The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA; Washington, D.C.; www.osha.gov) revised its Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), aligning it with the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. The revised HCS will be fully implemented in 2016 and is expected to benefit workers by reducing confusion about chemical hazards in the workplace, facilitating safety training and improving understanding of the hazards, especially for low-literacy workers.
Specifically, modifications to the standard include: revised criteria for classification of chemical hazards; revised labeling provisions that include requirements for use of standardized signal words, pictograms, hazard statements, and precautionary statements; a specified format for safety data sheets; and related revisions to definitions of terms used in the standard, as well as requirements for employee training on labels and safety data sheets.
OSHA is also modifying provisions of other standards, including standards for flammable and combustible liquids, process safety management, and most substance-specific health standards, to ensure consistency with the modified HCS requirements.
OSHA says the new standard, once implemented, will prevent 43 deaths and result in an estimated $475.2 million in enhanced productivity for U.S. businesses each year.
During the transition period to the effective completion dates noted in the standard, chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors and employers may comply with either 29 Code of Federal Regulations 1910.1200 (the final standard), the current standard or both. The final rule can be viewed at http://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/GHSfinal-rule.pdf.