Understanding “the hazard communication standard includes which of the following”
If you’ve ever seen a quiz or training prompt asking, “the hazard communication standard includes which of the following?”, it’s typically referring to OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), also called the hazard communication standard or hazcom standard. The rule establishes a framework for ensuring employees understand the chemical hazards they may encounter at work.
OSHA’s HCS is found at 29 CFR 1910.1200 and applies broadly to employers with hazardous chemicals in the workplace (with certain exemptions). At its core, the standard requires employers to evaluate chemical hazards and communicate those hazards through labels, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and employee information and training.
What the hazard communication standard includes (the real checklist)
When someone asks what the hazard communication standard includes, they’re usually looking for the required program elements under 29 CFR 1910.1200. A compliant hazcom program typically includes all of the following.
1) A written Hazard Communication Program
OSHA requires most employers to develop, implement, and maintain a written hazard communication program describing how the requirements will be met (see 29 CFR 1910.1200(e)).
A written program generally addresses:
- How labels and other forms of warning will be managed
- How SDSs will be maintained and made accessible
- How employee training/information will be provided
- How multi-employer workplaces will share hazard info (contractors, temp labor, etc.)
If it isn’t documented, it’s difficult to prove during an OSHA inspection.
2) A chemical inventory (list of hazardous chemicals)
OSHA requires employers to maintain a list of hazardous chemicals known to be present in the workplace (see 29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(1)(i)). This list is the backbone of your hazcom program—it connects to SDS collection, training scope, and inspection readiness.
A strong inventory tracks more than just names. Many employers also track:
- Manufacturer/supplier
- Location(s) where used or stored
- Quantity on hand
- Container types and process areas
- Dates received and expiration dates (when applicable)
3) Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for each hazardous chemical
The standard requires that Safety Data Sheets be readily accessible to employees for each hazardous chemical (see 29 CFR 1910.1200(g)).
Key SDS requirements include:
- Maintain an SDS for each hazardous chemical in the inventory
- Ensure SDSs are immediately available to employees during their work shift
- Do not create barriers to access (e.g., locked offices or “ask your supervisor” delays)
This is where many organizations struggle: paper binders get outdated, multiple sites have inconsistent SDS sets, and employees may not know where to find the right sheet.
SwiftSDS helps by providing a centralized SDS library in a secure cloud-based location so teams can organize, update, and retrieve SDSs quickly—especially useful for multi-location operations or workplaces with frequent chemical turnover.
4) Container labeling and workplace labeling
OSHA requires chemical manufacturers and importers to label shipped containers, and employers must ensure containers in the workplace remain properly labeled (see 29 CFR 1910.1200(f)).
Under OSHA’s alignment with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), shipped container labels generally include:
- Product identifier
- Signal word (e.g., Danger/Warning)
- Hazard statement(s)
- Precautionary statement(s)
- Pictogram(s)
- Supplier identification
Employers must also address secondary container labels (like spray bottles or transfer containers) and ensure labeling is not removed or defaced.
5) Employee information and training
The hazcom standard requires employers to provide employees with effective information and training at the time of initial assignment and whenever a new chemical hazard is introduced (see 29 CFR 1910.1200(h)).
Training must cover, at a minimum:
- Requirements of the hazard communication standard
- Operations where hazardous chemicals are present
- Location and availability of the written program, SDSs, and chemical inventory
- Methods to detect chemical releases (monitoring, odor, visual cues)
- Physical and health hazards of chemicals in the work area
- Protective measures (work practices, PPE, emergency procedures)
- Label elements and SDS format (including how to use them)
A common compliance gap: training exists, but documentation is incomplete, outdated, or not aligned to the actual chemicals present in the work area.
6) Multi-employer workplace coordination (where applicable)
If your workplace includes multiple employers (e.g., host employer + contractors), the written program should describe how you will:
- Provide access to SDSs for all parties
- Inform other employers about precautionary measures
- Explain labeling systems used on-site
This requirement is often handled under the umbrella of 29 CFR 1910.1200(e) (written program) and site communication practices.
Related concepts that are often included in hazcom discussions
Depending on the training or exam context, “the hazard communication standard includes which of the following” may also be pointing to supporting concepts that are embedded in the rule.
Hazard classification and evaluation (supplier side)
Chemical manufacturers and importers must classify chemical hazards (see 29 CFR 1910.1200(d)). Employers who create their own chemical mixtures or repackage chemicals may have additional responsibilities depending on their role in the supply chain.
SDS content and the 16-section format
While OSHA’s HCS is aligned with the GHS 16-section SDS format, the most important workplace takeaway is that employees must be able to access and understand SDSs. Sections frequently used in day-to-day safety include:
- Section 2: Hazards identification
- Section 4: First-aid measures
- Section 7: Handling and storage
- Section 8: Exposure controls/personal protection
- Section 10: Stability and reactivity
Common mistakes that cause hazcom compliance issues
Even workplaces with good intentions can fall out of compliance. Frequent problem areas include:
- Missing SDSs for one or more chemicals on the inventory
- SDS binders that are outdated or inconsistent across departments
- Employees unsure how to access SDSs quickly during a shift
- Secondary containers left unlabeled
- Training not refreshed when new hazards are introduced
- Written program exists but doesn’t match actual practices
A practical way to reduce these risks is to centralize and standardize SDS management. SwiftSDS supports this by combining a centralized SDS library, GHS-aligned organization, and mobile access so employees can pull up SDS information instantly from any device.
Building a stronger hazcom program with SwiftSDS
A compliant hazcom program is not just paperwork—it’s an operational system that must stay current as chemicals, suppliers, and processes change. SwiftSDS is designed to help businesses maintain that system by:
- Keeping SDSs organized in one cloud-based location
- Supporting OSHA alignment to 29 CFR 1910.1200 and GHS labeling/SDS expectations
- Improving accessibility with mobile-friendly SDS retrieval
- Supporting chemical inventory management (locations, quantities, and expiration dates)
For companies with multiple sites or frequent chemical purchases, this kind of centralized control can reduce gaps and improve inspection readiness.
Next steps: strengthen your hazard communication standard compliance
If you’re reviewing “the hazard communication standard includes which of the following” for training, audits, or program updates, use it as a prompt to verify you have every required element in place: written program, chemical inventory, SDS access, labeling, and training—all aligned with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200.
Ready to simplify SDS access and keep your hazcom program audit-ready? Explore how SwiftSDS can centralize your SDS library, streamline chemical inventory tracking, and provide fast mobile access for your workforce.