Um, no, this is not exactly what we meant by global harmonization…
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) has finalized its rule intended to conform the Hazard Communication Standard to the UN Globally Harmonized System for Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). The 858-page (gah!) rule can be downloaded here. It is expected to be published in the March 26 Federal Register.
The revisions introduce several important changes to the Hazard Communication Standard:
- Hazard classification under the new, updated standard provides specific criteria to address health and physical hazards as well as classification of chemical mixtures.
- Chemical manufacturers and importers must provide a label that includes a signal word, pictogram, hazard statement, and precautionary statement for each hazard class and category.
- The new format for Safety Data Sheets (no longer Material Safety Data Sheets, or MSDS) requires 16 specific sections, ensuring consistency in presentation of important protection information.
- Workers must be trained by December 1, 2013 on the new label elements and safety data sheet format, in addition to current training requirements.
The implementation schedule for the revised Hazard Communication Standard is as follows:
- by December 1, 2013, employers must train employees on the new label elements and SDS (Safety Data Sheet) format.
- by June 1, 2015, employers and chemical manufacturers, importers or distributors must comply with most of the provisions of the modified standard. However, Distributors may ship products labeled by manufacturers under the old system until December 1, 2015.
- By June 1, 2016, employers should update alternative workplace labeling and their hazard communication programs as necessary, and provide additional employee training for newly identified physical or health hazards.
During the transition period, affected employers, manufacturers, importers and distributors may choose to comply with this revised standard, the current Hazard Communication Standard, or both.
For more information, you can visit the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard page or contact T. Cozzie Consulting. We’ll be glad to help you with development and implementation of your Hazard Communication Program.
…that’s not quite it, either…