CANCEL-Hazard Communications (HCS)/Globally Harmonized Systems (GHS)

HAZARDOUS COMMUNICATIONS (HCS)/GLOBALLY HARMONIZED SYSTEM (GHS) 

Obtain documentation that states you met the new WAC training requirements 

Changes to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) are bringing the United States into alignment with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS), further improving safety and health protection for America's workers. By December 2013, employees who work with hazardous chemicals need to be trained on the new Hazard Communication Standard. Building on the success of OSHA's current Hazard Communication Standard, the GHS is expected to prevent injuries and illnesses, save lives, and improve trade conditions for chemical manufacturers. The Hazard Communication Standard in 1983 gave the workers the 'right to know,' but the new Globally Harmonized System gives workers the 'right to understand.'

The NEW Hazard Communication Standard still requires chemical manufacturers and importers to evaluate the chemicals they produce or import and provide hazard information to employers and workers by putting labels on containers and preparing safety data sheets. However, the old standard allowed chemical manufacturers and importers to convey hazard information on labels and material safety data sheets in whatever format they chose. The modified standard provides a single set of harmonized criteria for classifying chemicals according to their health and physical hazards and specifies hazard communication elements for labeling and safety data sheets.

Major Changes to the Hazard Communication Standard:

* Hazard classification: Provides specific criteria for classification of health and physical hazards, as well as classification mixtures.

* Labels: Chemical manufacturers and importers will be required to provide a label that includes a harmonized signal word, pictogram, and hazard statement for each hazard class and category. Precautionary statements must also be provided.

* Safety Data Sheets: Will now have a specified 16-section format.

* Information and training: Employers are required to train workers by December 1, 2013 on the new labels elements and safety data sheets format to facilitate recognition and understanding.

Instructor, Kris Alberti, CAPS, CGP