Regulatory
HazCom/GHS (Hazard Communication / Globally Harmonized System)
OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) aligned with the Globally Harmonized System. Requires Safety Data Sheets, container labeling, and employee training for all hazardous chemicals in the workplace.
Definition
OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) aligned with the Globally Harmonized System. Requires Safety Data Sheets, container labeling, and employee training for all hazardous chemicals in the workplace.
What This Means for Your Facility
The Hazard Communication Standard is OSHA's most frequently cited standard across all industries, and healthcare is no exception. Every facility that uses hazardous chemicals, disinfectants, sterilants, laboratory reagents, chemotherapy drugs, cleaning solvents, even hand sanitizers, must maintain a written HazCom program, keep current Safety Data Sheets accessible to all employees, ensure secondary containers are properly labeled with GHS-compliant labels, and train employees on the hazards of chemicals in their work area.
The 2012 GHS alignment update fundamentally changed labeling and SDS format requirements. SDSs must follow the standardized 16-section format, and labels must include GHS pictograms, signal words, hazard statements, and precautionary statements. Facilities that still have old-format MSDSs or non-GHS labels in their workplace are out of compliance. OSHA citations for HazCom violations averaged $16,550 for serious violations in 2025, and facilities with multiple unlabeled containers or missing SDSs often receive citations for each individual instance.
BayArea Compliance manages your entire HazCom program as part of OSHA|360 and COMPLIANCE|360. We conduct a chemical inventory of your facility, verify that SDSs are current and accessible (digitally and physically), ensure all containers meet GHS labeling requirements, and deliver annual HazCom training customized to the specific chemicals your employees encounter. When you add a new chemical product, we update your inventory and SDSs proactively.
Related BAC Services
OSHA Compliance (OSHA|360)
Bloodborne pathogen training, mock inspections, written safety plans, and ongoing Cal/OSHA compliance support. Part of the COMPLIANCE|360 bundle.
Learn moreCompliance Training
Annual OSHA, HIPAA, bloodborne pathogen, and DOT hazmat training with certification tracking through your NETZERO|360 dashboard. CPR/First Aid classes also available.
Learn moreHazardous Waste Management
RCRA-compliant management of chemical, universal, and hazardous waste streams including lab chemicals, solvents, and automotive fluids.
Learn moreRelated Terms
Aerosol Transmissible Diseases (ATD)
Diseases that can be transmitted through airborne particles. Cal/OSHA's ATD standard (Title 8, Section 5199) requires healthcare facilities to implement exposure control plans, employee training, and respiratory protection programs.
Bloodborne Pathogens
Infectious microorganisms present in human blood that can cause disease. Includes hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). OSHA requires annual BBP training.
Breach Notification
The process of notifying affected individuals, HHS, and potentially the media when unsecured protected health information (PHI) is accessed, used, or disclosed in a way not permitted by HIPAA. California's CMIA requires notification within 15 business days.
Cal/OSHA
California's Division of Occupational Safety and Health. Enforces workplace safety standards that are often stricter than federal OSHA, including the Aerosol Transmissible Diseases standard and specific requirements for healthcare, laboratory, and agricultural workplaces.
CMIA (California Confidentiality of Medical Information Act)
California state law (Civil Code §56–56.37) that provides stronger patient privacy protections than federal HIPAA. Includes a private right of action for patients, broader definitions of medical information, and shorter breach notification timelines.
Covered Entity
Under HIPAA, any health plan, healthcare clearinghouse, or healthcare provider that transmits health information electronically. All covered entities must comply with HIPAA Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification Rules.
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