1910.1200(a)(1): Purpose of Hazard Communication
The Hazard Communication Standard makes sure the hazards of all chemicals produced or imported are classified, and that information about those hazards is passed to employers and workers. It is meant to be consistent with the GHS, primarily Revision 7, and the information is shared through hazard communication programs with container labels and other warnings, safety data sheets and employee training.
Key takeaways
- 1910.1200(a)(1) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910).
- OSHA cited it 31 times in the last 3 years, in 31 inspections, with $47,425 in current penalties.
- Most citations: NJ (20), VT (5), DE (3).
- Related part: 1910.1200(a) Purpose (38 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.1200(a)(1) is one requirement inside 1910.1200 Hazard communication, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(1) The purpose of this section is to ensure that the hazards of all chemicals produced or imported are classified, and that information concerning the classified hazards is transmitted to employers and employees. The requirements of this section are intended to be consistent with the provisions of the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS), primarily Revision 7. The transmittal of information is to be accomplished by means of comprehensive hazard communication programs, which are to include container labeling and other forms of warning, safety data sheets and employee training. 31 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.1200.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 11 |
| 2025 | 14 |
| 2026 | 6 |
Top states: NJ (20), VT (5), DE (3), GA (1), MO (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| DOBCO INC. | DOVER AFB, DE | $11,916 |
| MTD USA LLC | LITHONIA, GA | $5,808 |
| PPX2026XTN246X0056 - CITY OF LITCHFIELD PARK - PUBLIC WORKS | LITCHFIELD PARK, AZ | $3,972 |
| HARTFORD, TOWN OF | QUECHEE, VT | $3,830 |
| POMPANOOSUC MILLS CORPORATION | THETFORD, VT | $3,723 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.1200(a)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.1200(a)(1).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.1200(a) Purpose 38 citations
- 1910.1200(a)(2) 7 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
What is the purpose of HazCom?
To ensure the hazards of all chemicals produced or imported are classified and that hazard information is transmitted to employers and employees.
Which version of GHS does it follow?
It is intended to be consistent with GHS, primarily Revision 7.
How is hazard information shared?
Through hazard communication programs that include container labeling and other warnings, safety data sheets and employee training.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.1200 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-22
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.