Hazard CommunicationThe largest change to OSHA’s Hazardous Communication Standard (HCS) goes into effect in 2015. The new standard is called the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS)
Intent of The New Standard• To provide employees with informationto help them make knowledgeable decisions about chemical hazards in their workplace
• According to OSHA, the original HCS gives employees the right to know and the GHS gives employees the right to understand.
GHS: Key Points
• Standardizes regulations across several countries
• Standardizes training requirements• Standardizes Safety Data Sheets (SDS)• These were formerly called MSDS
• Standardizes labeling requirements
Implementation DatesEffective Completion Date Requirement(s) Who
December 1, 2013 Train employees on the new label elements and SDS format. Employers
June 1, 2015*
December 1, 2015
Comply with all modified provisions of this final rule, except:
Distributors may ship products labeled by manufacturers under the old system until December 1, 2015.
Chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors and employers
June 1, 2016
Update alternative workplace labeling and hazard communication program as necessary, and provide additional employee training for newly identified physical or health hazards.
Employers
Transition PeriodComply with either 29 CFR 1910.1200 (this final standard), or the current standard, or both.
All chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors and employers
https://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/HCSFactsheet.html
Training
• Employees who handle hazardous chemicals must be trained on GHS by December 1, 2013.
• OSHA’s training factsheet: • https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3642.pdf
• Several free videos are available to aid in training. • Example:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCI7XXExs7s
SDS Requirements
• SDSs will have 16 standardized sections• Employers must ensure that SDSs are readily accessible to employees.
• SDSs will include hazards with pictograms (where appropriate) in section 2.
Pictograms
• DeVere’s SDSs will each be 4 pages long
• Each SDS will include the supplier information in Section 1
• The required contents of each section is available here: https://www.osha.gov/Publications/HazComm_QuickCard_SafetyData.html.
Example SDS
• As of June 1, 2015, all labels will be required to have pictograms, a signal word, hazard and precautionary statements, the product identifier, and supplier identification.
• Just like with the SDS, you can typically identify a GHS‐compliant label by the pictogram.
Label Requirements
Example Label (Left Panel)
Logo, product name,
marketing text, pictures & directions in left panel
Net contents in English & metric units
Kosher designation, lot code &
label revision date
Example Label (Right Panel)
Precautionary statement &
UPC
Signal word & hazard
statement
DOT shipping
description on 5gal & larger
hazardous productsCompany contact
information
Resources• Online: DeVere website, Facebook, Blog, and
Twitter• An SDS for each current DeVere product is on
the website• Customer service: Regulatory questions, sample
requests, orders, product support, and any other issues…
• [email protected], 800‐833‐8373
• OSHA’s full GHS guide: https://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/ghs.html
Please let us know how we can help you with OSHA or any other compliance issue.
Thank you