OSHA Publishes Final Hazard Communication Rule

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released its final revised Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). The revised HCS, which aligns with the United Nations' Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS), will be fully implemented in 2016.

The revised standard primarily affects manufacturers and importers of hazardous chemicals. The current HCS requires that chemical manufacturers and importers evaluate the chemicals they produce or import and provide hazard information to downstream employers and employees by placing labels on containers and preparing Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) (formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheets). All employers with hazardous chemicals in their workplaces are required to have a hazard communication program that includes employee training. The current HCS establishes requirements for minimum information that must be included on labels and the SDSs but does not provide specific language