The standard that gave workers the right to know, now gives them the right to understand.
“Exposure to hazardous chemicals is one of the most serious threats facing American workers today,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis. “Revising OSHA’s Hazard Communication standard will improve the quality and consistency of hazard information, making it safer for workers to do their jobs and easier for employers to stay competitive.”
The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) is now aligned with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). This update to the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) will provide a common and coherent approach to classifying chemicals and communicating hazard information on labels and safety data sheets. Once implemented, the revised standard will improve the quality and consistency of hazard information in the workplace, making it safer for workers by providing easily understandable information on appropriate handling and safe use of hazardous chemicals. This update will also help reduce trade barriers and result in productivity improvements for American businesses that regularly handle, store, and use hazardous chemicals while providing cost savings for American businesses that periodically update safety data sheets and labels for chemicals covered under the hazard communication standard.
What GHS Means to You The new rules contain a new set of terminology for communicating potential chemical hazards in the workplace. Companies handling chemicals will need to replace old Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) with new Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) and update labels to meet GHS requirements, including new pictograms. In addition, businesses will need to train employees to read the new SDSs and labels.
What are the Regulatory Deadlines?
By Dec. 1, 2013, businesses must train employees regarding hazards of chemicals or categories of chemicals and the new label elements and SDS format.
By June 1, 2015, all labels and SDSs must be updated by chemical manufacturers, distributors or importers. Distributors have an additional six months to distribute containers with manufacturers’ labels.
By June 1, 2106, employers must update Hazard Communication programs and signs to comply with the new GHS requirements.
Visit the OSHA Hazard Communications website for more information.