Hazard Communication (GHS)

HazCom 2012 (29 CFR 1910.1200) aligns with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for chemical hazard communication. Construction sites use many hazardous chemicals — adhesives, solvents, paints, coatings, concrete additives, cleaning agents, and welding materials. Requirements: written HazCom program, chemical inventory, Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all hazardous chemicals, proper container labeling, and training before exposure. All SDS have 16 standardized sections. GHS labels include: product identifier, signal word (Danger or Warning), hazard statements, precautionary statements, GHS pictograms, and supplier identification.

For OSHA 30 supervisors: the written HazCom program must be maintained and available to workers at all times. When subcontractors bring chemicals on site, they must provide SDS and ensure their workers are trained. The controlling employer should require subcontractors to provide their chemical inventory and SDS as part of the subcontract agreement. SDS must be accessible to workers during all shifts — electronic access systems are acceptable if workers know how to use them and access is available without obstacles.

Nine GHS pictograms: flame (flammable), flame over circle (oxidizer), exploding bomb (explosives/reactive), skull and crossbones (acute toxicity), health hazard person (carcinogen/organ toxicity/reproductive hazard), corrosion (corrosive), gas cylinder (compressed gases), exclamation mark (irritant/sensitizer/less severe effects), environment (aquatic toxicity). Supervisors should be able to identify these symbols and explain their meaning to workers.