Hazard Communications (Cal/OSHA), Online Edition
Hazard Communication (Cal/OSHA)
Know what's in the container, what it can do, and where to find out more.
This online course teaches California workers how chemical hazards are communicated in the workplace and how to use that information to protect themselves. It is built on Title 8, Section 5194 and reflects the 2024 federal update to the Hazard Communication Standard, which California adopts through the appendices of Section 5194.
Course Overview
Students learn the employer's responsibilities under the Cal/OSHA Hazard Communication regulation, the elements of a written hazard communication program, and how to read every label system found in a California workplace.
The course also shows how to use a sixteen-section safety data sheet and how to locate the chemical information kept at the student's own worksite.
Learning Objectives
- Identify the employer's responsibilities under the Hazard Communication Standard, including training requirements
- Identify the components of a written hazard communication program
- Describe GHS shipped labels, workplace labels, NFPA 704, HMIS, and DOT labels, placards and markings
- Locate chemical information on labels and safety data sheets
- Know your own employer's program: who runs it, where the chemical list and SDSs are kept, how containers are labeled, and how training is tracked
Who Should Attend
Any California employee who works with, or may be exposed to, hazardous chemicals. No prerequisites.
- New hires at initial assignment
- Employees when new chemical hazards are introduced into their work area
- Any worker who handles, stores or works near hazardous chemicals
How the Course Works
Instruction is delivered through narrated slides and reinforced by five interactive activities in which students sort, build, decode, search and compete. A written exam closes the course.
About two hours total
Exam & Certificate
Pass the twenty-question written exam with 70% (14 correct) to receive a certificate of completion from NATEC International, Inc.
Each activity also reports a score to the learning management system.
Course Materials
- Narrated course deck
- Student workbook
- Five SCORM 1.2 activities
- Exam deck and course agenda
Course Agenda
Welcome and Introductions
Safety, agenda, objectives, how to read the course, and why hazard communication matters
Employer Responsibilities and the Written Program
Responsibilities, written program components, the chemical list, SDS format and access, labels as a program element, training requirements, employee rights
Activity: SDS Section Sorter
Hazard Communication Labels
Label types, shipped-label elements, pictograms, GHS categories, workplace and secondary containers, NFPA 704, HMIS, DOT classes and markings
Activities: Label Builder · NFPA Diamond Decoder
California Regulation and the 2024 Update
Scope, exemptions, classification, employer duties, the written program, trade secrets, Proposition 65, and how the 2024 federal update applies in California
Activity: SDS Scavenger Hunt
Locating Information
Reading labels, choosing the right SDS section, where to find it at your workplace, recordkeeping, summary
Activity: HazCom Jeopardy
Written Exam
Twenty questions. Score 70% (14 correct) to pass and receive your certificate of completion
The 2024 Update and California
The body of Title 8, Section 5194 (scope, written program, labels, SDS access, training, employee rights, Proposition 65) was last amended in 2014. Its Appendices A through E adopt the matching federal appendices of 29 CFR 1910.1200 by reference, so the 2024 federal hazard classification criteria, label elements and SDS content apply in California.
Employer compliance dates under the federal rule:
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs Hazard Communication training?
Does this course reflect the 2024 HazCom update?
Which label systems are covered?
Does it cover Proposition 65?
How long does the course take?
What do I need to pass?
Are there any prerequisites?
Can I register my whole team?
Train Your Team on HazCom Today
Self-paced, about two hours, and updated for the 2024 HazCom changes.
Based on California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 5194, and 29 CFR 1910.1200 as amended in 2024. Employers remain responsible for their own written hazard communication program and site-specific training.