Exposure to hazardous chemicals is one of the most serious threats facing U.S. workers today. And to help contractors and workers better understand the hazards and safety measures associated with chemicals in their workplace, OSHA recently revised its Hazard Communication Standard (HCS).
The latest HCS updates — which went into effect December 1, 2013 — give workers not only the right to know what chemicals they are being exposed to but also to understand how, exactly, to work with them, thanks to a more coherent approach to communicating hazard information on labels and safety data sheets.
OSHA revised its HCS to align with the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). You probably heard about the changes back in December, but to make it easy and to put on your radar some critical timelines (some of which are past due), here’s what you need know.
Two significant changes in the revised standard are:
- the use of new labeling elements
- a standardized format for Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)
To help companies comply with the revised standard, OSHA is phasing in the specific requirements over several years, from December 1, 2013 to June 1, 2016. By now, employers are required to have trained their workers on the new label elements and the SDS format.
What does the HCS training involve? Essentially, it means familiarizing your employees with the following topics:
Product identifier – how the hazardous chemical is identified. This can be the chemical name, code number, or batch number. The same product identifier must be both on the label and the SDS.
Signal word – used on the label to alert workers to a potential hazard and the level of severity of the hazard. There are only two signal words: “Danger” and “Warning.” Within a specific hazard class, “Danger” is used for the more severe hazards, while “Warning” is used for less severe hazards.
Pictogram – OSHA has designated nine pictograms to identify different types of hazards, ranging from an exploding bomb to call attention to explosives and self-reactive materials and a skull and crossbones to indicate acute toxicity. Eight of the pictograms are mandatory, while one (for the environment) is not.
The required pictograms must be in the shape of a square set at a point and include a black hazard symbol on a white background with a red frame. They need to be clearly visible on the label.
Hazard statement(s) – describes the nature and degree of a chemical’s hazards. For example: “Causes damage to kidneys through prolonged or repeated exposure when absorbed through the skin.” All of the applicable hazard statements must appear on the label, and chemical users should always see the same statement for the same hazards, no matter what the chemical is or who produces it.
Precautionary statement(s) – describes recommended measures to minimize or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure to a hazardous chemical or improper storage or handling.
Manufacturer of the chemical – provides the name, address, and phone number of the chemical manufacturer, distributor, or importer.
Along with teaching your employees how to read and understand the new labeling elements, explain how information on the label can be used to ensure proper storage of hazardous chemicals — and how to quickly locate first-aid information, if needed.
As for the updated Safety Data Sheets, make sure you go over the standardized 16-section format, including the type of information found in each section. For example, your employees need to understand that Section 8 (Exposure Controls/Personal Protection) will always contain information about exposure limits, engineering controls, and ways to protect yourself.
As with all training, OSHA requires you to present information in a manner and language that your employees can understand. If you need help training your staff on the new hazard communication standard, contact Diversified Safety Services today to learn about our full range of occupational safety training and consulting services.
