Hazard Communication

The Hazard Communication Standard was first promulgated in 1983. It requires employers to provide hazard information & training to employees on chemicals they work with. It also requires manufacturer’s or distributors of chemicals to provide MSDS’s (Material Safety Data sheets) to users of their products. Employers must maintain this data for access by employees. The standard was revised in 2012 into the Global Harmonized System (GHS). There were many updates including labels and the MSDS became the SDS (Safety Data Sheet). The new SDS is a 16 part standardized format. More information can be found on the OSHA HAZCOM webpage

Massachusetts Right to Know Law – Is a State version of the Hazards Communication Standard more information on the right to know law

  • All manufacturers of hazardous materials (which can even include cleaning products) are required to classify their hazard, create safety data sheets, and label it appropriately.
  • Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are your best way to determine a hazard of a product. Know your SDS and associated hazards and proper handling. Please take a moment to review the sections of the SDS's through the OSHA SDS Quickcard. 
  • all hazard labels (pictograms) will be clear and visible. If transferring from a stock solution, all subsidiary containers must be labeled as well. The pictograms can be found on the OSHA pictograms webpage. Please take a moment to familiarize your self with the types. Optional labels in use are NFPA 704 diamond and Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS) label.
  • Training is provided to faculty, staff, and students that work in and around hazards. For all UML employees, having a basic familiarization of the hazards and identification is important, and included in orientations trainings. For specific groups, such as facilities and lab staff, a more in depth training is provided.
  • Contractors: It is the responsibility of the contractor/vendor or anyone bringing hazardous material on campus, to comply with the OSHA hazcom standard as well. Including but not limited to, the maintaining of SDS's, having labels affixed to solutions, etc.