Hazard Communication & Reading an SDS

Chemical hazards on construction sites are easy to overlook because many exposures are invisible — no immediate pain, no obvious symptom — until years of cumulative exposure cause permanent lung damage, liver disease, or cancer. The Hazard Communication standard exists so every worker has the information they need to protect themselves before exposure occurs, not after.

1. Every chemical on the jobsite must have an SDS (Safety Data Sheet) accessible to all workers before they begin work with or near it.
2. GHS container labels must show: product identifier, hazard pictograms, signal word (Danger vs. Warning), hazard statements, precautionary statements, and supplier info.
3. The 9 GHS pictograms communicate specific hazard types: flame, skull and crossbones, exclamation mark, health hazard, corrosion, and others — learn what each means.
4. SDS Section 8 tells you the required PPE. Section 4 tells you first aid measures. Section 6 covers accidental release (spill response).
5. Never transfer a chemical to an unlabeled container, even temporarily. An unlabeled container is a violation and a hazard.
6. Know where the nearest eyewash station and emergency shower are located before starting any work with chemical exposure risk.
7. Report any chemical spill or exposure to a supervisor immediately — some chemicals have delayed symptoms that won't appear until hours after exposure.