Under the revised Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) announced by OSHA this week, employers are required to train workers on the new label elements and SDS format by December 1, 2013. Chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors, and employers must comply with all modified provisions of the final rule by June 1, 2015. However, distributors may ship products labeled by manufacturers under the old system until December 1, 2015. By June 1, 2016, employers must update alternative workplace labeling and hazard communication programs as necessary, and provide additional worker training for new identified physical and health hazards. During this transition period, all chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors, and employers may comply with either 29 CFR 1910.1200 (this final standard), or the current standard, or both.

Click here for more information about the phase-in dates required under the revised Hazard Communication Standard.

OSHA has issued several new educational resources to provide workers and employers helpful information about OSHA's harmonized Hazard Communication Standard. QuickCards on safety data sheets, labels and pictograms are available here in both English and Spanish. More details about OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard Final Rule are also available in OSHA's new fact sheet.
 
More information for workers, employers and downstream users of hazardous chemicals can be reviewed at OSHA's Safety and Health Topics page on Hazard Communication, which includes links to OSHA's revised Hazard Communication Standard and guidance materials such as frequently asked questions, QuickCards, and OSHA's Guide to the GHS.