Identifying and classifying chemical hazards

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OSHA’s hazard communication standard (HCS) (29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) §1910.1200) remains a compliance pain point for businesses, as it was the second-most cited standard in fiscal year (FY) 2023.

Manufacturers and importers of chemicals must be able to identify and classify chemical hazards. This ensures that workers and downstream users are informed and can better understand these hazards, as OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard mandates. Employers will also benefit by verifying hazard classifications provided by suppliers.

Who is responsible for conducting hazard classifications?

Proper classification and labeling of chemicals are essential for workplace safety. Chemical manufacturers and importers must perform hazard classifications on the chemicals they produce or import.

A “chemical manufacturer” is an employer that manufactures, processes, formulates, blends, mixes, repackages, or otherwise changes the composition of a hazardous chemical, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Hazard Classification Guidance.

Distributors and employers may opt to conduct hazard classifications if they are concerned about the adequacy of hazard information received for the chemicals they use or distribute.

Instructions for assigning hazard communication label components can be found in an OSHA Brief on Labels and Pictograms, accessible here.