Requirement

California’s Hazard Communication Standard (California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 5194) requires employers to inform workers about hazardous substances they may be exposed to in their workplace.

Program overview

UCSD's Hazard Communication Program (HCP) is intended to serve non-research personnel (e.g., shops, operations, maintenance, custodial, craft centers, theaters, studios, etc.). The program ensures that employees:

• Understand the hazards associated with the chemicals they work with through labeling and other forms of warning
• Have access to current risk assessment resources, including Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)
• Receive training about how to minimize the risks associated with the hazardous materials they use

Implementation

Departments are strongly encouraged to designate a Department Safety Coordinator (DSC) to serve as a liaison with Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S). DSCs help implement the HCP in their departments, possibly through an Area Safety Coordinator (ASC).

To implement the Hazard Communication Program, the DSC or ASC will do the following:

• Maintain an inventory, provided by EH&S, of hazardous materials used at their sites
• Ensure that chemical containers are properly labeled
• Ensure that MSDSs for inventoried materials are readily accessible, either electronically or on paper
• Confirm that employees receive safety training about the hazardous materials they use, and that training records are kept

Use UCSD's Hazard Communication Program document (PDF) (Word) as a training guide. Review the document annually and update training periodically, or whenever new hazardous materials are introduced in your workplace.

Related policies

• Hazard Communication, California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 5194

Questions? Contact the chemical safety officer, (858) 822-1579.