The purpose of the Hazard Communication Program (also known as HazCom) is to protect people from injuries and illnesses associated with using hazardous chemicals in the workplace. (Research labs are covered by the Lab Standard and Chemical Hygiene Plan.) The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has made updates to the program and given employers a deadline of 7/20/26 to implement the following changes:

• Update the written program to align with the changes.
  • The written program is now updated and is being sent out to affected departments on campus during the month of January. Some of the updates include several definition changes as well as changes to the labeling section for small containers (100 ml or less) and very small containers (3 ml or less).
• Update alternative workplace (in-house) labeling.
  • EHS has updated the small label template to comply with the requirements.
  • Very small containers (3ml) or less do not require a label but must have the chemical name written on the container.
  • When not in use, small containers must be stored in the immediate outer package they arrived in that contains the complete label information. The label on the outer package must not be removed or defaced.
• Update HazCom training to align with the changes and make sure employees are trained on it.
  • ICON course W115OS is now updated to reflect the changes and available to campus via your employee self-service portal/My Training.

For more information visit the EHS Hazard Communication webpage.