As the new Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation 29 CFR 1910.1200, moves industries into the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS), chemical manufacturers and importers will be required to provide new labels and safety data sheets (SDS). OSHA has provided deadlines for phasing in the regulation and is requiring retraining for workers on hazard communication. One key area of change under the GHS that will require training is the formatting of SDSs.
The new final regulation was published on March 26, 2012 and became effective May 25, 2012. OSHA defines the phase-in period deadlines of the revised Hazard Communication Standard as follows:
OSHA states that during the transition period to the completion dates, chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors, and employers may comply with either the final standard, or the current standard, or both. OSHA also states that during the phase-in period, employers would be required to be in compliance with either the existing HCS or the revised HCS, or both. The agency recognizes that hazard communication programs will go through a period of time where labels and SDSs under both standards will be present in the workplace. This will be considered acceptable, and employers are not required to maintain two sets of labels and SDSs for compliance purposes.
Currently, material safety data sheets (MSDS), inform workers of the risks and safety considerations associated with the chemicals they use. MSDSs follow a variety of arrangements, but under the GHS these sheets will be known as safety data sheets (SDSs) and they will follow a strict, 16-section format.
Much of the information found on GHS SDSs will be similar to what is currently presented, but formatting, section headings, and order of this information will be strictly standardized. Training sessions should focus on sections and sequence. This will help employees know what information is available and where to look for it, so they can quickly find the answers they need in the event of an emergency.
The following is a list of the 16 sections found on a SDS. These sections will always appear in this required order:
The GHS stresses the importance of training all workers involved with chemicals to interpret the new SDSs so they can understand chemical risks and safety precautions. Workers involved with chemicals include: emergency responders, workers involved in chemical manufacturing and transport, poison control staff, and agricultural pesticide users.
GHS training sessions can also be used as an opportunity to provide workers with important safety information on the proper use of personal protective equipment when handling hazardous chemicals. Including this information will bring additional value to training sessions.
Ensure workers are prepared and understand the new GHS standard, and begin training as soon as possible. This will help protect employees, limit injuries, and maintain productivity on the worksite.
If you have questions about the new GHS standard, give our Technical support reps a call at 1-888-201-6074, or email techsupport@northernsafety.com. They're here to help.