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Safety & OSHAaka: HazComaka: Right to Knowaka: GHSaka: HazCom standard

Hazard Communication (HazCom)

In Plain English

The OSHA requirement that workers be informed about the chemicals they work with and how to handle them safely.

Definition

Hazard Communication (HazCom) is the OSHA standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) that requires chemical manufacturers, importers, and employers to classify chemical hazards and communicate that information to workers through safety data sheets (SDS), container labels, and training. HazCom is also known as the 'Right to Know' standard and is aligned with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for hazard classification and labeling.

Why It Matters in Bidding

HazCom compliance is a real cost center that prudent estimators build into general conditions: SDS management, container labeling, and worker training all consume time and supervision. Skipping these in a bid invites OSHA citations, which are among the most frequently cited violations and can trigger stop-work orders that dwarf the compliance cost.

Example

A GC's safety budget in general conditions covers SDS binders, GHS-labeled chemical storage, and HazCom training for the crew handling solvents and sealants on a renovation.

Related Terms

Safety Data Sheet (SDS)Hazardous MaterialPersonal Protective Equipment (PPE)OSHA

Frequently Asked Questions

Employers must maintain a written hazard communication program, keep accessible safety data sheets for every hazardous chemical, ensure containers carry GHS-compliant labels, and train workers on hazards and protective measures. On multi-employer sites, the controlling contractor typically coordinates SDS access and labeling across all trades present.
Compliance costs, including SDS management, labeling supplies, training time, and supervision, are carried in general conditions or the safety budget rather than as a separate bid line. Larger or chemical-intensive projects may warrant a more detailed allowance to cover program administration and recordkeeping over the project duration.
Each employer is responsible for its own employees' training and chemical information, but the controlling or host contractor coordinates shared SDS access, labeling, and communication of hazards introduced by one trade that affect others. Estimators on the GC side often carry the cost of this coordination role.

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