Which of the following is NOT a major component of the Hazard Communication Standard?

The Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom) is designed to ensure that information about chemical hazards is communicated to workers effectively. The standard includes several key components to achieve this goal, of which labeling, information communication/training, and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are all integral parts.

Labeling is crucial as it provides immediate hazard information directly on containers, ensuring that employees can quickly identify dangerous substances. Information communication and training requirements ensure that employees understand these hazards and know how to work safely with hazardous materials. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) (now referred to as Safety Data Sheets, or SDS) offer detailed information about each chemical's properties, hazards, and handling instructions, serving as a reliable reference for workers.

On the other hand, employee assistance programs do not fall under the major components of the Hazard Communication Standard. While such programs support overall employee wellbeing and may deal with workplace issues, they do not specifically address the communication or handling of chemical hazards. Therefore, they are not considered a primary element of the HazCom framework. This distinction highlights the focus of the standard on the direct communication of hazardous chemical information to ensure safety in the workplace.