Hazard Communication Explained: Why Labels and Safety Data Sheets Matter

By Abbie Geigle 

Hazard communication plays a critical role in keeping employees safe when working with chemicals. Yet many workplace incidents still occur because important information is overlooked, outdated, or misunderstood.

At the center of hazard communication are two essential tools: chemical labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

What Is Hazard Communication?

Hazard Communication (HAZCOM) is designed to ensure employees understand the chemical hazards they may encounter at work. This includes knowing:

• What chemicals are present
• The risks associated with them
• How to handle, store, and respond to exposures safely

When hazard communication works as intended, employees can identify hazards before they become incidents.

Why Labels Matter

Chemical labels provide immediate, visible warnings. They communicate critical information such as:

• Hazard classifications
• Signal words like Danger or Warning
• Pictograms indicating specific risks
• Precautionary statements

Even familiar containers should be reviewed regularly. Chemical formulations, suppliers, and hazard classifications can change over time, making assumptions dangerous.

The Role of Safety Data Sheets

Safety Data Sheets offer detailed guidance on:

• Health effects and exposure symptoms
• Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Safe handling and storage practices
• Emergency response procedures

Employees should know where SDS are located and how to access the most current version before using a chemical.

Common Hazard Communication Gaps

Many workplaces experience breakdowns in hazard communication due to:

• Missing or damaged labels
• Outdated SDS
• Employees relying on routine rather than verification

These gaps increase the risk of exposure during everyday tasks.

Making Hazard Communication Part of Daily Work

Effective hazard communication isn’t about memorizing regulations. It’s about building habits:

• Read labels before use
• Check SDS when chemicals change
• Pause and verify rather than assume

When labels and Safety Data Sheets are used consistently, they become powerful tools for prevention.

OSHAcademy provides hazard communication training and resources to support understanding of chemical hazards in the workplace.