New 2012 changes to OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) are bringing the U.S.  into alignment with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS), improving safety and health protections for America's workers.  These new revisions to 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: Chemical manufacturers and importers are required to determine the hazards of the chemicals they produce or import.  Hazard classification under the new, updated standard provides specific criteria to address health and physical hazards as well as classification of chemical mixtures.
• 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.
• Safety Data Sheets: The new format requires 16 specific sections, ensuring consistency in presentation of important protection information.
• Information and training: To facilitate understanding of the new system, the new standard requires that workers be trained by December 1, 2013 on the new label elements and safety data sheet format, in addition to the current training requirements.  (See training kits below)
  

What you need to do and when:

• Chemical users: Continue to update safety data sheets when new ones become available, provide training on the new label elements and update hazard communication programs if new hazards are identified.
• Chemical Producers: Review hazard information for all chemicals produced or imported, classify chemicals according to the new classification criteria, and update labels and safety data sheets.

Included with each 20 minute Hazard Communication Safety Video (DVD or VHS) is the printable Leader's Guide on CD, which includes the following:

• Video Program Outline
• Quiz (English & Spanish)
• Answer Key
• Training Log / Sign-in Form
• Certificate
• Copy of OSHA Standard (1910.1200)
• List of Site Specific Information
• Wallet Card / ID Card

The training Kit includes the Hazard Communication Safety DVD or VHS and a CD-Rom containing the following: PowerPoint Presentation (#PP12-101) & Hazard Communication Manual (M12-101).