Hazard Communication: GHS Labels and SDS Access
Warehouse hazard communication procedure covering the written HazCom program, GHS container labels on shipped and workplace containers, safety data sheet availability, the chemical inventory list, and employee training on chemical hazards.
- Audience
- All warehouse employees who work with or near hazardous chemicals, plus supervisors and the HazCom program owner
- Review cycle
- annual
- Last reviewed
- 2026-08-15
- Revision
- 1
What is in the procedure
8 sections. Regulatory language is fixed and passes through verbatim. Sections marked customized get rewritten around your facility, your equipment, and your job titles.
- 01
Purpose
FixedThis procedure ensures that every employee who may be exposed to a hazardous chemical knows what the chemical is, what it can do to them, and how to protect themselves.
- 02
Scope
CustomizedThis procedure applies to all hazardous chemicals used, stored, or handled at the facility, including cleaning agents, floor scrubber detergents, battery electrolyte, propane, shrink wrap adhesives, aerosol lubricants...
- 03
Responsibilities
CustomizedThe HazCom program owner maintains the written program, the chemical inventory list, and the safety data sheet collection, and reviews the program at least annually.
- 04
Procedure: Written Program and Chemical Inventory
Fixed1. Maintain the written hazard communication program in a single document that states how this facility handles labels, safety data sheets, and training, and identify the person responsible for each element.
- 05
Procedure: Container Labeling
Fixed1. Leave supplier labels on shipped containers intact.
- 06
Safety Data Sheet Access
CustomizedA safety data sheet is kept for every hazardous chemical on the inventory list and is available to employees in their work area on every shift, with no locked door, supervisor request, or unavailable password standing...
- 07
Employee Information and Training
CustomizedTraining is delivered at initial assignment and again whenever a new chemical hazard is introduced into an employee's work area.
- 08
References
Fixed29 CFR 1910.1200 Hazard communication. Facility written hazard communication program.
OSHA references
Hazard Communication: GHS Labels and SDS Access: 29 CFR 1910.1200(e)
Every SOP generated from this template cites the paragraphs below, with a plain-language summary of what each one requires. Citations are informational and are not legal advice.
| Standard | Title | What it requires |
|---|---|---|
| 29 CFR 1910.1200(e) | Hazard communication: written hazard communication program | The employer must develop, implement, and maintain a written hazard communication program that describes how labels, safety data sheets, and training will be handled at the workplace, and that includes a list of the hazardous chemicals known to be present. |
| 29 CFR 1910.1200(f) | Hazard communication: labels and other forms of warning | Containers of hazardous chemicals shipped from the workplace must carry the supplier label with product identifier, signal word, hazard statements, pictograms, precautionary statements, and supplier contact information. Workplace containers must carry either that same label or, at minimum, the product identifier plus words, pictures, or symbols that convey the general hazards. Existing labels must not be removed or defaced. |
| 29 CFR 1910.1200(g) | Hazard communication: safety data sheets | The employer must maintain a safety data sheet for each hazardous chemical in the workplace and keep those sheets readily accessible to employees in their work area during every work shift, without barriers such as a locked office or a password an employee does not have. |
| 29 CFR 1910.1200(h) | Hazard communication: employee information and training | Employees must be informed of the standard and trained on the hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of their initial assignment, and again whenever a new chemical hazard they are not already trained on is introduced into the area. |
Compliance checklist
What an inspector looks for
A written hazard communication program is on site and available to employees on request
29 CFR 1910.1200(e)
A current list of hazardous chemicals known to be present is maintained and uses the same product identifiers as the labels
29 CFR 1910.1200(e)
Shipped containers carry an intact supplier label with all six GHS elements
29 CFR 1910.1200(f)
Workplace containers carry at minimum a product identifier and hazard information
29 CFR 1910.1200(f)
A safety data sheet exists for every chemical on the inventory and is reachable in the work area on every shift
29 CFR 1910.1200(g)
Employees were trained at initial assignment and whenever a new chemical hazard was introduced, and training is documented
29 CFR 1910.1200(h)
Contractors working on site are given access to safety data sheets and told about chemical hazards in their work areas
Waitlist
Generate this SOP for your facility
At launch you answer the facility questionnaire once and this template comes back with your equipment, your titles, and your sign-off sheet attached.
This page is informational and is not legal advice. Have a qualified safety professional review any procedure before it goes into service at your facility.