Benefits: If workers may be exposed to hazardous materials in your workplace, you are required by OSHA to have a written hazard communication program. The program must include not only a list of hazardous chemicals known to be present in the workplace, but also a completed material safety data sheet (MSDS) for every chemical on the list. It must also spell out the method you will use to inform employees of the hazards associated with chemicals and the procedures to be followed with respect to labeling chemicals, updating material safety data sheets, and training employees. The attached file contains two documents designed to help you comply with the requirements. The first is a model written hazard communication program that you can use or modify to build your own program for your workplace. The second is OSHA Form 174, the basic, non-mandatory format developed by OSHA for completing the required MSDS for each hazardous substance on your company's list.

File Description: The file contains a four-page model of a written hazard communication program in rich text format (RTF) that is suitable for use with most word processing programs used in the Windows environment. It also contains a two-page form (OSHA Form 174), which is formatted as a table in Microsoft Word 6.0. To use this form, you need Microsoft Word version 6.0 or above or other word processing software compatible with Word documents.

Special Features: Included are the following:

Model Workplace Safety Policy:

• can be quickly modified to reflect your company's procedures and policies
• includes specific sections on the following:
• general policy compliance statement
• listings of hazardous chemicals
• acquiring, maintaining, and updating the MSDS
• chemical labeling procedures
• employee training
• informing outside contractors
• special training for nonroutine tasks
• recordkeeping and notification requirements for workplace injuries
• posting of policies

OSHA Form 174, Material Safety Data Sheet, OSHA Non-Mandatory Form:

• can be used to comply with 0SHA's Hazard Communication Standard, 29 CFR 1910 1200
• specifies all the information that must be disclosed, including:
  • ingredients/identity information
  • physical/chemical characteristics
  • fire and explosion hazard data
  • reactivity data
  • health hazard data
  • precautions for safe handling and use
  • control measures

Download: Hazard communication program package