GHS Compliance - The Basics

In March of 2012, OSHA published its revised Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) which aligned it with the United Nation's Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. These changes were implemented to improve worker safety and understanding of the hazards associated with chemicals in the workplace.   

Among the significant changes in the revised standard is the requirement of new labeling elements and a standardized format for Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), formerly Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs). The definitions of hazard have been changed to provide specific criteria for classification of health and physical hazards, as well as classification of mixtures, that will help to ensure that evaluations of hazardous effects are consistent across manufacturers, and that labels and safety data sheets are more accurate as a result. SDS sheets will now have a specified 16-section format. 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.  

Free Resources Are Available! 

By December 1, 2013, OSHA requires employers to have trained their employees so they have an understanding of the new label elements (i.e. pictograms, hazard statements, precautionary statements, and signal words) and the new SDS format. To help employers meet this deadline, OSHA has published several free publications and even several You Tube videos that meet the requirements for this training. Below are several links to these free resources:

OSHA Hazard Communication Standard Final Rule Fact Sheet

OSHA Hazard Communication Training Requirements Fact Sheet (PDF) 

OSHA Hazard Communication Standard: Safety Data Sheets Brief 

OSHA Hazard Communication Labeling Quick Card

OSHA Hazard Communication Safety Data Sheets Quick Card

OSHA Hazard Communication Standard Pictogram Quick Card

The following are free You Tube videos provided compliments of OSHA Training Services Inc. These informational videos are free for employers to use as part of their worker training program.

                 Free OSHA Training Tutorial -                   Free OSHA Training Tutorial -     

       Understanding the GHS Labeling System  Understanding GHS Safety Data Sheets 

Teach Them Well  

With these tools, employers should have everything they need to train their workers as per the requirements and meet the OSHA deadline. OSHA is the enforcing body for these changes and they have put into place a schedule to phase in the specific requirements over the next three years. Click here for a complete list of phase-in dates required under the revised Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). For more information on these and other related topics, click here for the OSHA Hazard Communication main page or call OSHA at (800) 321-OSHA.   

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We only have a few classes left for 2013 and they're filling up fast.  We've recently added another Lithium Battery Class in December to accommodate the booming response we've received. Register today to guarantee your seat before they're gone!