Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Program
Compliance program for the Pennsylvania Worker and Community Right-to-Know Act and federal HazCom. PA Right-to-Know overlays federal HazCom with state-specific elements — community emergency response notification, hazardous chemical inventory submission, employee training documentation.
When this template is required
Required of every Pennsylvania employer using hazardous substances. PA Worker and Community Right-to-Know Act (1984) was the model for federal HazCom and remains in effect — requires hazardous chemical inventory, employee training, community notification, and labeling. Pennsylvania is federal-OSHA jurisdiction (no state OSHA), but the state Right-to-Know Act overlays federal HazCom with PA-specific requirements including the State Police/local emergency response community notification.
Why this template
PA was the model for federal HazCom
Pennsylvania's 1984 Right-to-Know Act preceded federal HazCom and was the legislative model for the federal rule. PA's Right-to-Know remains in effect, layering on top of federal HazCom with state-specific elements.
Community notification dimension
Unlike pure federal HazCom (worker-focused), PA Right-to-Know includes community notification — local fire departments, State Police, county emergency management. The plan addresses both worker and community dimensions.
Annual HCI submission
PA requires annual Hazardous Chemical Inventory submission. The inventory plus the chemical list is the foundation of the community notification system. The plan documents the inventory and submission.
Federal OSHA jurisdiction
Pennsylvania is federal-OSHA jurisdiction (no state OSHA plan). Federal OSHA's HazCom (1910.1200) applies. PA Right-to-Know overlays additional state requirements. The plan addresses both.
What you receive
- PA Right-to-Know Program (Word .docx)
- Hazardous Chemical Inventory (HCI) template
- PA-specific community notification procedure (local fire department, State Police, county emergency mgmt)
- Employee training outline (PA Right-to-Know + federal HazCom)
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS) management procedure
- Workplace labeling system (PA-compatible)
- Annual HCI submission procedure
- Trade secret protection procedure (PA Right-to-Know exception)
- PA inspection-readiness checklist
How you get it
This document is written and reviewed against the standard it cites, and it is ready now. The download link is emailed as soon as your payment clears.
Revisions included — if something about your operation changes what the document should say, reply to the delivery email and we will amend it.
Who buys this
- Pennsylvania manufacturing (chemical, food, steel, paper)
- Pennsylvania healthcare facilities
- Pennsylvania construction (with HazCom requirements)
- Pennsylvania warehousing of hazardous materials
- Pennsylvania auto repair and body shops
- Pennsylvania universities and research labs
Frequently asked
What's the PA Worker and Community Right-to-Know Act?
PA Act 159 of 1984 (35 P.S. §§ 7301-7320) — the law that established Right-to-Know for hazardous chemicals in Pennsylvania, predating and substantially influencing the federal HazCom Standard. The PA law covers both worker right-to-know (employees about workplace hazards) and community right-to-know (community emergency responders about facilities' hazardous chemical holdings).
Does federal HazCom replace PA Right-to-Know?
No — both apply. Federal HazCom (1910.1200) covers worker-focused hazard communication; PA Right-to-Know covers the worker dimension AND adds community notification requirements. PA employers need to comply with both. Most elements overlap (training, SDS, labeling); PA-specific elements include the annual HCI submission and the community notification mechanism.
What's the community notification?
PA Right-to-Know requires reporting of hazardous chemicals to local fire departments and county emergency management. The reporting helps first responders understand facility hazards before responding to an incident. The plan documents the notification procedure — typically annual HCI submission to designated entities.
What's the Hazardous Chemical Inventory (HCI)?
Annual listing of hazardous chemicals at the workplace above threshold quantities. Includes chemical identity, location at the facility, maximum and average inventory amounts. Filed with PA Department of Labor and Industry annually. Made available to local emergency responders. The plan includes the HCI template.
Are there trade secret protections?
Yes — PA Right-to-Know recognizes trade secret protection for specific chemical identities under certain conditions, similar to federal HazCom. The trade-secret-protected identity is still disclosed to medical professionals and emergency responders on a need-to-know basis. The procedure documents the trade secret claim and the disclosure protocols.