1910.1200(h)(3): Hazard Communication Training Topics
Employers must train workers on how to detect the presence or release of hazardous chemicals, the physical and health hazards of the chemicals in the work area, and how to protect themselves through work practices, emergency procedures and PPE. Training must also explain the employer's hazard communication program, including labels, the workplace labeling system and safety data sheets.
Key takeaways
- 1910.1200(h)(3) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910).
- OSHA cited it 815 times in the last 3 years, in 746 inspections, with $1,203,681 in current penalties.
- 6 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: OR (116), MI (96), WI (57).
- Related part: 1910.1200(h) Employee information and training (6,641 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.1200(h)(3) ("Training") is one requirement inside 1910.1200 Hazard communication, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910). It includes 4 sub-paragraphs. 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
(3) Training. Employee training shall include at least: 815 citations
(i) Methods and observations that may be used to detect the presence or release of a hazardous chemical in the work area (such as monitoring conducted by the employer, continuous monitoring devices, visual appearance or odor of hazardous chemicals when being released, etc.); Open (h)(3)(i) 61 citations
(ii) The physical, health, simple asphyxiation, combustible dust, and pyrophoric gas hazards, as well as hazards not otherwise classified, of the chemicals in the work area; Open (h)(3)(ii) 173 citations
(iii) The measures employees can take to protect themselves from these hazards, including specific procedures the employer has implemented to protect employees from exposure to hazardous chemicals, such as appropriate work practices, emergency procedures, and personal protective equipment to be used; and, Open (h)(3)(iii) 143 citations
(iv) The details of the hazard communication program developed by the employer, including an explanation of the labels received on shipped containers and the workplace labeling system used by their employer; the safety data sheet, including the order of information and how employees can obtain and use the appropriate hazard information. Open (h)(3)(iv) 195 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.1200.
Injuries linked to this rule
6 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.1200(h)(3).
At approximately 1:30 a.m. on January 21, 2025, Employee #1 was in his work truck. A gasoline powered power washer was running in the back of the van, the cab was separated. The employee found dead by coworkers at 2:07 a.m. He was planning to…
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 58 |
| 2024 | 301 |
| 2025 | 271 |
| 2026 | 185 |
Top states: OR (116), MI (96), WI (57), PA (47), TX (47)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| HOSPITALITY RESTAURANT GROUP | BALDWINSVILLE, NY | $31,941 |
| ACCURATE ENERGETIC SYSTEMS, LLC | MC EWEN, TN | $21,600 |
| FISKE INCORPORATED | KEENESBURG, CO | $16,550 |
| PROSPECT RANCH LLC | KEENESBURG, CO | $16,550 |
| BRISTOL HEALTH & REHAB CENTER, LLC | BRISTOL, PA | $16,550 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.1200(h)(3), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Applicability of OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard for truck drivers hauling waste products that are exempt by EPA (2014-12-23)
- Interim Guidance on Enforcement of the revised Hazard Communication Standard (2013-12-02)
- Applicability of the Hazard Communication standard to DEF tank operations. (2011-05-12)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.1200(h) Employee information and training 6,641 citations
- 1910.1200(h)(1) 5,521 citations
- 1910.1200(h)(2) Information 272 citations
- 1910.1200(h)(3)(iv) 195 citations
- 1910.1200(h)(3)(ii) 173 citations
- 1910.1200(h)(2)(iii) 157 citations
- 1910.1200(h)(3)(iii) 143 citations
- 1910.1200(h)(3)(i) 61 citations
- 1910.1200(h)(2)(ii) 35 citations
- 1910.1200(h)(2)(i) 21 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 must hazard communication training cover?
How to detect chemical releases, the hazards of chemicals in the work area, protective measures, and the details of the employer's program, including labels and safety data sheets.
How can I tell if a chemical is being released?
Training must cover methods such as employer monitoring, continuous monitoring devices, and the look or smell of chemicals when released.
Do I need to know how to read a safety data sheet?
Yes. Training must include the order of information on the SDS and how to get and use the hazard information.
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 2026-10-20
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.