Highlights:
The standard that gave workers the right to know, now gives them the right to understand.
Safety & Health Topics Page: Hazard Communication
Labeling Safety Data Sheets Pictograms Effective Dates
The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) is now aligned with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). This update to the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) will provide a common and coherent approach to classifying chemicals and communicating hazard information on labels and safety data sheets. Once implemented, the revised standard will improve the quality and consistency of hazard information in the workplace, making it safer for workers by providing easily understandable information on appropriate handling and safe use of hazardous chemicals. This update will also help reduce trade barriers and result in productivity improvements for American businesses that regularly handle, store, and use hazardous chemicals while providing cost savings for American businesses that periodically update safety data sheets and labels for chemicals covered under the hazard communication standard.
Hazard Communication StandardIn order to ensure chemical safety in the workplace, information about the identities and hazards of the chemicals must be available and understandable to workers. OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) requires the development and dissemination of such information:
Major changes to the Hazard Communication Standard
Frequently Asked QuestionsQ. What is the Globally Harmonized System? Q. Why did OSHA decide to modify the Hazard Communication Standard to adopt the GHS? Q. What is the phase-in period in the revised Hazard Communication Standard? Q. What Hazard Communication Standard provisions are unchanged in the revised HCS? Q. How will chemical hazard evaluation change under the revised Hazard Communication Standard? Q. How will labels change under the revised Hazard Communication Standard? Q. Can I use a black border on pictograms for domestic shipment? Q. Will OSHA allow blank red borders? Q. When must label information be updated? Q. How will workplace labeling provisions be changing under the revised Hazard Communication Standard? Q. How is the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) changing under the revised Hazard Communication Standard? Q. Will TLVs be required on the Safety Data Sheet (SDS)? Q. How has OSHA addressed pyrophoric gases, simple asphyxiants, and combustible dust? Q: How many businesses and workers would be affected by the revised Hazard Communication Standard? Q: What are the estimated benefits attributable to the revised Hazard Communication Standard? OSHA's Complete Set of Question and Answers Provisional agenda for the twenty-third session Stakeholder meeting: DATE: May 11, 2012, beginning at 10 a.m., in Washington,
DC. OSHA WEB PORTAL
Submit your comments for the upcoming session of the GHS Sub-committee meeting here.
Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)
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