Hazard Communication Program – 29 CFR 1910.1200 Do I need to provide hazard communication program training? Employers that possess chemicals with a physical or health hazard in their facility may be required to maintain a hazard communication program (HCP). There are many requirements of the HCP regulation, one of which is training. All employers who are required to maintain an HCP will need to provide training to their employees. What is required for hazard communication program training? The HCP regulation requires that employers provide their employees with information and training. Generally, it is easiest to provide both information and training to employees in the same training session. The requirements for information and training are: an overview of the HCP regulation, an overview of the hazardous chemicals in the facility, how to access the HCP written plan and Safety Data Sheets (SDS), methods to detect a hazardous chemical release, the hazards of chemicals employees work with, and how employees can protect themselves from those hazards. There is no requirement for the employer to certify employees have been trained in the HCP. However, records of employee attendance in and understanding of training should be maintained if the need to prove training was conducted ever arises. How often must I offer hazard communication program training? Employees must be trained in the HCP before assignment to job duties. Re-training is required when new chemical hazards are introduced. There is no requirement for intervallic re-training, but many employers choose to conduct training annually to ensure employees retain pertinent information. #OSHA, #WorkerSafety, #BringingSafetyBack, #SafetyFirst