Hazard Communication Training Services

Who Needs Hazard Communication Training?

You likely need HazCom training for employees who:

• Work with, near, or around chemicals covered by a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
• Handle, store, or transport hazardous chemicals as part of their job duties
• Could be exposed to chemical hazards during normal operations or in a foreseeable emergency
• Are newly hired at a facility with any chemical inventory (training is required within the first 10 days per OSHA new-hire requirements)

In practice, this covers nearly every employee at most manufacturing, industrial, warehousing, and laboratory facilities.

Our HazCom Training Process

1. Chemical Inventory Review – We build or update your facility-specific Workplace Chemical List, the required foundation for compliant training.
2. SDS Compliance Check – We verify your SDS library is current and complete, since OSHA inspectors typically expect at least 90% SDS compliance.
3. Training Delivery – We deliver site-specific training referencing your actual chemical inventory rather than generic examples.
4. New-Hire Integration – We help ensure new employees receive required HazCom training within their first 10 days of employment.
5. Documentation & Recordkeeping – We provide training records that satisfy OSHA documentation requirements.

Why Choose Vanguard for HazCom Training

• Training references your facility's actual Workplace Chemical List, not a generic industry template
• We measure your SDS compliance percentage and recommend an update program where needed
• New-hire training can be handled automatically through Vanguard's CAN-Hire program
• Can be combined with other required OSHA training during the same on-site visit

Frequently Asked Questions

Is HazCom training the same as GHS training?

They're closely related. OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard was updated to align with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for classification and labeling, so "HazCom training" and "GHS training" generally refer to the same OSHA-required training.

How often does HazCom training need to be refreshed?

Training is required whenever a new hazard is introduced into the workplace, in addition to initial training for new employees. Many facilities also conduct annual refreshers as a best practice.

What is a Workplace Chemical List, and why does it matter?

It's a facility-specific inventory of every hazardous chemical on-site, and it's the primary tool used to build relevant, compliant HazCom training – generic training that doesn't reference your actual chemicals is a common compliance gap.

What SDS compliance percentage does OSHA expect?

OSHA inspectors typically expect at least 90% SDS compliance, meaning Safety Data Sheets are current and on file for at least 90% of the chemicals in your workplace inventory.

Do new hires need HazCom training immediately?

OSHA requires new-hire safety, health, and chemical-hazard training within the first 10 days of employment, which includes HazCom training for any employee working around covered chemicals.

Can this training be combined with other OSHA training we need?

Yes. Many clients combine HazCom training with PPE, Bloodborne Pathogens, or Lockout/Tagout training during the same on-site visit.

Related Services

• Occupational Compliance Services
• SARA Title III Reporting
• HAZWOPER Training
• RCRA Hazardous Waste Management