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Hazard Communication Standard Updated

True to its mission, OSHA is always working to assure America’s workers have safe and healthful working conditions, OSHA has recently updated The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). The update seeks to better align the HCS with Revision 7 of the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification, as well as improve alignment with other federal agencies and international trading partners. The updated standard will improve effectiveness by better informing employees about chemical hazards in the workplace. This final rule will increase worker protections and reduce the incidences of chemical-related occupational illnesses and injuries by improving the information on the labels and safety data sheets for hazardous chemicals.

Highlights of the Changes

  • Enhanced Information on Labels and SDS
  • Clearer Hazard Classification
  • Improved Physical Hazard Classes
  • Streamlined Precautionary Statements

With these changes, even labels on small containers will be more comprehensive and readable, so that workers have crucial hazard information easily available. The update also addresses trade secret concerns, while also ensuring critical safety information remains accessible on SDS. OSHA revised the classification process to provide complete and accurate hazard information on labels and SDS so that workers understand the chemicals they handle and make informed decisions. Updates to physical hazard classifications will better inform workers on the safe handling of explosives, aerosols, and chemicals under pressure. In addition, updated precautionary statements will provide clearer instructions on handling, storing, and disposing of hazardous chemicals. 

In light of these updates to the Hazard Communication Standard, we have updated a series of three Hazard Communication training programs. At NSC we strive to ensure that our training programs contain the most relevant and up to date content for your training efforts.

Updated Training Programs

Hazard Communication 

The number of existing chemical products is estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands with hundreds of new ones being introduced into the workplace each year.  This poses a serious problem for exposed workers and their employers. This training program has been developed to assist with training all employees concerning chemical products and the hazards they present.

Hazard Communication: Safety Data Sheets

Thousands of chemicals are used in our personal lives and at work.  Most of us encounter chemicals at work on a daily basis. While many chemicals are relatively harmless when handled properly, many are dangerous substances by nature. With some chemicals, the simple act of pouring from one container to another can be hazardous. All chemicals can pose serious physical and/or health hazards when transported, handled, or used improperly. Manufacturers are constantly developing new chemicals to be used in ever widening ways.  Without accurate adequate knowledge about these chemicals, their hazards, and appropriate precautionary measures, employees are at a great risk of harmful and even fatal accidents.

Hazard Communication: Chemical Safety

The basic goal of any effective Hazard Communication program is to ensure the safety of the employee who works with and around different hazardous chemicals. Each and every workday, over 30 million workers in the U.S. are potentially exposed to a chemical hazard. Exposure to chemicals can cause serious physical and health problems. For employees to be safe when dealing with chemicals, information must be transmitted to them about the identities and hazards of the chemicals. This training program was created to assist with training employees concerning these chemical products and the hazards they present. The focus of this training will be the chemical label.

Overall, this significant revision to the Hazard Communication Standard OSHA aims to better inform employees about chemical hazards in the workplace. The rule does this by improving the quality and accessibility of information on chemical labels and safety data sheets (SDS). It is vital that employers and employees have training that is in alignment with these revisions.

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