Description
This course teaches California workers how chemical hazards are communicated on the job and how to use that information to protect themselves. It covers Title 8 CCR §5194 and is updated for the 2024 revision of the Hazard Communication Standard (GHS Rev. 7).
Updated for the 2024 HazCom Standard: Compliance Date November 20, 2026
Employers must update workplace labeling, their written program and employee training for substances by November 20, 2026 and mixtures by May 19, 2028. No prerequisites are required for this course. Training a group? Call (800) 969-3228 or e-mail Training@NATECintl.com.
Course Overview
Through narrated lessons and five interactive activities, students learn to:
- Identify employer responsibilities and training requirements
- Recognize the components of a written hazard communication program
- Read GHS shipped labels and workplace labels
- Interpret NFPA 704 and HMIS ratings
- Recognize DOT labels, placards and markings
- Use the 16-section Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
- Find chemical information at their own worksite
- Understand California items such as Proposition 65 and trade secrets
The course closes with a 20-question written exam. Students who pass receive a NATEC International certificate of completion by e-mail.
Who Should Take This Course
- Any California employee who works with or may be exposed to hazardous chemicals
- New hires, at initial assignment
- Employees facing a new chemical hazard in their work area
- Current employees who need updated training under the 2024 rule
- Supervisors and EHS staff who administer the written program and SDS library
What’s Covered: 5 Modules
Welcome & Introduction
Safety briefing, objectives, and why hazard communication matters.
Employer Responsibilities & the Written Program
Employer duties, the chemical list, SDS access, training and employee rights.
Activity: SDS Section Sorter
Hazard Communication Labels
Shipped and workplace labels, pictograms, GHS categories, NFPA 704, HMIS and DOT markings.
Activities: Label Builder · NFPA Diamond Decoder
California Regulation & the 2024 Update
Scope, exemptions, classification, trade secrets, Proposition 65 and the 2024 update.
Activity: SDS Scavenger Hunt
Locating Information
Reading labels, choosing the right SDS section, finding SDSs at work, and recordkeeping.
Activity: HazCom Jeopardy
Final Exam
20 questions. Score 70% (14 correct) or better to earn your certificate.
Why Employers Choose This Course
Required by Law
Meets the training requirement of Title 8 CCR §5194 for exposed employees.
Fast & Flexible
About two hours, self-paced. Employees train around their schedule.
Hands-On
Five interactive activities: sort, build, decode, search and compete.
Current Rules
Updated for the 2024 HazCom Standard and GHS Revision 7.
Proof of Training
Certificate of completion e-mailed free when the exam is passed.
Regulatory Basis
| Requirement | Citation |
|---|---|
| California Hazard Communication regulation | 8 CCR §5194 |
| Employee information and training | 8 CCR §5194(h) |
| Federal Hazard Communication Standard (2024 update, adopted through §5194 appendices) | 29 CFR 1910.1200 |
| Proposition 65 warnings | Health & Safety Code §25249.6 |
Course Scope
This course covers general hazard communication training. It does not:
- Replace employer-provided training on the specific chemicals and procedures at your worksite
- Cover workplaces outside California. Choose Federal Hazard Communication – Online instead
- Qualify employees as DOT hazmat employees under 49 CFR 172.704
- Provide HAZWOPER certification
Questions about this course, or training a group?


