Hazard Communications Standard Enforcement By OSHA June 1, 2015
On June 1, 2015, OSHA’s new Hazard Communications Standard (HCS) will be enforced and will affect chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors and employers to ensure they are in compliance with all modified provisions of the HCS, other than the two exceptions for distributors and employers at 29 CFR 1910.1200(j)(2)(i) and (ii).
OSHA has indicated that it will go easy on enforcement at the onset which will help companies adjust to the changes.
The U.S. indicated that it was going to make changes in its own hazmat regulations and labeling requirement due to its signing on with the UN program. In 2012 OSHA modified its HCS program to bring it into line with the United Nations Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of chemical classification and labeling. The new GHS type label will have to be on any containers being shipped after the deadline of June 1, 2015.
The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) is an international approach to hazard communication, providing agreed criteria for classification of chemical hazards, and a standardized approach to label elements and safety data sheets. This will in affect allow the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to adopt the GHS which will improve safety and health of workers through a more effective communication on chemical hazards.
Terry Smeader
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Tags: GHS, Hazard Communications Standard, HCS, OSHA