Deadline for hazard comm requirements

Employers must meet OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard by December 1, 2012, if they handle hazardous chemicals in the workplace

By Greg Hale, ISSSource April 23, 2013

By Dec. 1, 2012, all employers with hazardous chemicals in the workplace must conduct new training for workers on the new Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard revised to align it with the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals.

This update to the Hazard Communication Standard provides a common and coherent approach to classifying chemicals and communicating hazard information on labels and safety data sheets.

Chemical manufacturers and importers must now provide a label that includes a harmonized signal word, pictogram, and hazard statement for each hazard class and category. It must also include precautionary statements. In addition, Safety Data Sheets will now have a specified 16-section format.

The deadline is by December 1, all employers with hazardous chemicals in the workplace must conduct new training for workers on the new label elements and safety data sheets format to facilitate recognition and understanding.

OSHA has prepared materials to assist employers in complying with the new updates. The Hazard Communication Web page explains the changes and contains materials including: a new fact sheet that reviews the new training requirements, new QuickCards that review the new pictogram label requirements and a brief on labels and pictograms.