OSHA Training Deadline for New Hazard Standard is December 1

In May of 2012, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced that changes would be coming to its Hazard Communication Standard. The goal of the changes was to improve worker understanding of the hazards associated with chemicals in the workplace.

There are three major changes being made to the standard:

• Hazard classification. Chemical manufacturers and importers will be required to determine the hazards of the chemicals they produce or import. 
• Labels. Chemical manufacturers and importers must provide a label that includes a signal word, pictogram, hazard statement and precautionary statement for each hazard class and category related to the product.  
• Material safety data sheets (MSDS). A new MSDS format is being implemented that requires 16 specific sections, ensuring consistency in the way information is presented. 

The first deadline related to these changes is rapidly approaching. By December 1, 2013, employers are required to train their employees on the changes that are being made. However, it’s important to remember that distributors may continue to ship products labeled under the old system until December 1, 2015.

OSHA believes that the changes to the standard will enhance understanding of hazards, especially for low- and limited-literacy workers. They also expect that it will reduce confusion in the workplace, facilitate safety training, result in safer handling and use of chemicals and provide workers with quicker and more efficient access to MSDS information.

To learn more about the new standard and download training materials, click here.