(a) Every employer shall provide, at least annually, an education and training program for employees using or handling hazardous chemicals. Additional instruction shall be provided whenever the potential for exposure to hazardous chemicals is altered or whenever new and significant information is received by the employer concerning the hazards of a chemical. New or newly assigned employees shall be provided training before working with or in a work area containing hazardous chemicals.
(b) The program shall include, as appropriate, information on interpreting labels and material safety data sheets and the relationship between these 2 methods of hazards communication, the location, acute and chronic effects, safe handling, protective equipment to be used and first aid treatment with respect to the hazardous chemicals used by the employees, and general safety instructions on the handling, cleanup procedures and disposal of hazardous chemicals. Employers shall keep a record of the dates of training sessions given to employees.
(c) The Secretary, pursuant to § 2412 of this title, shall develop and maintain an education and training assistance program to aid those employers who, because of size or other practical considerations, are unable to develop such programs by themselves. Such a program shall be made available to such an employer upon request.