What does HAZCOM mean?

HAZCOM, or Hazard Communication, is a standardized approach to ensuring that information about hazardous chemicals is transmitted to employees and other workers who may be exposed to these chemicals. The purpose of HAZCOM is to provide crucial safety information that helps prevent workplace injuries and diseases arising from hazardous substances.

The term "Hazard Communication" accurately reflects this goal by emphasizing not just the presence of hazards but the communication of critical information regarding those hazards. This includes identifying hazardous materials, labeling requirements, and the necessity of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) that outline the risks associated with the chemicals and how to handle them safely.

Furthermore, the term "Hazardous Compliance" does not accurately represent the core focus of the HAZCOM standard, which is more about communication rather than mere compliance. Likewise, while "Hazardous Communication" and "Hazard Communications" may appear similar, they are not used in the context defined by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), which identifies the official standard explicitly as "Hazard Communication." Thus, "Hazard Communication" is the most precise and widely recognized terminology for the framework that governs this critical aspect of workplace safety.