OSHA Hazard Communication (HazCom) Compliance Audit Checklist

A comprehensive checklist for auditing compliance with OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard in chemical facilities, covering areas such as chemical inventory, safety data sheets, labeling, and employee training.

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About This Checklist

Effective hazard communication is vital for protecting workers in the chemical industry from potential health and safety risks. This OSHA Hazard Communication (HazCom) Compliance Audit Checklist is designed to help organizations evaluate their adherence to OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200). By assessing key areas such as chemical inventory management, safety data sheets (SDS), labeling practices, and employee training, this checklist enables companies to identify gaps in their HazCom program, ensure regulatory compliance, and foster a safer work environment.

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Industry

Chemicals

Standard

OSHA 1910.1200 - Hazard Communication

Workspaces

Chemical manufacturing and handling facilities

Occupations

Safety Manager
Industrial Hygienist
Environmental Health and Safety Specialist
Chemical Inventory Manager
Training Coordinator
1
Are Safety Data Sheets (SDS) available for all chemicals in the workplace?

Select the appropriate response.

Availability of SDS is critical for ensuring proper handling and understanding of chemical hazards.
2
Describe how chemical labels comply with GHS standards.

Provide a brief description of the labeling compliance.

Proper labeling is essential for communication of hazards and safe handling instructions.
3
How often are employees trained on hazard communication?

Indicate the training frequency in months.

Regular training is necessary to ensure employee awareness and safety regarding chemical hazards.
Min0
TargetAnnual
Max12
4
Is there a system in place for tracking chemical inventory?

Select the appropriate response.

Effective inventory management helps in maintaining safety and ensuring compliance with regulations.
5
What procedures are in place for reporting chemical incidents?

Provide details on the incident reporting procedures.

Clear incident reporting procedures ensure prompt action and compliance with safety regulations.
6
Is personal protective equipment (PPE) readily available for all employees handling chemicals?

Indicate whether PPE is available.

PPE is essential for protecting employees from chemical exposure.
7
What is the maximum storage temperature for flammable chemicals?

Specify the maximum temperature in degrees Celsius.

Proper storage temperature is crucial for preventing chemical reactions and ensuring safety.
Min0
Target20°C
Max100
8
Is an emergency spill kit available and accessible?

Select the appropriate response.

Emergency spill kits are vital for addressing chemical spills promptly to minimize hazards.
9
What procedures are in place for the disposal of chemical waste?

Provide a brief description of the waste disposal procedures.

Proper disposal procedures are necessary for compliance with environmental regulations and safety.
10
When was the last safety audit conducted for chemical handling?

Select the date of the last audit.

Regular audits are necessary to ensure ongoing compliance and safety in chemical handling practices.
11
Are Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for chemical handling being followed?

Select the appropriate response.

Adherence to SOPs is critical for maintaining safety and compliance during chemical handling.
12
How often is emergency response training conducted for employees handling chemicals?

Indicate the training frequency in months.

Regular emergency response training ensures that employees are prepared to act effectively in case of an incident.
Min1
TargetAnnual
Max12
13
What is the procedure for responding to chemical spills?

Provide a detailed description of the spill response plan.

A clear spill response plan is essential for minimizing risks and ensuring safety during chemical incidents.
14
Is the chemical inventory regularly updated?

Indicate whether the inventory is updated.

Keeping the chemical inventory updated is vital for compliance and safety management.
15
Describe the visibility and condition of safety signage related to chemical hazards.

Provide details regarding the safety signage.

Clear safety signage is crucial for informing employees about chemical hazards and ensuring workplace safety.
16
What procedures are in place for monitoring employee exposure to hazardous chemicals?

Provide a detailed description of the monitoring procedures.

Monitoring exposure is essential for protecting employee health and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
17
Are chemical labels compliant with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS)?

Select the appropriate response.

Compliance with GHS labeling requirements is crucial for proper hazard communication.
18
How many first aid kits are available in the chemical handling area?

Indicate the number of first aid kits available.

Having sufficient first aid kits is critical for addressing any chemical-related injuries promptly.
Min1
Target2
Max50
19
When was the last chemical safety training conducted for employees?

Select the date of the last training session.

Regular training is necessary to keep employees informed about safety practices and compliance.
20
Provide details of any chemical handling incidents that have occurred in the past year.

Describe any incidents related to chemical handling.

Reviewing incident reports helps to identify areas for improvement in safety practices.

FAQs

The main objective is to assess an organization's compliance with OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard and identify areas for improvement in communicating chemical hazards to employees.

While OSHA doesn't specify a frequency, it's recommended to conduct HazCom audits at least annually or whenever significant changes occur in the chemical inventory or processes.

The checklist covers written HazCom program, chemical inventory, safety data sheets (SDS), labeling of chemicals, employee training, and non-routine tasks involving chemical hazards.

The audit should be conducted by individuals familiar with the HazCom standard, such as safety managers, industrial hygienists, or trained members of the safety committee.

Audit results can identify gaps in hazard communication, leading to improvements in chemical management, updated SDSs and labels, enhanced employee training, and overall better awareness of chemical hazards in the workplace.

Benefits

Ensures compliance with OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard

Improves chemical hazard awareness and communication

Reduces the risk of chemical-related incidents and injuries

Enhances employee understanding of chemical hazards and protective measures

Facilitates proper management of safety data sheets and chemical labeling