What type of law is the Hazard Communication Act (HCA) of 1985?

The Hazard Communication Act (HCA) of 1985 is classified as federal law because it was enacted by the United States Congress and applies across all states within the country. This regulatory framework was designed to ensure that employees have the right to understand the hazards associated with the chemicals they may encounter in the workplace. As a federal law, it establishes national standards that employers must follow to communicate hazardous information, require hazard labeling, and provide safety data sheets to employees.

Unlike state laws, which can vary significantly from one state to another, or local ordinances, which apply only within specific municipalities, federal laws like the HCA provide uniform guidelines that must be adhered to throughout the entire nation. This helps to synchronize safety standards in various industries and ensures that workers have access to crucial information regarding chemical safety, regardless of where they are employed. International regulations, while important, do not apply to domestic legislation like the HCA.