- 1910.1200 Appendix D – Safety Data Sheets (Mandatory)
- 1910.1200 Appendix E – Definition of “Trade Secret” (Mandatory)
- 1910.1200 Appendix F – Guidance for Hazard Classification Regarding Carcinogenicity (Non-Mandatory)
- 1910.1201 – Retention of DOT markings, placards, and labels
Hazard Communication Requirements
- Hazard Classification: Provides specific criteria for the classification of health and physical hazards, as well as chemical mixtures.
- Labels: Chemical manufacturers and importers must provide labels that include a harmonized signal word, pictogram, and hazard statement for each hazard class and category. Precautionary statements must also be provided.
- Safety Data Sheets: Must follow a standardized 16-section format.
- Information and Training: Employers are required to train workers on the new label elements and Safety Data Sheet format to facilitate recognition and understanding.
Example Incidents
Chemical and Toxin Exposure
In 2020, almost 9% of all workplace fatalities involved construction workers who had been exposed to harmful substances or environments. Construction workers are commonly exposed to lead, asbestos, PVC, and heavy metals on job sites. Workers may also become ill from exposure to dust, silica, formaldehyde, and mold.
The Basics
Safety Data Sheets (SDS) – 16 Standard Sections
To obtain SDS sheets, call 3E at 800-451-8346.
- Identification
- Hazard(s) Identification
- Composition/Information on Ingredients
- First-Aid Measures
- Fire-Fighting Measures
- Accidental Release Measures
- Handling and Storage
- Exposure Controls/Personal Protective Equipment
- Physical and Chemical Properties
- Stability and Reactivity
- Toxicological Information
- Ecological Information
- Disposal Considerations
- Transport Information
- Regulatory Information
- Other Information
Diamond Labels
Diamond labels have two different identification systems.
| NFPA | GHS |
|---|---|
| 4 = Greatest Danger / Highest Risk | 1 = First Priority / Highest Risk |
Your first concern when utilizing diamond label information is to know which system is being used.
The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) was initially adopted by the United Nations in 2003. Trucking and fire service organizations continue to utilize the NFPA system, while OSHA utilizes GHS.
What You Need to Know About Hazard Communications and Chemical Use
- You Have the Right to Know. If you are asked to use, or are exposed to, any chemical or hazardous environment and you do not know the hazards associated with the chemical or task, stop work immediately. Remove yourself to a safe location and request and review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS). The easiest way to obtain an SDS is by calling 3E at 800-451-8346.
- Our Safety Data Sheets are readily available through our third-party provider, 3E. Call 800-451-8346.
- Training. You are required to be trained in the proper use of any product. If you have not been trained, stop work immediately and request training.
- PPE. You must be provided with and trained to use the proper PPE for any chemical you are working with or hazardous environment you are around. If you do not have, or suspect you do not have, the proper PPE, stop work immediately, remove yourself to a safe area, and do not proceed until you have the PPE and training required in Section 8 of the SDS.
- Accidental Exposure. If you are exposed to any chemical or unsafe environment, stop work immediately. If any physical or acute symptoms or exposure have occurred, call 911 immediately and provide first aid until emergency responders arrive. If possible, review Section 4 of the SDS and have the SDS available for first responders.
- Needed Information. The first information you need when handling any product is found in Section 1 of the SDS, which identifies the product. The product ID number or product name is especially important, along with the manufacturer’s name if available.
- If you have questions about a chemical, product, or its SDS, contact your supervisor or your company’s designated safety representative.
- Remember to follow all precautions listed in Sections 7 and 8 of the SDS to prevent acute and/or chronic health effects.
Important Do’s for Hazard Communications and Chemical Use
- Do familiarize yourself with the hazards associated with any chemical you are asked to use.
- Do use all required PPE.
- Do stop work if you have any concerns or suspicions about products or working conditions.
- Do contact 3E (800-451-8346) for non-emergency SDS information and product information. Once received, follow all listed precautions.
- Do call 911 first during emergencies, provide first aid, and then contact 3E (800-451-8346) for immediate chemical and product information. Once received, follow all listed precautions.
Important Don’ts for Hazard Communications and Chemical Use
- Don’t be uninformed. Understand all hazards, required PPE, and safe handling procedures for every chemical you use and every hazardous environment to which you are exposed.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Hazard Communication Standard. U.S. Department of Labor, https://www.osha.gov/hazcom. Accessed 30 June 2026.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration. 29 CFR 1910.1200—Hazard Communication. U.S. Department of Labor, https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.1200. Accessed 30 June 2026.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Safety Data Sheets. U.S. Department of Labor, https://www.osha.gov/safety-management/hazard-communication/safety-data-sheets. Accessed 30 June 2026.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Hazard Communication Standard: Labels and Pictograms. U.S. Department of Labor, https://www.osha.gov/hazcom/labels-pictograms. Accessed 30 June 2026.
United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). UNECE, https://unece.org/about-ghs. Accessed 30 June 2026.
National Fire Protection Association. NFPA 704: Standard System for the Identification of the Hazards of Materials for Emergency Response. National Fire Protection Association, https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-704-standard-development/704. Accessed 30 June 2026.
