OSHA Aligns Hazard Communication Standard with the United Nations' Globally Harmonized System of Classification
and Labeling of Chemicals
Summary of Changes
The revised Hazard Communication Standard will now provide specific criteria for health and physical hazards to help chemical manufacturers and importers classify chemical hazards. Hazard classification is the procedure of identifying and evaluating available scientific evidence to determine if a chemical is hazardous, and the degree of the hazard.
Chemical manufacturers and importers will be required to provide new labels that include a harmonized signal word, pictogram, and hazard statement based on the hazard classification. Precautionary statements must also be provided. Safety data sheets (SDS) will have a specified 16-section format.
The modified HCS will also require that workers receive information and training by December 1, 2013 to facilitate recognition and understanding of the new labels and safety data sheets.
visit OSHA's HazCom page here
Hazard Communication Standard Pictogram
As of June 1, 2015, the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) will require pictograms on labels to alert users of the chemical hazards to which they may be exposed. Each pictogram consists of a symbol on a white background framed within a red border and represents a distinct hazard(s). The pictogram on the label is determined by the chemical hazard classification.
See the new HazCom Pictograms here
The Final Rule was filed on March 20th at the Office of the Federal Register and available for viewing on their Public Electronic Inspection Desk. The Federal Register published the final rule on March 26, 2012. The effective date of the final rule is 60 days after the date of publication.
Posted on
Fri, April 13, 2012
by Leslie Rex Stockel, CSP