The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Society for Chemical Hazard Communication (SCHC) recognize
the value of establishing a collaborative relationship to foster safer and more healthful American workplaces. OSHA and SCHC
hereby form an Alliance to provide SCHC's members and others, including small businesses, with information, guidance, and
access to training resources that will help them protect employees' health and safety, particularly by addressing issues
associated with Hazard Communication and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) in the workplace. In addition, the Alliance will
work to distribute information and increase awareness about the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and
Labeling of Chemicals. To the extent appropriate, activities and products resulting from this Alliance will be developed and
shared with the States.
OSHA and SCHC will work together to achieve the following training and education goal:
- Develop training and education programs to assist employers in complying with hazard communication requirements, and in
preparing labels and MSDSs. Arrange to have these programs delivered in various locations around the country to reach small
businesses.
OSHA and SCHC will work together to achieve the following outreach and communication goals:
- Develop and disseminate information through print and electronic media, including electronic assistance tools and links
from OSHA's and SCHC's Web sites.
- Share information with, provide technical expertise and contribute to publications regarding safety and health issues,
including Hazard Communication, MSDSs and the GHS.
- Speak, exhibit, or appear at OSHA's and SCHC's conferences and local meetings, such as the SCHC's Spring and Fall meetings.
- Work with other Alliance participants on specific issues and projects related to Hazard Communication, MSDSs and the GHS
that are addressed and developed through the Alliance Program.
- Build relationships with OSHA's Regional and Area Offices and Ed Centers and present training seminars that address health
and safety issues, including Hazard Communication, MSDSs and the GHS.
- Cross-train OSHA personnel and industry safety and health professionals in SCHC's effective approaches, as
jointly determined by OSHA and SCHC.
- Promote and encourage SCHC's members' participation in OSHA's cooperative programs such as compliance assistance, the
Voluntary Protection Programs, Consultation, and its Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program.
OSHA and SCHC will work together to achieve the following goal related to promoting the national dialogue
on workplace safety and health:
- Convene or participate in forums, round table discussions, or stakeholder meetings on Hazard Communication, MSDS and GHS
issues to provide input and help forge innovative solutions in the workplace.
OSHA's Alliances provide parties an opportunity to participate in a voluntary cooperative relationship with OSHA for purposes
such as training and education, outreach and communication and promoting a national dialogue on workplace safety and health.
These Alliances have proved to be valuable tools for both OSHA and its Alliance participants. By entering into an Alliance
with a party, OSHA is not endorsing any of that party's products or services; nor does the Agency enter into an Alliance with
the purpose of promoting a particular party's products or services.
An implementation team made up of representatives of both organizations will meet to develop a plan of action, determine
working procedures, and identify the roles and responsibilities of the participants. In addition, they will meet at least
quarterly to track and share information on activities and results in achieving the goals of the Alliance. Team members will
include representatives of OSHA's Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs, the Directorate of Standards and Guidance,
and any other appropriate offices. OSHA will encourage State Plan States' and OSHA Consultation Projects' participation on
the team.
This agreement will remain in effect for two years. Either signatory may terminate it for any reason at any time, provided
they give 30 days written notice. This agreement may be modified at any time with the concurrence of both signatories.
John Henshaw
Assistant Secretary
Occupational Safety and
Health Administration |
Date |
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Michele R. Sullivan
Chair, Board of Directors
Society for Chemical Hazard Communication |
Date |
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