HazCom Training: When OSHA Requires It
OSHA requires HazCom training at two points: when a worker is first assigned to a work area with hazardous chemicals, and whenever a new chemical hazard they have not been trained on is introduced there (29 CFR 1910.1200(h)(1)). The standard's training section does not set an annual schedule, though an employer may choose one. Key parts of the training are specific to each workplace, such as the employer's written program and its safety data sheets. A generic course cannot supply those.
Updated October 16, 2026 · Checked against the official sources listed at the end
Who the Hazard Communication standard covers
The standard requires all employers to provide information to their employees about the hazardous chemicals to which they are exposed. It does this through a hazard communication program, labels and other warnings, safety data sheets (SDSs), and information and training (1910.1200(b)(1)).
It applies to any chemical known to be present in the workplace in a way that employees may be exposed under normal conditions of use or in a foreseeable emergency (1910.1200(b)(2)).
When training is required
Section 1910.1200(h)(1) says employers must provide effective information and training on hazardous chemicals in the work area at two times.
- At the time of the employee's initial assignment.
- Whenever a new chemical hazard the employees have not been trained about is introduced into their work area.
Is HazCom training required annually?
The training section of the standard, 1910.1200(h), ties training to initial assignment and to new hazards. It does not contain a yearly refresher requirement. An employer may still set its own refresher schedule. OSHA updated the HazCom standard in a final rule published May 20, 2024, and a rule published January 15, 2026 extended the compliance dates by four months: employers must, as needed, update alternative workplace labels, their written hazard communication program and employee training for newly identified hazards by November 20, 2026 for chemical substances and by May 19, 2028 for mixtures.
OSHA has explained that the trigger is a new hazard, not just a new product. In a 1993 interpretation letter, OSHA said training must be provided when new hazards are introduced into the workplace (not necessarily new chemicals). It said retraining can be as simple as a weekly safety meeting that highlights new chemicals, as long as the initial training covered categories of chemicals and hazards and how to read the data sheets. That letter uses the older term MSDS; today's standard says safety data sheet.
Training may be designed around categories of hazards, such as flammability or carcinogenicity, or around specific chemicals. Chemical-specific information must always be available through labels and SDSs.
What the training must cover
Employees must be informed of the standard's requirements, any operations in their work area where hazardous chemicals are present, and where the written program, chemical list and SDSs are kept (1910.1200(h)(2)). Training must include at least the following (1910.1200(h)(3)).
- Methods and observations that can detect the presence or release of a hazardous chemical in the work area.
- The physical and health hazards of the chemicals in the work area, including the other hazard types the standard lists.
- How employees can protect themselves, including the employer's specific work practices, emergency procedures and PPE.
- The details of the employer's hazard communication program, including its labeling system and how to get and use SDS information.
The parts only the employer can provide
Much of HazCom training is about one specific workplace. Each employer must develop, implement and maintain a written hazard communication program at each workplace, with a list of the hazardous chemicals known to be present (1910.1200(e)(1)). It must keep copies of the required SDSs in the workplace and make sure they are readily accessible to employees during each work shift (1910.1200(g)(8)).
A generic course cannot tell a worker which chemicals are in their work area, where the written program and SDSs are kept, or how the employer's own labels and procedures work. Those pieces must come from the employer.
OSHA has also said that handing out data sheets is not training. In a 2005 interpretation letter, OSHA said the training requirements are not satisfied by merely providing employees with copies of the data sheets. It quoted its compliance directive: training can be done in many ways, such as audio visual, classroom instruction or interactive video, and should include an opportunity for employees to ask questions.
Where an online course fits
OSHA says it does not approve, certify, or endorse individual trainers or training programs.
Pact sells the HazCom course for $24.95. HazCom is an online certification course from ProTrainings. Confirm with your program or clinical site that this course meets its requirements before you enroll. ProTrainings makes and runs the course; Pact sells it and handles your order. Buyers must be 18 or older.
If you are an employer, the site-specific training and your written program remain your job.
Common questions
Is HazCom training required annually?
The training section of OSHA's Hazard Communication standard, 1910.1200(h), does not set a yearly requirement. Training is required at initial assignment and whenever a new chemical hazard is introduced. Employers may set their own refresher schedule.
When must HazCom training be completed?
At the time of the employee's initial assignment, and whenever a new chemical hazard the employee has not been trained about is introduced into the work area (1910.1200(h)(1)).
Is giving employees the safety data sheets enough?
No. OSHA said in a 2005 interpretation letter that the training requirements are not satisfied by merely providing copies of the data sheets.
Can HazCom training be done online?
The standard does not name a format. OSHA's directive, quoted in its 2005 letter, lists ways like audio visual, classroom and interactive video, and says training should include a chance for employees to ask questions. The site-specific parts must come from the employer.
Does OSHA certify HazCom courses?
No. OSHA says it does not approve, certify, or endorse individual trainers or training programs.
Sources
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200 Hazard Communication
- OSHA interpretation letter, September 7, 1993: Hazard communication retraining
- OSHA interpretation letter, October 24, 2005: Lockout/tagout and hazard communication training
- OSHA Training: Frequently Asked Questions
- Federal Register, January 15, 2026: Hazard Communication Standard; extension of compliance dates