Cal/OSHA Hazard Communication Training

Duration	2 Hours
Delivery Format	Instructor-led classroom  |  Classroom discussion, visual examples, and knowledge checks
Regulation	Cal/OSHA Title 8 CCR §5194 — Hazard Communication
Prerequisite	None required — designed for employee-level audiences
Completion	Knowledge checks, review questions, and a written exam or course evaluation, when included
Target Audience	Employees in workplaces where hazardous chemicals may be present

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This Cal/OSHA Hazard Communication training provides employee-level instruction on California hazard communication requirements for workplaces where hazardous chemicals may be present. The course is designed to help participants understand the purpose of hazard communication, employer responsibilities, employee information and training requirements, chemical labels, Safety Data Sheets, and methods used to communicate chemical hazards in the workplace.

The course reviews the major components of a written Hazard Communication Program, including hazardous chemical inventories, container labeling, Safety Data Sheet access, employee training, and communication of chemical hazard information. Participants will review the 16-section SDS format, required label elements, workplace labeling systems, NFPA 704, HMIS, DOT labels and placards, and California-specific hazard communication considerations.

Training topics include physical and health hazards, routes of exposure, protective measures, safe work practices, PPE considerations, methods used to detect the presence or release of hazardous chemicals, Proposition 65 warnings when applicable, trade secret provisions, and employee access to hazard information.

Instruction may include classroom discussion, visual examples, knowledge checks, review questions, SDS review activities, label recognition activities, and a written exam or course evaluation when included.

This course is intended to support employee understanding of hazard communication requirements and chemical hazard information.

TRAINING SCOPE NOTICE

Important:This training does not replace the employer’s written Hazard Communication Program, chemical inventory, SDS system, site-specific procedures, PPE assessment, emergency procedures, or regulatory compliance obligations.

REGULATIONS / REFERENCES DISCUSSED IN TRAINING

• Cal/OSHA Title 8 CCR §5194 – Hazard Communication
• California Hazard Communication requirements
• Proposition 65 warning considerations, when applicable
• Safety Data Sheet requirements
• Labeling and other forms of warning
• Written Hazard Communication Program requirements
• Employee information and training requirements
• Trade secret provisions
• DOT, NFPA, and HMIS labeling concepts, as applicable to hazard communication awareness

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this training, participants should be able to:

1. Describe the general purpose of hazard communication requirements.

2. Identify employer responsibilities under Cal/OSHA Hazard Communication requirements.

3. Describe the major components of a written Hazard Communication Program.

4. Explain the purpose of a hazardous chemical inventory.

5. Identify the purpose and required use of Safety Data Sheets.

6. Locate key information within the 16-section SDS format.

7. Identify required elements of shipped container labels.

8. Describe workplace labeling requirements and alternative labeling systems.

9. Recognize common hazard communication label systems, including HCS/GHS, NFPA 704, HMIS, and DOT labels or placards.

10. Describe general physical and health hazards associated with hazardous chemicals.

11. Identify protective measures, PPE considerations, and safe work practices used to reduce chemical exposure.

12. Describe methods or observations that may be used to detect the presence or release of hazardous chemicals.

13. Explain when employee training is required, including initial assignment and when new chemical hazards are introduced.

14. Describe California-specific considerations, including Proposition 65 warnings when applicable.

15. Identify where and how employees can obtain additional chemical hazard information.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the completion of this training, participants should be better prepared to:

• Recognize the purpose and importance of hazard communication.
• Understand the basic structure of a written Hazard Communication Program.
• Use labels and Safety Data Sheets to identify chemical hazards and protective measures.
• Recognize physical and health hazard information communicated through labels and SDSs.
• Understand employee training requirements under Cal/OSHA Hazard Communication.
• Identify general safe work practices and protective measures for hazardous chemicals.
• Locate chemical hazard information needed to support safe work practices.
• Understand that employer-specific procedures, chemical inventories, SDS access systems, PPE requirements, and emergency procedures must be followed as provided by the employer.