OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard Update - Training Deadline For Employers Is December 1

In 2012, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) modified its existing Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom) (29 CFR 1919.1200) to conform with the United Nations' Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). OSHA's position is that the modifications will improve the quality and consistency of information provided to employers and employees regarding chemical hazards and protective measures.

HazCom requires chemical manufacturers and importers to evaluate the hazards of the chemicals they produce or import and to prepare labels and safety data sheets (SDSs) to convey the hazard information to their downstream customers. In addition, employers with hazardous chemicals in their workplaces are required to label the chemicals, have available SDSs for their potentially exposed workers and train employees on chemical hazards.