Free OSHA hazard communication checklist

What is a OSHA hazard communication checklist?

An OSHA hazard communication checklist is a structured inspection and audit form used to verify compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200, the Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom). The HazCom standard requires employers to inform and train workers about the chemical hazards they may be exposed to in the workplace. It aligns with the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) and covers four core elements: a written hazard communication programme, safety data sheets (SDS) for every hazardous chemical on site, GHS-compliant container labelling, and employee information and training. This checklist helps safety officers and supervisors systematically audit each element, confirm SDS are current and accessible, verify that all containers are labelled with the required GHS elements (product identifier, signal word, hazard statements, pictograms, precautionary statements, supplier information), and document that employees have received initial and annual refresher training on chemical hazards in their work area. In MapTrack, this checklist can be scheduled as a recurring audit, assigned to specific sites or departments, and completed on mobile with photo evidence of labelling and SDS stations. OSHA records show that HazCom violations are consistently among the most cited standards each year, making a structured audit checklist essential for any facility handling hazardous chemicals.

Learn more about compliance and inspections in MapTrack.

Benefits of digitising forms in MapTrack

When you digitise general checklists in MapTrack, you get:

• Field users can easily scan a QR code to complete a form on mobile. Unlimited users.
• Automatically get alerts when faults are identified.
• Link every form digitally as a PDF to the relevant asset, location or person.
• Receive a digital PDF copy with every submission to your email.
• Ability to share forms digitally.
• Build conditional logic (show or hide questions based on answers).
• Take pictures or attach photos. Not possible with a paper-based form.
• Electronic signatures.
• Edit forms later without reprinting.
• Restrict permissions (who can view, complete or approve).
• Build forms with AI (describe what you need and MapTrack suggests the form).
• Escalate critical hazards instantly to safety managers via push notification.
• Maintain an auditable safety register that satisfies WHS regulator requests.
• Correlate incident trends across sites with built-in safety analytics.

Book a demo to see how MapTrack handles general checklists.

What to include in a OSHA hazard communication checklist

This OSHA hazard communication checklist covers 10 key areas:

• Written HazCom programme: current version on file, accessible to all employees, lists all hazardous chemicals on site, describes SDS management, labelling and training procedures.
• Chemical inventory: complete list of hazardous chemicals on site, cross-referenced to SDS.
• Safety data sheets (SDS): SDS on file for every chemical, current (within 3 years of issue date), 16-section GHS format, accessible at the point of use.
• Container labelling (manufacturer): product identifier, signal word, hazard statements, pictograms, precautionary statements, supplier name and contact.
• Secondary container labelling: product identifier and hazard information on all transfer and secondary containers.
• Pipe and process labelling: pipes, tanks and process equipment labelled or colour-coded per site standards.
• Employee training records: initial training date, annual refresher date, topics covered, employee signature.
• Training content: chemical hazards in the work area, how to read SDS, how to read GHS labels, protective measures, emergency procedures.
• Non-routine tasks: procedures for non-routine tasks involving chemical exposure, documented and communicated.
• Contractor communication: procedures for informing contractors of chemical hazards and providing SDS access.

How often should you complete this checklist?

A full HazCom audit should be conducted at least annually, with interim spot-checks whenever new chemicals are introduced, chemical processes change, or incidents involving chemical exposure occur. SDS should be reviewed for currency whenever a new chemical arrives on site or when a supplier updates a data sheet. Container labelling should be checked during routine workplace inspections. Employee training must be completed before initial assignment to a work area with chemical hazards and refreshed annually or whenever new hazards are introduced. In MapTrack, you can schedule annual HazCom audits, monthly spot-checks and training reminders per site, department or individual.

OSHA compliance officers commonly request HazCom documentation during inspections, so maintaining completed checklists provides ready evidence of ongoing programme management.

Applicable regulatory standards

This template aligns with the following regulations and standards:

• OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200 - Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom)
• GHS Rev. 10 - Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals

Related resources

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• Safety inspection checklist
• PPE inspection checklist
• Incident investigation form
• Compliance and inspections
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