This document is intended to help manufacturers and importers of chemicals
recognize the potential for dust explosions and to identify appropriate
protective measures as part of their hazard determination under the Hazard
Communication Standard (HCS). This evaluation of hazards ensures that downstream
employers and workers are provided MSDSs with complete and accurate information
regarding dust explosion hazards, appropriate information is included on labels,
and that workers are properly trained regarding workplace combustible dust
hazards. Adequate communication of hazard information is essential to ensuring
that both employers and workers are aware of dust-related hazards and measures
that can be taken to prevent dust explosions.
The purpose of the HCS is to ensure that the hazards of all
chemicals produced or imported are evaluated and that information concerning
their hazards is transmitted to employers and workers.
The HCS has three main components:
First, chemical manufacturers and importers must review available scientific
evidence concerning the physical and health hazards of the chemicals they
produce or import to determine if they are hazardous (Paragraph (d)). This is
called a hazard determination or hazard evaluation;
Second, for every chemical found to be hazardous, the chemical manufacturer
or importer must develop MSDSs and container labels to be transmitted to
downstream users of the chemicals. Employers are required to maintain an MSDS in
the workplace for each hazardous chemical that they use (Paragraphs (f), (g));
Third, all employers must develop a written hazard communication program and
provide information and training to workers about the hazardous chemicals in
their workplace (Paragraphs (e), (h)).
The information components of this program - labels, MSDSs,
and employee training - are all essential to the effective functioning of a
hazard communication program.
