The deadline to complete staff training for compliance with the Occupational Safety and Healthy Administration revised Hazard Communication Standard is quickly approaching. OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard, which has been in place since 1983, has been revised to align with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
The new system is designed to provide a common and coherent approach to classifying chemicals and communicating hazard information on labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS), formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), the labor department says.
The new standards will include new labels with new product identifiers, signal words, pictograms that describe the threat with universally accepted images, hazard statements, precautionary statements and full contact information for the manufacturer, distributor or importer.
SDS training must include information on the newly formatted, 16-part SDS template. In that template format, the new SDS labels will include:
Section 1 is always product identification,
Section 2 hazard identification,
Section 3 composition/information on ingredients,
Section 4 first aid,
Section 5 fire-fighting measures,
Section 6 accidental release measures,
Section 7 handling and storage,
Section 8 exposure controls/personal protection,
Section 9 physical and chemical properties,
Section 10 stability and reactivity,
Section 11 toxicological information,
Section 12 ecological information,
Section 13 disposal considerations,
Section 15 regulatory information,
Section 16 other information.
Under the OSH Act, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace. OSHA's mission is to assure safe and healthful workplaces by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance. OSHA requires all training be completed in a manner and language that employees understand, including making accommodations for those with limited or no reading skills. Training must be completed by Dec. 1, as some products already are utilizing the new system, according to OSHA.
Chemical manufacturers must be in compliance with all facets of the rule by June 1, 2015, and distributors cannot ship product with old labels after Dec. 1, 2015. Employers have until June 1, 2016 to have updated labeling posted in the workplace and complete any training for newly identified hazards.