Action Summary |
Hazard communication in the workplace is currently addressed by many different international, national, and state authorities. These existing requirements are not always consistent and often contain different definitions of hazards and varying provisions for what information is required on labels and safety data sheets (SDSs), formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs).
In this final rule, federal OSHA has modified its Hazard Communication Standard (HAZCOM) in General Industry, Part 1910; Construction, Part 1926; and Shipyard Employment, Part 1915, that contain hazard classification and communication provisions so that they will be internally consistent and aligned with the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) and, as a result, would enhance worker safety and facilitate international trade. The modifications to the standard include:
• revised criteria for classification of chemical hazards;
• revised labeling provisions that include requirements for use of standardized signal words, pictograms, hazard statements, and precautionary statements;
• a specified format for safety data sheets; and
• related revisions to definitions of terms used in the standard, and requirements for employee training on labels and safety data sheets. [77 FR 17683]
Federal OSHA has also modified provisions of other standards, including standards for flammable and combustible liquids for both General Industry and Construction, §§1910.106 and 1926.152, respectively, to align the requirements of the standards with the GHS hazard categories for flammable liquids. Modifications to the Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals standard, §1910.119, will ensure that the scope of the standard is not changed by the revisions to the HAZCOM. In addition, modifications have been made to most of OSHA’s substance-specific health standards, to ensuring that requirements for signs and labels and safety data sheets (SDSs) are consistent with the modified HAZCOM. [77 FR 17582]
There are three information communication components in this system – labels, SDSs, and employee training, all of which are essential to the effective functioning of the program. Labels provide a brief, but immediate and conspicuous, summary of hazard information at the site where the chemical is use. SDSs proved detailed technical information and serve as a reference source for exposed employees, industrial hygienists, safety professionals, emergency responders, health care professionals, and other interested parties. Training is designed to ensure that employees understand the chemical hazards in their workplace and are aware of protective measures to follow. Labels, SDSs, and training are complementary parts of a comprehensive hazard communication program—each element reinforces the knowledge necessary for effective protection of employees. [77 FR 17676]
Like Federal OSHA, VOSH is seeking to use the extended the phase-in period for this final rule with the same federal date schedule for implementation so that the additional time granted to manufacturers, distributors, and users of chemicals will serve to reduce the transitional costs associated with this rule. [77 FR 17679]
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