OSHA revised its Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to align with the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) and published it in the Federal Register in March 2012 (77 FR 17574). Two significant changes contained in the revised standard require the use of new labeling elements and a standardized format for Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), formerly known as, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs). The new label elements and SDS requirements will improve worker understanding of the hazards associated with the chemicals in their workplace.
The first compliance date of the revised HCS is December 1, 2013. By that time employers must have trained their workers on the new label elements and the SDS format. This training is needed early in the transition process since workers are already beginning to see the new labels and SDSs on the chemicals in their workplace. To ensure employees have the information they need to better protect themselves from chemical hazards in the workplace during the transition period, it is critical that employees understand the new label and SDS formats.
Read the rest of the OSHA Fact Sheet: December 1st, 2013 Training Requirements for the Revised Hazard Communication Standard
http://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3642.pdf
Articles
OSHA’s Revised Hazard Communication Standard Imposes New Training Requirements By Dec. 1, 2013
http://www.btlaw.com/labor-employment-alert-osha-revised-hazard-communication-standard-june-2013/
New OSHA Hazard Communication Standard Requires Re-labeling Employee Training and Other Steps
http://www.reedsmith.com/New-OSHA-Hazard-Communication-Standard-Requires-Re-labeling-Employee-Training-and-Other-Steps-05-17-2013/
OSHA’s Revised Hazard Communication Standard imposes Significant new Requirements: Are You Ready?
http://www.khlaw.com/Files/16156_GHS%20Brochure_Final.pdf
Quick Tips: Safety Data Sheets Under the New Globally Harmonized System
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/static/ansi-standard-msds-format-250.html
Policy: Hazard Communication Standard Policy for Non-Laboratory Workers
http://www.ehs.wisc.edu/documents/chem-CHM-POL-003-REV001.pdf
OSHA Resources
Hazard Communication – index
http://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/index.html
Fact Sheet: December 1st, 2013 Training Requirements for the Revised Hazard Communication Standard
http://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3642.pdf
Brief: Hazard Communication Standard: Labels and Pictograms
http://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3636.pdf
Fact Sheet: Hazard Communication Standard Final Rule
http://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/HCSFactsheet.html
Quick Cards (English and Spanish)
http://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/ghsquickcards.html
Read the Final Rule
http://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/ghs-final-rule.html
Background
To better protect workers from hazardous chemicals, the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration revised its Hazard Communication Standard, aligning it with the United Nations' global chemical labeling system. The standard will prevent an estimated 43 deaths and result in an estimated $475.2 million in enhanced productivity for U.S. businesses each year
OSHA Releases Final Hazard Communication Rule
http://www.dcemploymentlawupdate.com/2012/03/articles/agency-rulemaking/osha-releases-final-hazard-communication-rule/
The Wait Is Over – OSHA Publishes Final Hazard Communication Standard
http://www.ogletreedeakins.com/publications/2012-03-21/wait-over-–-osha-publishes-final-hazard-communication-standard
OSHA Announces Alignment of Haz Comm Standard with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals
http://ehstoday.com/standards/osha/osha-adopts-ghs-hazcomm-0320/
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