The labeling of hazardous chemicals has been undergoing a significant change in the past few years with important implications for the construction safety industry. Originating from a United Nations consensus and followed by OSHA, these revisions will have a permanent impact on all those who come into contact with a variety of hazardous chemicals. Here’s what you need to know:
The Globally Harmonized Systems of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) was adopted by the United Nations in 2003 and since then OSHA has moved to align its own Hazard Communication standard (HCS) with the GHS.
The revised HCS has specific criteria for each health and physical hazard, along with detailed instructions for hazard evaluation. It also establishes both hazard classes and hazard categories—for most of the effects; the classes are divided into categories that reflect the relative severity of the effect.
This new approach provides additional information related to the appropriate response to address specific hazards and impacts employers, employees, distributors, manufacturers, among others.
OSHA has listed the major changes under four categories:
- Hazard classification: Chemical manufacturers and importers are required to determine the hazards of the chemicals they produce or import. Hazard classification under the new, updated standard provides specific criteria to address health and physical hazards as well as classification of chemical mixtures.
- Labels: Chemical manufacturers and importers must provide a label that includes a signal word, pictogram, hazard statement, and precautionary statement for each hazard class and category.
- Safety Data Sheets: The new format requires 16 specific sections, ensuring consistency in presentation of important protection information.
- Information and training: To facilitate understanding of the new system, the new standard requires that workers be trained by December 1, 2013 on the new label elements and safety data sheet format, in addition to the current training requirements.
Under the current Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), the label preparer must provide the identity of the chemical, and the appropriate hazard warnings. This may be done in a variety of ways, and the method to convey the information is left to the preparer. Under the revised HCS, once the hazard classification is completed, the standard specifies what information is to be provided for each hazard class and category.
There is a phase-in period for the HCS, which details when employees need to be trained on new label elements, compliance with provisions of the modified rule, and how manufacturers and distributors must comply with new labeling requirements.
By June 2016, employers are expected to use updated alternative workplace labeling and hazard communication as necessary and provide additional employee training for newly identified physical or health hazards.
OSHA has many resources for coming up to speed during this this transition period. Diversified Safety Services is also ready to help you navigate this often complex topic. Contact our office for more information.
