What is not one of the primary means of communicating health hazards per the Hazard Communication Standard?

The correct answer identifies direct verbal instruction as not being one of the primary means of communicating health hazards according to the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). The HCS establishes a structured framework for communicating hazards associated with chemicals used in the workplace, primarily using standardized methods to ensure that all employees have easy access to this vital information.

Labels and warnings are crucial components of the standard, as they serve as immediate alerts about hazardous materials. They provide concise information about the dangers of the chemicals and necessary precautions. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are also fundamental because they offer detailed information about handling, storage, and emergency actions regarding hazardous substances. Employee training is necessary to ensure that workers understand the hazards and safety procedures related to the chemicals they might encounter.

While direct verbal instruction can be beneficial in specific contexts and situations, it does not fulfill the primary requirement set by the HCS for systematic communication. The regulations emphasize written and standardized forms of information dissemination to maintain consistency and ensure comprehensiveness across diverse workplace environments.