Before using any chemical, take time to review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS). While product labels provide a quick overview of hazards, the SDS contains detailed information on risks, required PPE, safe handling practices, storage requirements, and emergency procedures to help keep employees safe and compliant.

Violations of OSHA's HazCom Standard requirements consistently rank among the top five, year after year.

A violation of the labeling requirement is considered a serious violation, and penalties can range from several thousand dollars to over $150,000 per violation, especially for willful or repeated violations.

OSHA has issued a final rule that updates the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to align primarily with the seventh revision of the United Nations' Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). The final rule was published on May 20, 2024 and takes effect on July 19, 2024.