www.osha.gov

Model Plans and Programs for the OSHA

Bloodborne Pathogens and

Hazard Communications Standards

OSHA 3186-06R 2003
This informational booklet provides a 

general overview of a particular topic 

related to OSHA standards. It does not alter

or determine compliance responsibilities in

OSHA standards or the Occupational Safety

and Health Act of 1970. Because interpretations and enforcement policy may change

over time, you should consult current OSHA

administrative interpretations and decisions

by the Occupational Safety and Health

Review Commission and the Courts for 

additional guidance on OSHA compliance

requirements.

This publication is in the public domain 

and may be reproduced, fully or partially,

without permission. Source credit is 

requested but not required.

This information is available to sensory

impaired individuals upon request.

Voice phone: (202) 693-1999; teletypewriter

(TTY) number: (877) 889-5627.


U.S. Department of Labor

Elaine L. Chao, Secretary

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

John L. Henshaw, Assistant Secretary

OSHA 3186-06N

2003

Model Plans and Programs for the OSHA

Bloodborne Pathogens and

Hazard Communications Standards
Contents

Introduction...3

PART 1: Bloodborne Pathogens Standard...4

Model Exposure Control Plan...4

PART 2: Hazard Communications Standard...16

Model Hazard Communications Program...16

OSHA Assistance...21

Safety and health management system guidelines...21

State Programs...22

OSHA Consultation Services...22

The OSHA Voluntary Protection Program (VPP)...23

Strategic Partnership Programs...23

The OSHA Alliance Program...24

OSHA training and education...24

Information available electronically...25

OSHA Publications...25

Contacting OSHA...25

OSHA Regional Offices...27

2
Introduction

The mission of the Occupational Health and Safety Administration

(OSHA) is to save lives, prevent injuries, and protect the health of

America’s workers. As part of the Department of Labor, OSHA promotes

worker safety and health in every workplace in the United States.

OSHA’S bloodborne pathogens standard protects employees

who work in occupations where they are at risk of exposure to

blood or other potentially infectious materials. OSHA’s hazard communication standard protects employees who may be exposed to

hazardous chemicals. Both standards require employers to develop

written documents to explain how they will implement each

standard, provide training to employees, and protect the health and

safety of their workers. 

This publication includes a model exposure control plan to meet

the requirements of the OSHA bloodborne pathogens standard and

a model hazard communication program to meet the requirements

of the hazard communication standard. The full text of these two

OSHA standards, including the requirement for the written

documents, is found in 29 CFR 1910.1030 and 29 CFR 1910.1200,

respectively. You can access the full text of these standards

through the OSHA website (www.osha.gov) by using the alphabetical index (click on “B” for the bloodborne pathogen standard; click

on “H” for the hazard communication standard).

These model documents can be used as templates for your own

workplace exposure control plan and hazard communication

program, but you must tailor them to the specific requirements of

your establishment. These sample plans contain all elements

required by the bloodborne pathogens and hazard communication

standards, so you should not eliminate any items when converting

them for your own use. Your written plans must be accessible to all

employees, either on-line or in an area where they are available for

review on all shifts.

This publication provides general guidance on preparing written

plans required by OSHA standards, but should not be considered a

definitive interpretation for compliance with OSHA requirements.

The reader should consult the OSHA bloodborne pathogens and

hazard communication standards in their entirety for specific

compliance requirements.

3


Part 1 Bloodborne Pathogens Standard

The following model for an Exposure Control Plan includes all

elements required by the OSHA bloodborne pathogens standard

(29 CFR 1910.1030). The intent of this model is to provide

employers with an easy-to-use format that may be used as a

template to develop a written exposure control plan tailored to the

individual requirements of their establishments. 

Model Exposure Control Plan

POLICY

The (Your facility name) is committed to providing a safe and

healthful work environment for our entire staff. In pursuit of this

goal, the following exposure control plan (ECP) is provided 

to eliminate or minimize occupational exposure to bloodborne

pathogens in accordance with OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.1030,

“Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens.”

The ECP is a key document to assist our organization in 

implementing and ensuring compliance with the standard, thereby

protecting our employees. This ECP includes:

■ Determination of employee exposure

■ Implementation of various methods of exposure control,

including:

Universal precautions

Engineering and work practice controls

Personal protective equipment

Housekeeping

■ Hepatitis B vaccination 

■ Post-exposure evaluation and follow-up

■ Communication of hazards to employees and training

■ Recordkeeping

■ Procedures for evaluating circumstances surrounding exposure

incidents

Implementation methods for these elements of the standard are

discussed in the subsequent pages of this ECP.

4
PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION

■ (Name of responsible person or department) is (are) responsible for

implementation of the ECP. (Name of responsible person or

department) will maintain, review, and update the ECP at least

annually, and whenever necessary to include new or modified tasks

and procedures. Contact location/phone number: .

■ Those employees who are determined to have occupational

exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM)

must comply with the procedures and work practices outlined in

this ECP.

■ (Name of responsible person or department) will provide and

maintain all necessary personal protective equipment (PPE),

engineering controls (e.g., sharps containers), labels, and red bags

as required by the standard. (Name of responsible person or

department will ensure that adequate supplies of the aforementioned equipment are available in the appropriate sizes. Contact

location/phone number: .

■ (Name of responsible person or department) will be responsible for

ensuring that all medical actions required by the standard are

performed and that appropriate employee health and OSHA

records are maintained. Contact location/phone 

number: .

■ (Name of responsible person or department) will be responsible for

training, documentation of training, and making the written ECP

available to employees, OSHA, and NIOSH representatives. 

Contact location/phone number: .

EMPLOYEE EXPOSURE DETERMINATION

The following is a list of all job classifications at our establishment in which all employees have occupational exposure:

Job Title Department/Location

(Example: Phlebotomists) (Clinical Lab) 

(use as many lines as necessary) 

5


The following is a list of job classifications in which some

employees at our establishment have occupational exposure.

Included is a list of tasks and procedures, or groups of closely

related tasks and procedures, in which occupational exposure may

occur for these individuals:

Example: 

Job Title Department/Location Task/Procedure

Housekeeper Environmental Services Handling Regulated Waste

(use as many lines as necessary)

NOTE: Part-time, temporary, contract and per diem employees are covered by the

bloodborne pathogens standard. The ECP should describe how the standard will be

met for these employees.

METHODS OF IMPLEMENTATION AND CONTROL

Universal Precautions

All employees will utilize universal precautions. 

Exposure Control Plan

Employees covered by the bloodborne pathogens standard

receive an explanation of this ECP during their initial training

session. It will also be reviewed in their annual refresher training.

All employees can review this plan at any time during their work

shifts by contacting (Name of responsible person or department). If

requested, we will provide an employee with a copy of the ECP 

free of charge and within 15 days of the request.

(Name of responsible person or department) is responsible for

reviewing and updating the ECP annually or more frequently if

necessary to reflect any new or modified tasks and procedures that

affect occupational exposure and to reflect new or revised

employee positions with occupational exposure.

Engineering Controls and Work Practices

Engineering controls and work practice controls will be used to

prevent or minimize exposure to bloodborne pathogens. The

6
specific engineering controls and work practice controls used are

listed below: 

■ (For example: non-glass capillary tubes, SESIPs, needleless systems)

■ ________________________________________________________ 

■ ________________________________________________________ 

Sharps disposal containers are inspected and maintained or

replaced by (Name of responsible person or department) every (list

frequency) or whenever necessary to prevent overfilling. 

This facility identifies the need for changes in engineering

controls and work practices through (Examples: Review of OSHA

records, employee interviews, committee activities, etc.) 

We evaluate new procedures and new products regularly by

(Describe the process, literature reviewed, supplier info, products

considered)

________________________________________________________________ .

Both front-line workers and management officials are involved 

in this process in the following manner: (Describe employees’

involvement) 

(Name of responsible person or department) is responsible for

ensuring that these recommendations are implemented.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE is provided to our employees at no cost to them. Training in

the use of the appropriate PPE for specific tasks or procedures is

provided by (Name of responsible person or department).

The types of PPE available to employees are as follows: 

(gloves, eye protection, etc.)_____________________________________ 

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________ 

PPE is located (List location) and may be obtained through 

(Name of responsible person or department). (Specify how employees

will obtain PPE and who is responsible for ensuring that PPE is

available.)

All employees using PPE must observe the following

precautions:

7


■ Wash hands immediately or as soon as feasible after removing

gloves or other PPE.

■ Remove PPE after it becomes contaminated and before leaving

the work area.

■ Used PPE may be disposed of in (List appropriate containers for

storage, laundering, decontamination, or disposal.)

■ Wear appropriate gloves when it is reasonably anticipated that

there may be hand contact with blood or OPIM, and when handling

or touching contaminated items or surfaces; replace gloves if torn,

punctured or contaminated, or if their ability to function as a barrier

is compromised.

■ Utility gloves may be decontaminated for reuse if their integrity

is not compromised; discard utility gloves if they show signs of

cracking, peeling, tearing, puncturing, or deterioration.

■ Never wash or decontaminate disposable gloves for reuse.

■ Wear appropriate face and eye protection when splashes,

sprays, spatters, or droplets of blood or OPIM pose a hazard to the

eye, nose, or mouth. 

■ Remove immediately or as soon as feasible any garment contaminated by blood or OPIM, in such a way as to avoid contact with

the outer surface.

The procedure for handling used PPE is as follows: 

(may refer to specific procedure by title or number and last date of

review; include how and where to decontaminate face shields, eye

protection, resuscitation equipment)

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________ 

Housekeeping

Regulated waste is placed in containers which are closable,

constructed to contain all contents and prevent leakage, appropriately labeled or color-coded (see the following section “Labels”),

and closed prior to removal to prevent spillage or protrusion of

contents during handling.

8


The procedure for handling sharps disposal containers is: 

(may refer to specific procedure by title or number and last date of

review)

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________ 

The procedure for handling other regulated waste is: (may refer

to specific procedure by title or number and last date of review) 

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________ 

Contaminated sharps are discarded immediately or as soon as

possible in containers that are closable, puncture-resistant, leak

proof on sides and bottoms, and appropriately labeled or colorcoded. Sharps disposal containers are available at (must be easily

accessible and as close as feasible to the immediate area where sharps are

used). 

Bins and pails (e.g., wash or emesis basins) are cleaned and

decontaminated as soon as feasible after visible contamination.

Broken glassware that may be contaminated is only picked up

using mechanical means, such as a brush and dustpan.

Laundry

The following contaminated articles will be laundered by this

company:

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________ 

Laundering will be performed by (Name of responsible person or

department) at (time and/or location).

The following laundering requirements must be met: 

■ handle contaminated laundry as little as possible, with minimal

agitation

■ place wet contaminated laundry in leak-proof, labeled or colorcoded containers before transport. Use (specify either red bags or

bags marked with the biohazard symbol) for this purpose.

■ wear the following PPE when handling and/or sorting contaminated laundry: (List appropriate PPE).

9
Labels

The following labeling methods are used in this facility:

Equipment to be Labeled Label Type (size, color) 

(specimens, contaminated laundry, etc.) (red bag, biohazard label)

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________ 

(Name of responsible person or department) is responsible for

ensuring that warning labels are affixed or red bags are used as

required if regulated waste or contaminated equipment is brought

into the facility. Employees are to notify (Name of responsible person

or department) if they discover regulated waste containers, 

refrigerators containing blood or OPIM, contaminated equipment,

etc., without proper labels.

HEPATITIS B VACCINATION

(Name of responsible person or department) will provide training to

employees on hepatitis B vaccinations, addressing safety, benefits,

efficacy, methods of administration, and availability. 

The hepatitis B vaccination series is available at no cost after

initial employee training and within 10 days of initial assignment to

all employees identified in the exposure determination section of

this plan. Vaccination is encouraged unless: 1) documentation exists

that the employee has previously received the series; 2) antibody

testing reveals that the employee is immune; or 3) medical

evaluation shows that vaccination is contraindicated.

However, if an employee declines the vaccination, the employee

must sign a declination form. Employees who decline may 

request and obtain the vaccination at a later date at no cost.

Documentation of refusal of the vaccination is kept at (List location).

Vaccination will be provided by (List health care professional

responsible for this part of the plan) at (location).

Following the medical evaluation, a copy of the health care professional’s written opinion will be obtained and provided to the

employee within 15 days of the completion of the evaluation. It will

be limited to whether the employee requires the hepatitis vaccine

and whether the vaccine was administered. 

10


POST-EXPOSURE EVALUATION AND FOLLOW-UP 

Should an exposure incident occur, contact (Name of responsible

person) at the following number ____________________ .

An immediately available confidential medical evaluation and

follow-up will be conducted by (name of licensed health care professional). Following initial first aid (clean the wound, flush eyes or

other mucous membrane, etc.), the following activities will be

performed:

■ Document the routes of exposure and how the exposure

occurred.

■ Identify and document the source individual (unless the

employer can establish that identification is infeasible or prohibited

by state or local law).

■ Obtain consent and make arrangements to have the source

individual tested as soon as possible to determine HIV, HCV, and

HBV infectivity; document that the source individual’s test results

were conveyed to the employee’s health care provider.

■ If the source individual is already known to be HIV, HCV and/or

HBV positive, new testing need not be performed.

■ Assure that the exposed employee is provided with the source

individual’s test results and with information about applicable

disclosure laws and regulations concerning the identity and

infectious status of the source individual (e.g., laws protecting confidentiality).

■ After obtaining consent, collect exposed employee’s blood as

soon as feasible after exposure incident, and test blood for HBV and

HIV serological status

■ If the employee does not give consent for HIV serological testing

during collection of blood for baseline testing, preserve the baseline

blood sample for at least 90 days; if the exposed employee elects to

have the baseline sample tested during this waiting period, perform

testing as soon as feasible.

11
ADMINISTRATION OF POST-EXPOSURE 

EVALUATION AND FOLLOW-UP 

(Name of responsible person or department) ensures that health care

professional(s) responsible for employee’s hepatitis B vaccination

and post-exposure evaluation and follow-up are given a copy of

OSHA’s bloodborne pathogens standard. 

(Name of responsible person or department) ensures that the health

care professional evaluating an employee after an exposure

incident receives the following:

■ a description of the employee’s job duties relevant to the

exposure incident

■ route(s) of exposure

■ circumstances of exposure

■ if possible, results of the source individual’s blood test

■ relevant employee medical records, including vaccination status

(Name of responsible person or department) provides the employee

with a copy of the evaluating health care professional’s written

opinion within 15 days after completion of the evaluation. 

PROCEDURES FOR EVALUATING THE CIRCUMSTANCES

SURROUNDING AN EXPOSURE INCIDENT

(Name of responsible person or department) will review the circumstances of all exposure incidents to determine:

■ engineering controls in use at the time

■ work practices followed

■ a description of the device being used (including type and

brand)

■ protective equipment or clothing that was used at the time of

the exposure incident (gloves, eye shields, etc.)

■ location of the incident (O.R., E.R., patient room, etc.)

■ procedure being performed when the incident occurred

■ employee’s training

(Name of Responsible Person) will record all percutaneous injuries

from contaminated sharps in a Sharps Injury Log. 

12


If revisions to this ECP are necessary (Responsible person or

department) will ensure that appropriate changes are made.

(Changes may include an evaluation of safer devices, adding

employees to the exposure determination list, etc.) 

EMPLOYEE TRAINING

All employees who have occupational exposure to bloodborne

pathogens receive initial and annual training conducted by

(Name of responsible person or department). (Attach a brief description

of their qualifications.)

All employees who have occupational exposure to bloodborne

pathogens receive training on the epidemiology, symptoms, and

transmission of bloodborne pathogen diseases. In addition, the

training program covers, at a minimum, the following elements:

■ a copy and explanation of the OSHA bloodborne pathogen

standard

■ an explanation of our ECP and how to obtain a copy

■ an explanation of methods to recognize tasks and other activities

that may involve exposure to blood and OPIM, including what

constitutes an exposure incident 

■ an explanation of the use and limitations of engineering

controls, work practices, and PPE

■ an explanation of the types, uses, location, removal, handling,

decontamination, and disposal of PPE

■ an explanation of the basis for PPE selection

■ information on the hepatitis B vaccine, including information on

its efficacy, safety, method of administration, the benefits of being

vaccinated, and that the vaccine will be offered free of charge

■ information on the appropriate actions to take and persons to

contact in an emergency involving blood or OPIM

■ an explanation of the procedure to follow if an exposure incident

occurs, including the method of reporting the incident and the

medical follow-up that will be made available

■ information on the post-exposure evaluation and follow-up that

the employer is required to provide for the employee following an

exposure incident 13
■ an explanation of the signs and labels and/or color coding

required by the standard and used at this facility

■ an opportunity for interactive questions and answers with the

person conducting the training session.

Training materials for this facility are available at (name location).

RECORDKEEPING

Training Records

Training records are completed for each employee upon

completion of training. These documents will be kept for at least

three years at (Location of records). 

The training records include:

■ the dates of the training sessions

■ the contents or a summary of the training sessions

■ the names and qualifications of persons conducting the training

■ the names and job titles of all persons attending the training

sessions

Employee training records are provided upon request to the

employee or the employee’s authorized representative within 

15 working days. Such requests should be addressed to 

(Name of responsible person or department).

Medical Records

Medical records are maintained for each employee with occupational exposure in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1020, “Access to

Employee Exposure and Medical Records.”

(Name of Responsible person or department) is responsible for

maintenance of the required medical records. These confidential

records are kept in (List location) for at least the duration of

employment plus 30 years. 

Employee medical records are provided upon request of the

employee or to anyone having written consent of the employee

within 15 working days. Such requests should be sent to 

(Name of responsible person or department and address).

14


OSHA Recordkeeping

An exposure incident is evaluated to determine if the case meets

OSHA’s Recordkeeping Requirements (29 CFR 1904). This determination and the recording activities are done by (Name of responsible

person or department).

Sharps Injury Log

In addition to the 1904 Recordkeeping Requirements, all percutaneous injuries from contaminated sharps are also recorded in a

Sharps Injury Log. All incidences must include at least:

■ date of the injury

■ type and brand of the device involved (syringe, suture needle)

■ department or work area where the incident occurred

■ explanation of how the incident occurred.

This log is reviewed as part of the annual program evaluation

and maintained for at least five years following the end of the

calendar year covered. If a copy is requested by anyone, it must

have any personal identifiers removed from the report.

HEPATITIS B VACCINE DECLINATION (MANDATORY)

I understand that due to my occupational exposure to blood or

other potentially infectious materials I may be at risk of acquiring

hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. I have been given the opportunity

to be vaccinated with hepatitis B vaccine, at no charge to myself.

However, I decline hepatitis B vaccination at this time. I understand

that by declining this vaccine, I continue to be at risk of acquiring

hepatitis B, a serious disease. If in the future I continue to have

occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious

materials and I want to be vaccinated with hepatitis B vaccine, I can

receive the vaccination series at no charge to me.

Signed: (Employee Name)________________ Date:________________ 

The hazard communication standard requires you to develop a

written hazard communication program. The following is a sample

hazard communication program that you may use as a guide in

developing your program. 

15
Part 2 Hazard Communication Standard

The following model Hazard Communication Program is based

on the requirements of the OSHA Hazard Communications

Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200. The intent of this model is to provide

an easy-to-use format to tailor to the specific requirements of your

establishment.

Model Hazard Communication Program

1. Company Policy

To ensure that information about the dangers of all hazardous

chemicals used by (Name of Company) is known by all affected

employees, the following hazardous information program has been

established. Under this program, you will be informed of the

contents of the OSHA Hazard Communications standard, the

hazardous properties of chemicals with which you work, safe

handling procedures and measures to take to protect yourself from

these chemicals. 

This program applies to all work operations in our company

where you may be exposed to hazardous chemicals under normal

working conditions or during an emergency situation. All work

units of this company will participate in the Hazard Communication

Program. Copies of the Hazard Communication Program are

available in the (location) for review by any interested employee. 

(Name of responsible person and/or position) is the program

coordinator, with overall responsibility for the program, including

reviewing and updating this plan as necessary.

2. Container Labeling

(Name of responsible person and/or position) will verify that all

containers received for use will be clearly labeled as to the

contents, note the appropriate hazard warning, and list the 

manufacturer’s name and address. 

The (name of responsible person and/or position) in each section will

ensure that all secondary containers are labeled with either an extra

copy of the original manufacturer’s label or with labels marked with

the identity and the appropriate hazard warning. For help with

labeling, see (name of responsible person and/or position). 

16
On the following individual stationary process containers, we 

are using (description of labeling system used) rather than a label to

convey the required information: 

(List containers here). 

We are using an in-house labeling system that relies on 

(describe any in-house system which uses numbers or graphics to convey

hazard information). 

The (name of responsible person and/or position) will review the

company labeling procedures every (provide a time period) and will

update labels as required. 

3. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)

The (name of responsible person and/or position) is responsible for

establishing and monitoring the company MSDS program. He/she

will ensure that procedures are developed to obtain the necessary

MSDSs and will review incoming MSDSs for new or significant

health and safety information. He/she will see that any new

information is communicated to affected employees. The procedure

below will be followed when an MSDS is not received at the time of

initial shipment: 

(Describe procedure to be followed here)

Copies of MSDSs for all hazardous chemicals to which

employees are exposed or are potentially exposed will be kept in

(identify location). 

MSDSs will be readily available to all employees during each

work shift. If an MSDS is not available, contact (name of responsible

person and/or position). 

MSDSs will be readily available to employees in each work area

using the following format: 

(Describe company format here)

Note: If an alternative to paper copies of MSDSs is used,

describe the format and how employees can access them. 

When revised MSDSs are received, the following procedures will

be followed to replace old MSDSs: 

(Describe procedures)

17
4. Employee Training and Information

(Name of responsible person and/or position) is responsible for the

Hazard Communication Program and will ensure that all program

elements are carried out. 

Everyone who works with or is potentially exposed to hazardous

chemicals will receive initial training on the hazard communication

standard and this plan before starting work. Each new employee

will attend a health and safety orientation that includes the

following information and training: 

■ An overview of the OSHA hazard communication standard

■ The hazardous chemicals present at his/her work area

■ The physical and health risks of the hazardous chemicals

■ Symptoms of overexposure

■ How to determine the presence or release of hazardous 

chemicals in the work area

■ How to reduce or prevent exposure to hazardous chemicals 

through use of control procedures, work practices and personal 

protective equipment

■ Steps the company has taken to reduce or prevent exposure to 

hazardous chemicals

■ Procedures to follow if employees are overexposed to

hazardous chemicals

■ How to read labels and MSDSs to obtain hazard information

■ Location of the MSDS file and written Hazard Communication 

program

Prior to introducing a new chemical hazard into any section of

this company, each employee in that section will be given

information and training as outlined above for the new chemical

hazard. The training format will be as follows: 

(Describe training format, such as audiovisuals, interactive 

computer programs, classroom instruction, etc.)

5. Hazardous Non-routine Tasks

Periodically, employees are required to perform non-routine

tasks that are hazardous. Examples of non-routine tasks are:

confined space entry, tank cleaning, and painting reactor vessels.

18


Prior to starting work on such projects, each affected employee will

be given information by (name of responsible person and/or position)

about the hazardous chemicals he or she may encounter during

such activity. This information will include specific chemical

hazards, protective and safety measures the employee should use,

and steps the company is taking to reduce the hazards, including

ventilation, respirators, the presence of another employee (buddy

systems), and emergency procedures. 

Examples of non-routine tasks performed by employees of this

company are: 

Task Hazardous Chemical

_____________________ _________________________

_____________________ _________________________

_____________________ _________________________

_____________________ _________________________

6. Informing Other Employers/Contractors

It is the responsibility of (Name of responsible person and/or

position) to provide other employers and contractors with

information about hazardous chemicals that their employees may

be exposed to on a job site and suggested precautions for

employees. It is the responsibility of (name of responsible person

and/or position) to obtain information about hazardous chemicals

used by other employers to which employees of this company may

be exposed. 

Other employers and contractors will be provided with MSDSs

for hazardous chemicals generated by this company’s operations in

the following manner: 

(Describe company policy here)

In addition to providing a copy of an MSDS to other employers,

other employers will be informed of necessary precautionary

measures to protect employees exposed to operations performed

by this company. 

Also, other employers will be informed of the hazard labels used

by the company. If symbolic or numerical labeling systems are

19
used, the other employees will be provided with information to

understand the labels used for hazardous chemicals for which their

employees may have exposure. 

7. List of Hazardous Chemicals

A list of all known hazardous chemicals used by our employees

is attached to this plan. This list includes the name of the chemical,

the manufacturer, the work area in which the chemical is used,

dates of use, and quantity used. Further information on each

chemical may be obtained from the MSDSs, located in (identify

location). 

When new chemicals are received, this list is updated (including

date the chemicals were introduced) within 30 days. To ensure any

new chemical is added in a timely manner, the following

procedures shall be followed: 

(Identify procedures to be followed)

The hazardous chemical inventory is compiled and maintained

by (Name of responsible person and/or position and telephone number).

8. Chemicals in Unlabeled Pipes

Work activities are sometimes performed by employees in areas

where chemicals are transferred through unlabeled pipes. Prior to

starting work in these areas, the employee shall contact (name of

responsible person and/or position) for information regarding: 

■ The chemical in the pipes

■ Potential hazards 

■ Required safety precautions. 

Include here the chemical list developed during the inventory.

Arrange this list so that you are able to cross-reference it with your

MSDS file and the labels on your containers. Additional useful

information, such as the manufacturer’s telephone number, an

emergency number, scientific name, CAS number, the associated

task, etc., can be included.

9. Program Availability

A copy of this program will be made available, upon request, to

employees and their representatives. 

20


OSHA assistance

OSHA can provide extensive help through a variety of

programs, including technical assistance about effective safety

and health programs, state plans, workplace consultations,

voluntary protection programs, strategic partnerships, and

training and education, and more. An overall commitment to

workplace safety and health can add value to your business, to

your workplace, and to your life.

Safety and health management system guidelines

Effective management of worker safety and health protection is

a decisive factor in reducing the extent and severity of work-related

injuries and illnesses and their related costs. In fact, an effective

safety and health program forms the basis of good worker

protection and can save time and money (about $4 for every dollar

spent) and increase productivity and reduce worker injuries,

illnesses, and related worker compensation costs.

To assist employers and employees in developing effective

safety and health programs, OSHA published recommended Safety

and Health Program Management Guidelines (Federal Register 54

(16): 3904-3916, January 26, 1989). These voluntary guidelines can

be applied to all places of employment covered by OSHA.

The guidelines identify four general elements critical to the

development of a successful safety and health management system:

■ Management leadership and employee involvement.

■ Workplace analysis.

■ Hazard prevention and control.

■ Safety and health training.

The guidelines recommend specific actions, under each of these

general elements, to achieve an effective safety and health program.

The Federal Register notice is available online at www.osha.gov. 

21
State programs

There are 26 state plans and jurisdictions that operate their own

occupational safety and health programs under plans approved by

OSHA (23 cover both the private sector and state and local

government employees, and three cover public employees only).

These “state plan states” have standards which are identical to or

at least as effective as federal OSHA standards, including the

bloodborne pathogens and hazard communications standards.

State plan states are required to extend their coverage to state and

local government workers, including health care workers.

Additional information about state plans, and a list of those

programs including contact information are available on OSHA’s

website.

OSHA consultation services

Consultation assistance is available on request to employers

who want help in establishing and maintaining a safe and healthful

workplace. Largely funded by OSHA, the service is provided at no

cost to the employer. Primarily developed for smaller employers

with more hazardous operations, the consultation service is

delivered by state governments employing professional safety and

health consultants. Comprehensive assistance includes an appraisal

of all-mechanical systems, work practices, and occupational safety

and health hazards of the workplace and all aspects of the

employer’s present job safety and health program. In addition, the

service offers assistance to employers in developing and implementing an effective safety and health program. No penalties are

proposed or citations issued for hazards identified by the

consultant. OSHA provides consultation assistance to the employer

with the assurance that his or her name and firm and any

information about the workplace will not be routinely reported to

OSHA enforcement staff.

Under the consultation program, certain exemplary employers

may request participation in OSHA’s Safety and Health

Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP). Eligibility for participation in SHARP includes receiving a comprehensive consultation

visit, demonstrating exemplary achievements in workplace safety

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and health by abating all identified hazards, and developing an

excellent safety and health program.

Employers accepted into SHARP may receive an exemption from

programmed inspections (not complaint or accident investigation

inspections) for a period of one year. For more information

concerning consultation assistance, see the list of consultation

projects listed at the end of this publication.

The OSHA Voluntary Protection Program (VPP)

Voluntary Protection Programs and onsite consultation services,

when coupled with an effective enforcement program, expand

worker protection to help meet the goals of the OSH Act. The three

VPP program levels include Star, Merit, and Demonstration and are

designed to recognize outstanding achievements by companies

that have successfully incorporated comprehensive safety and

health programs into their total management system. The VPP

motivate others to achieve excellent safety and health results in the

same outstanding way as they establish a cooperative relationship

between employers, employees, and OSHA.

For additional information on VPP and how to apply, contact the

OSHA regional offices listed at the end of this publication.

Strategic Partnership Programs

OSHA’s Strategic Partnership Program, the newest member of

OSHA’s cooperative programs, helps encourage, assist, and

recognize the efforts of partners to eliminate serious workplace

hazards and achieve a high level of worker safety and health.

Whereas OSHA’s Consultation Program and VPP entail one-on-one

relationships between OSHA and individual work sites, most

strategic partnerships seek to have a broader impact by building

cooperative relationships with groups of employers and employees.

These partnerships are voluntary, cooperative relationships

between OSHA, employers, employee representatives, and others

(e.g., trade unions, trade and professional associations, universities,

and other government agencies). 

For more information on this and other cooperative programs,

contact your nearest OSHA office, or visit www.osha.gov.

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The OSHA Alliance Program

Alliances enable organizations committed to workplace safety and

health to collaborate with OSHA to prevent injuries and illnesses in

the workplace. OSHA and its allies work together to reach out to,

educate, and lead the nation’s employers and their employees in

improving and advancing workplace safety and health. 

Alliances are open to all, including trade or professional organizations, businesses, labor organizations, educational institutions, and

government agencies. In some cases, organizations may be

building on existing relationships with OSHA through other

cooperative programs. 

There are few formal program requirements for alliances, 

which are less structured than other cooperative agreements, 

and the agreements do not include an enforcement component.

However, OSHA and the participating organizations must define,

implement, and meet a set of short- and long-term goals that fall

into three categories: training and education; outreach and 

communication; and promotion of the national dialogue on

workplace safety and health. 

OSHA training and education

OSHA area offices offer a variety of information services, such as

compliance assistance, technical advice, publications, audiovisual

aids and speakers for special engagements. OSHA’s Training

Institute in Des Plaines, IL, provides basic and advanced courses in

safety and health for federal and state compliance officers, state

consultants, federal agency personnel, and private sector

employers, employees, and their representatives.

The OSHA Training Institute also has established OSHA Training

Institute Education Centers to address the increased demand for its

courses from the private sector and from other federal agencies.

These centers are nonprofit colleges, universities, and other organizations that have been selected after a competition for participation

in the program.

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OSHA also provides funds to nonprofit organizations, through

grants, to conduct workplace training and education in subjects

where OSHA believes there is a lack of workplace training. Grants

are awarded annually. Grant recipients are expected to contribute

20 percent of the total grant cost.

For more information on grants, training, and education, contact

the OSHA Training Institute, Office of Training and Education, 1555

Times Drive, Des Plaines, IL 60018, (847) 297-4810. For further

information on any OSHA program, contact your nearest OSHA

area or regional office listed at the end of this publication.

Information available electronically

OSHA has a variety of materials and tools available on its

website at www.osha.gov. These include e-Tools such as Expert

Advisors, Electronic Compliance Assistance Tools (e-cats), Technical

Links; regulations, directives, publications; videos, and other

information for employers and employees. OSHA’s software

programs and compliance assistance tools walk you through

challenging safety and health issues and common problems to find

the best solutions for your workplace.

OSHA publications

OSHA has an extensive publications program. For a listing of

free or sales items, visit OSHA’s website at www.osha.gov or

contact the OSHA Publications Office, U.S. Department of Labor,

200 Constitution Avenue NW, N-3101, Washington, DC 20210.

Telephone (202) 693-1888 or fax to (202) 693-2498. 

Contacting OSHA

To report an emergency, file a complaint, or seek OSHA advice,

assistance, or products, call (800) 321-OSHA or contact your nearest

OSHA regional or area office listed at the end of this publication.

The teletypewriter (TTY) number is (877) 889-5627.

You can also file a complaint online and obtain more information

on OSHA federal and state programs by visiting OSHA’s website at

www.osha.gov.

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For more information on grants, training, and education, contact

the OSHA Training Institute, Office of Training and Education, 1555

Times Drive, Des Plaines, IL 60018, (847) 297-4810, or see Outreach

on OSHA’s website at www.osha.gov.


*These states and territories operate their own OSHA-approved job safety and

health programs (Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York plans cover public

employees only). States with approved programs must have a standard that is

identical to, or at least as effective as, the federal standard.

Note: To get contact information for OSHA Area Offices, OSHA-approved state plans,

and OSHA Consultation Projects, please visit us online at www.osha.gov or call us at

(800) 321-OSHA.

OSHA Regional Offices

Region I

(CT,* ME, MA, NH, RI, VT*)

Boston, MA 02203

(617) 565-9860

Region II

(NJ,* NY,* PR,* VI*)

201 Varick Street, Room 670

New York, NY 10014

(212) 337-2378

Region III

(DE, DC, MD,* PA,* VA,* WV)

The Curtis Center

170 S. Independence Mall West

Suite 740 West

Philadelphia, PA 19106-3309

(215) 861-4900

Region IV 

(AL, FL, GA, KY,* MS, NC,* SC,*

TN*)

Atlanta Federal Center

61 Forsyth Street SW, Room 6T50

Atlanta, GA 30303

(404) 562-2300

Region V

(IL, IN,* MI,* MN,* OH, WI)

230 South Dearborn Street, 

Room 3244

Chicago, IL 60604

(312) 353-2220

Region VI

(AR, LA, NM,* OK, TX)

525 Griffin Street, Room 602

Dallas, TX 75202

(214) 767-4731 or 4736 x224

Region VII

(IA,* KS, MO, NE)

City Center Square

1100 Main Street, Suite 800

Kansas City, MO 64105

(816) 426-5861

Region VIII

(CO, MT, ND, SD, UT,* WY*)

1999 Broadway, Suite 1690

PO Box 46550

Denver, CO 80202-5716

(303) 844-1600

Region IX

(American Samoa, AZ,* CA,* HI,

NV,* Northern Mariana Islands)

71 Stevenson Street, Room 420

San Francisco, CA 94105

(415) 975-4310

Region X

(AK,* ID, OR,* WA*)

1111 Third Avenue, Suite 715

Seattle, WA 98101-3212

(206) 553-5930

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