Trusight Inc.

Hazard Communication (Right-to-Know)

9/13/2011By Thomas J. Rinne

This fall OSHA is expected to publish its final rule which will offer a worldwide system of standards for handling hazardous chemicals in the workplace.  This ruling is the result of a long-standing effort to harmonize the complex laws and requirements of various agencies.   This rule will affect all companies who fall under Hazard Communication Standard or MN Right-to-Know.

OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) requires chemical manufacturers and importers to evaluate the hazards of the chemicals they produce or import and prepare labels and material safety data sheets to convey the hazards and associated protective measures to users of the chemicals. All employers with hazardous chemicals in their workplaces are required to have a hazard communication program, including labels on containers, material safety data sheets (MSDS), and training for employees.

Within the United States, there are other federal agencies that have requirements for classification and labeling of chemicals at different stages of the life cycle. Internationally, there are a number of countries that have developed similar laws that require information about chemicals to be prepared and transmitted to affected parties. These laws vary with regard to the scope of substances covered, definitions of hazards, the specificity of requirements (e.g., specification of a format for MSDSs), and the use of symbols and pictograms.

The inconsistencies between the various laws are substantial enough that different labels and safety data sheets must often be used for the same product when it is marketed in different nations. The diverse and sometimes conflicting national and international requirements can create confusion among those who seek to use hazard information. Labels and safety data sheets may include symbols and hazard statements that are unfamiliar to readers or not well understood. Containers may be labeled with such a large volume of information that important statements are not easily recognized. Development of multiple sets of labels and safety data sheets is a major compliance burden for chemical manufacturers, distributors, and transporters involved in international trade. Small businesses may have particular difficulty in coping with the complexities and costs involved.

In 2003, the United Nations adopted the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). Countries are now adopting the GHS into their national regulatory systems. OSHA is scheduled to publish the final rule in September 2011. This rule will affect all companies who fall under Hazard Communication Standard or MN Right-to-Know. New training will be required. Trusight will provide updated information as it becomes available.

Companies are encouraged to review the ruling carefully in order to ensure they stay in compliance w/ the new regulations.  To get the lastest on the OSHA updates, attend Trusight’s Right-To-Know Instructor Training Seminar on October 11, 2011.   For more information or to register, click here.

Author: Chuck Emnett, CSP Timberline Safety & Environmental, Trusight Contract Provider

Reference/Source: www.osha.gov