Review your SDS Program Compliance like an OSHA inspector

Written By: Atanu Das on Sunday, April 28, 2019

OSHA's most recent inspection data for the 12 month period from 2017-2018, reveals that over 4,000 citations were issued for violations of the hazard communication standard. During that period of time, the agency conducted 2,344 inspections resulting in nealy $5 million in penalties. 

How can you not wind up as a statistic on this list? Start by getting into the mindset of the OSHA inspector and use their own guide to enforcing the HCS. 

The most basic element of the HCS is to develop and implement a written hazcom program in the workplace. Does your program include the following:

• Chemical Inventory of all chemicals present both in use and stored. The list should align with the SDS and container labels.

• Methods used to inform workers of hazards associated with non-routine tasks and with chemicals contained in unlabeled pipes in their work areas.

• For multi-employer worksites, are methods to provide on site access to SDSs for chemicals that other employees addressed (including protective measures and labeling).

• Ensure the program is available to all employees, their representatives and/or agencies upon request.

• Designate a person responsible for workplace labeling; describe the labeling/alternative labeling system used; review and update labels as necessary.

• Designate a person responsible for getting SDSs and ensuring they are maintained, accessed and current for the chemicals.

• Assign a person responsible for conducting training for new employees and when new hazards are introduced into the workplace 

Let us help you keep your hazard communication program in line. Don't be on next year's violator list.