ABSTRACT
Developing and implementing a chemical hazard communication program is a task often assigned to persons with responsibilities for hazardous waste management. Proper handling of the purchased chemicals used in production and maintenance operations is just as important as the proper management of hazardous wastes. Many of the same principles and precautions apply. However, the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) is administered and enforced by OSHA, while the hazardous waste management program is an EPA program. These different federal regulatory agencies have somewhat different purposes. OSHA was established to protect the safety and health of the nation’s work force, while the EPA’s mission is to protect public health and environmental quality. These and other reasons have resulted in different focus and terminology between the HCS and RCRA. Both OSHA and EPA allow for delegation of authority to state regulatory agencies.
