Employers are required by Cal/OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (CCR, Title 8, General Industry Safety Order 5194) to provide information to their employees about the hazardous substances to which they may be exposed, by means of a hazard communication program, labels and other forms of warnings, safety data sheets (SDSs) and training. It is the employer’s responsibility to provide this information to their employees and ensure that they understand it, prior to working with or being exposed to hazardous substances.

Supervisor Responsibilities

Supervisors at all levels carry the primary responsibility for ensuring the Hazard Communication Program is implemented properly within their department. Each supervisor has the direct responsibility for ensuring the following:

  • Their employees understand their rights under, and the requirements of, the UCSB Hazard Communication Program and the Cal/OSHA Hazard Communication Standard;
  • Documented Hazard/Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Assessments have been conducted for all job tasks using hazardous substances or require the use of personal protective equipment;
  • A current inventory of hazardous substances is available for each area they have responsibility for, and that it is updated and reposted at least annually;
  • Containers of hazardous substances are properly labeled (product name, appropriate hazard warnings, name and address of manufacturer, etc.);
  • Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) are available for all hazardous substances used within areas under their supervision;
  • Employees who use and/or are exposed to hazardous substances have received documented HCP training and know how to interpret labels and SDS information, eliminate or reduce exposures, recognize the signs of exposure and respond should an exposure occur;
  • Documented Hazard/Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Assessments have been conducted for all job tasks using hazardous materials;
  • Employees are provided all necessary personal protective equipment and they are trained on its proper use.

EH&S Resources and Services

Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) has administrative responsibility for the Hazard Communication Program and will assist departments in meeting their requirements under the program upon request. Specific EH&S Services and Resources are listed below:

Additional Resources

Useful Links

For questions regarding the UCSB Hazard Communication Program, contact the Industrial Hygiene Program at ehs-ih@ucsb.edu.