You work in an environment that includes hazardous chemicals. Not every chemical is toxic or hazardous, but the ones that pose a health risk. All US companies that use hazardous chemicals and expose employees to them are required by law to train you on their safe use, storage, handling, and disposal procedures.

OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, created the Hazardous Communication Standard (HCS), also referred to as HazCom. The Standard states you have the right to be trained before your first exposure.

Your employer will train you on:

• What types of chemicals are in your work area,
• Where they’re located, and
• How to protect yourself.