Hazard Communication / Global Harmonization Specialist (HCGHS)

Course Description

The Hazard Communication / Global Harmonization Specialist (HCGHS) course provides comprehensive training on OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom) and the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). Designed for safety professionals, supervisors, managers, environmental health and safety (EHS) personnel, chemical handlers, laboratory workers, and employees working with hazardous substances, this course equips participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure safe chemical management and regulatory compliance in the workplace.

OSHA's adoption of the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) has transformed workplace chemical safety by creating standardized methods for classifying hazardous chemicals, labeling containers, and communicating hazards through Safety Data Sheets (SDS). This globally recognized system improves worker understanding, enhances hazard communication, reduces workplace injuries and illnesses, and supports international consistency in chemical safety.

Participants will learn how to identify chemical hazards, interpret GHS labels and pictograms, understand hazard classifications, and properly use the standardized 16-section Safety Data Sheet (SDS). The course also covers employee rights, hazard communication responsibilities, chemical inventory management, workplace labeling systems, exposure prevention, emergency response, and OSHA regulatory requirements.

Upon successful completion, participants will be prepared to develop and maintain effective Hazard Communication programs, conduct employee training, improve chemical safety awareness, and ensure compliance with OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) and GHS requirements across industrial, manufacturing, laboratory, healthcare, construction, and general industry workplaces.

What You'll Learn

• Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
• Understand OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) and Globally Harmonized System (GHS) requirements.
• Identify hazardous chemicals using GHS classifications, labels, signal words, hazard statements, precautionary statements, and pictograms.
• Read, interpret, and apply information contained within the standardized 16-section Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
• Implement effective workplace Hazard Communication (HazCom) programs and chemical safety procedures.
• Conduct employee training on chemical hazards, safe handling practices, and emergency response procedures.
• Develop workplace labeling systems, maintain chemical inventories, and ensure proper hazard documentation.
• Apply engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce chemical exposure risks.
• Promote OSHA compliance and strengthen workplace chemical safety through effective hazard communication and continuous employee awareness.

Who Should Attend

Safety Officers, HSE Professionals, and Compliance Managers, chemical handlers, plant workers, warehouse staff, and production operators, as well as supervisors responsible for chemical storage, labeling, and documentation, and anyone involved in developing, implementing, or auditing HazCom/GHS programs.