Hazard Communication / Global Harmonization Specialist (HCGHS)
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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.
Hazard Communication / Global Harmonization Specialist (HCGHS) Blueprint
1. Overview
The Certified Safety Health Specialist - General Industry (HCGHS) blueprint summarizes the examination structure and core knowledge areas aligned to the IASHEP General Industry course. The source course emphasizes 29 CFR 1910 safety regulations and standards, OSHA policies and procedures, hazard recognition, workplace inspections, risk assessments, incident investigations, corrective actions, and safety program implementation.
2. Examination Parameters
| Duration | 4 Day course alignment |
| Total Questions | Standardized assessment |
| Question Format | Multiple-choice and scenario-based |
| Passing Score | Standard passing requirement |
3. Prerequisites & Qualifications
Candidates for this certification generally have responsibilities in workplace safety, compliance, supervision, industrial hygiene, facility operations, risk management, or program administration. Preparation should include:
- Familiarity with OSHA general industry requirements and 29 CFR 1910 standards.
- Ability to recognize common workplace hazards and recommend controls.
- Understanding of inspections, risk assessments, incident investigations, and corrective action planning.
- Practical experience supporting or managing safety and health programs.
4. Examination Domains
| Domain Name | Weight (%) | Number of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| 1. OSHA General Industry Regulations and Compliance | 25% | 25 |
| 2. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment | 20% | 20 |
| 3. Safety Program Implementation and Hazard Controls | 20% | 20 |
| 4. Workplace Inspections and Corrective Actions | 15% | 15 |
| 5. Incident Investigation and Prevention Planning | 10% | 10 |
| 6. Communication, Training, and Professional Application | 10% | 10 |
| TOTAL | 100% | 100 |
5. Domain Breakdown
Domain 1: OSHA General Industry Regulations and Compliance
Weight: 25%
Knowledge of:
- OSHA general industry regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
- 29 CFR 1910 safety regulation/standard structure and application.
- Regulatory compliance requirements for workplace safety and health programs.
- Use of OSHA standards as a guide for identifying high-hazard areas.
Domain 2: Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
Weight: 20%
Knowledge of:
- Recognition of common workplace hazards including chemical, electrical, machinery, ergonomics, and environmental risks.
- Risk assessment methods for prioritizing hazards and exposures.
- Hazard identification, avoidance, control, and prevention concepts.
- Selection of practical control strategies based on observed workplace conditions.
Domain 3: Safety Program Implementation and Hazard Controls
Weight: 20%
Knowledge of:
- Implementation of effective safety programs and hazard control measures.
- Accident prevention strategies and corrective action planning.
- General industry safety and health principles as applied to real-world situations.
- Integration of safety procedures into routine operations.
Domain 4: Workplace Inspections and Corrective Actions
Weight: 15%
Knowledge of:
- Planning and conducting workplace inspections.
- Documenting inspection findings and identifying corrective actions.
- Evaluating facility, maintenance, production, and healthcare work environments.
- Communicating inspection results to supervisors, coordinators, and managers.
Domain 5: Incident Investigation and Prevention Planning
Weight: 10%
Knowledge of:
- Incident investigation principles and root-cause awareness.
- Corrective action planning following accidents, near misses, or identified hazards.
- Use of incident findings to improve hazard control and prevention programs.
- Follow-up activities to verify corrective actions are completed.
Domain 6: Communication, Training, and Professional Application
Weight: 10%
Knowledge of:
- Communicating OSHA requirements and safety expectations to workers and management.
- Supporting training, orientation, and safety awareness activities.
- Applying course knowledge immediately in workplace settings.
- Professional responsibilities for safety supervisors, coordinators, industrial hygienists, facility managers, line supervisors, and program administrators.
6. Additional Information
Course Alignment:
- IASHEP CSHS-GI course page identifies the course as a 4-day intermediate General Industry course.
- The course description identifies 29 CFR 1910 safety regulations/standards as the primary focus.
- The course outcomes include OSHA compliance, hazard identification, safety program implementation, workplace inspections, risk assessments, incident investigations, and corrective action planning.
Source: IASHEP course page, Certified Safety Health Specialist - General Industry (HCGHS), accessed May 14, 2026.