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705 Hazard Communication Program
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Laboratories

The HCS applies to laboratories only as follows.

HCS Chemical labels should not be removed or defaced.

Employers must:

  1. Ensure labels on incoming containers of hazardous chemicals are not removed or defaced.
  2. Maintain any safety data sheets that are received with incoming shipments of hazardous chemicals.
  3. Ensure safety data sheets are readily accessible during each workshift.
  4. Provide appropriate information and training about the hazards of the chemicals laboratory employees use.

Laboratory employers that ship hazardous chemicals are considered to be either a chemical manufacturer or a distributor, and thus must:

  1. Properly label any containers of hazardous chemicals leaving the laboratory.
  2. Provide a safety data sheet to distributors and other employers as required by the HCS.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

1-5. Why must laboratory employers that ship hazardous chemicals provide safety data sheets to distributors and other employers?