1910.1200(a)(2): Purpose and Reach of Hazard Communication
The Hazard Communication Standard is meant to fully cover how chemical hazards are classified and how hazard and protection information reaches employees. This can include a written program with chemical lists, container labels, safety data sheets and employee training. It preempts state and local rules on this subject, except under a federally approved state plan.
Key takeaways
- 1910.1200(a)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910).
- OSHA cited it 7 times in the last 3 years, in 7 inspections, with $6,865 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- 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)(2) 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
(2) This occupational safety and health standard is intended to address comprehensively the issue of classifying the potential hazards of chemicals, and communicating information concerning hazards and appropriate protective measures to employees, and to preempt any legislative or regulatory enactments of a state, or political subdivision of a state, pertaining to this subject. Classifying the potential hazards of chemicals and communicating information concerning hazards and appropriate protective measures to employees, may include, for example, but is not limited to, provisions for: developing and maintaining a written hazard communication program for the workplace, including lists of hazardous chemicals present; labeling of containers of chemicals in the workplace, as well as of containers of chemicals being shipped to other workplaces; preparation and distribution of safety data sheets to employees and downstream employers; and development and implementation of employee training programs regarding hazards of chemicals and protective measures. Under section 18 of the Act, no state or political subdivision of a state may adopt or enforce any requirement relating to the issue addressed by this Federal standard, except pursuant to a Federally-approved state plan. 7 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.1200.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.1200(a)(2).
At 9:00 a.m. on May 21, 2024, Employee #1 had just finished cutting a felled tree with a portable gas-powered chainsaw and was walking toward the cul-de-sac at the south end of the site to use the porta potty. Meanwhile, the skid steer driver, who…
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.1200(a)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Clarification of Hazcom provision intended to preempt conflicting state regulatory actions, but not tort claims. (2011-10-18)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.1200(a) Purpose 38 citations
- 1910.1200(a)(1) 31 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 does the Hazard Communication Standard address?
Classifying the potential hazards of chemicals and communicating hazard and protective measure information to employees.
What can a hazard communication program include?
A written program with lists of hazardous chemicals, container labels, safety data sheets, and employee training on chemical hazards and protective measures.
Can a state make its own rules on this?
Not unless it is under a Federally-approved state plan, under section 18 of the Act.
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.