OSHA Revised Hazard Communication Standard What you need to know and your responsibility under the new rules
Major Changes Hazard Classification Labels Safety Data Sheets (SDS) Information and Training Deadlines
The new guidelines OSHA revised its Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to align with the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) GHS focuses on “classifying” rather then “evaluating” chemicals
Hazard Classification Formerly “Determination” Health Hazards Acute Toxicity Skin Corrosion/Irritant Serious Eye Damage/Irritant Respiratory or Skin Sensitization Germ Cell Mutagenicity Carcinogenicity Reproductive Toxicity Specific Target Organ Toxicity Single Exposure Specific Target Organ Toxicity Repeat or Prolonged Exposure Physical Criteria Explosives Flammable Gases, Aerosols, Liquids, Solids Oxidizing Gases, Liquids, Solids, Peroxides Gases Under Pressure Self-Reactive Chemicals Pyrophoric Liquids, Solids Self-Heating Chemicals Chemicals that come in contact with water, emit flammable gases Corrosive to Metals
Labels Must include the following information: – Product Identifier – Supplier Identification – Signal Words (Danger, Warning) – Hazard Statements (i.e., fatal if swallowed) – Pictograms – Precautionary Statements Prevention (Personal Protection, Procedures) Response (if exposed) Storage Disposal May include “Supplementary Hazard Information” – These are things like directions for use, date of expiration, etc.
Health Hazard Carcinogen Respiratory Sensitizer Mutagenicity Target Organ Toxicity Reproductive Toxicity Aspiration Toxicity
Flame Flammables Pyrophorics Self-Heating Emits Flammable gas Self-Reactives Organic Peroxides
Exclamation Mark Irritant (skin and eye) Skin Sensitizer Acute Toxicity (harmful) Narcotic Effects Respiratory Tract Irritant Hazardous to Ozone Layer (Non-mandatory)
Gas Cylinder Gases Under Pressure
Corrosion Skin Corrosion/Burns Eye Damage Corrosive to Metals
Exploding Bomb Explosives Self-Reactives Organic Peroxides
Flame Over Circle Oxidizers
Environmental (Non-Mandatory) Aquatic Toxicity
Skull and Crossbones Acute Toxicity (fatal or toxic)
Safety Date Sheets (SDS) Formerly: Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) Will include much of the same information. The information is now just required to be formatted in a standard layout of 16 different sections Sections 1-11, 16 are mandatory under OSHA (sections are not mandatory under OSHA)
Safety Data Sheets (SDS) Sections Include – Section 1: Identification – Section 2: Hazard Identification – Section 3: Composition/Information on Ingredients – Section 4: First-Aid Measures – Section 5: Fire-Fighting Measures – Section 6: Accidental Release Measures – Section 7: Handling and Storage – Section 8: Exposure Controls/PPE – Section 9: Physical and Chemical Properties – Section 10: Stability and Reactivity – Section 11: Toxicological Information – Section 12: Ecological Information – Section 13: Disposal Considerations – Section 14: Transport Information – Section 15: Regulatory Information – Section 16: Other Information Including Date of Preparation or Last Revision
HazCom Program This is a written policy for your business regarding the employees “right to know” the exposures they might face in the workplace. – “The HCS provides people the right-to-know the hazards and identities of the chemicals they are exposed to in the workplace. When employees have this information, they may effectively participate in their employers’ protective programs and take steps to protect themselves. In addition, the standard gives employers the information they need to design and implement an effective protective program for employees potentially exposed to hazardous chemicals. Together these actions will result in a reduction of chemical source illnesses and injuries in American workplaces. ”
HazCom Program An individual within the company must be assigned to the task of overseeing the HazCom program. Part of their responsibilities include: – Maintaining a list of chemicals in use – Updating the list as new chemicals are purchased – Providing additional training as new hazards are introduced – Make sure SDS’s on file are current and up-to-date There are model HazCom programs available as well as free software tools to help you create your own program.
HazCom Program Important Note: SDS’s must be kept in janitorial closets AND company automobiles
Important Dates December 1, 2013: – You must have all employees trained on the new label elements and SDS format – You may want to document this training (paid mandatory training session, sign off sheet or exam) June 1, 2015: – All chemicals shipped after this date must be labeled under the new system June 1, 2016: – Employers must have in place all Safety Data Sheets, Labels and HazCom programs which are in compliance with the new OSHA standard.