1910.1200(a): Purpose of the Hazard Communication Standard
The Hazard Communication Standard makes sure the hazards of all chemicals produced or imported are classified and that this information reaches employers and employees. It is meant to be consistent with the UN Globally Harmonized System (GHS), primarily Revision 7, and works through hazard communication programs with container labels and other warnings, safety data sheets and employee training.
Key takeaways
- 1910.1200(a) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910).
- OSHA cited it 38 times in the last 3 years, in 38 inspections, with $54,290 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NJ (20), VT (6), CA (4).
- Related part: 1910.1200(a)(1) (31 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.1200(a) ("Purpose") is one requirement inside 1910.1200 Hazard communication, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910). It includes 2 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
(a) Purpose. 38 citations
(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. Open (a)(1) 31 citations
(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. Open (a)(2) 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).
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
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 13 |
| 2025 | 16 |
| 2026 | 8 |
Top states: NJ (20), VT (6), CA (4), DE (3), GA (2)
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), 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)(1) 31 citations
- 1910.1200(a)(2) 7 citations
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Frequently asked questions
What is the purpose of 1910.1200?
To ensure the hazards of all chemicals produced or imported are classified and that information about those hazards is transmitted to employers and employees.
How is hazard information passed on?
Through comprehensive hazard communication programs that include container labeling and other forms of warning, safety data sheets and employee training.
Which version of GHS does it follow?
It is intended to be consistent with the GHS, primarily Revision 7.
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.