This occupational safety and health standard is intended to address comprehensively the issue of classifying the potential hazards of chemicals, and communicating information concerning hazards and appropriate protective measures to employees, and to preempt any legislative or regulatory enactments of a state, or political subdivision of a state, pertaining to this subject.

When turnaround season comes to your facility, managers and turnaround personnel face a big dilemma: How do you successfully and safely complete the turnaround on a tight schedule?

OSHA’s hazard communication standard requires employers with hazardous chemicals in the workplace to implement a formal hazard communication program that includes processes for managing and maintaining safety data sheets, container labels, chemical inventory lists, a written HCS plan, and employee training on OSHA’s standard specific to the employer’s work environment. 

Back in 2012, OSHA aligned its Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom or HCS) with Revision 3 of the United Nation’s Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling (GHS), which resulted in the current HazCom 2012 Standard.

OSHA revised its Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to align with the United Nations' Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) and published it in the Federal Register in March 2012 (77 FR 17574).

OSHA inspectors found numerous hazards at an auto auction facility, after an accident that claimed the lives of five people. The tragedy at Lynnway Auto Auction Inc. occurred on May 3, 2017, when five people died of their injuries after being struck by a sport utility vehicle. The agency issued 16 citations to the company for motor vehicle hazards, blocked exit routes, violations of the hazard communication standard, and recordkeeping deficiencies.

DuPont Sustainable Solutions announced today that the company has released over 300 courses that are accessible from smartphones, tablets and laptops. The courseware is built using HTML5 technology and delivers full-screen video and a streamlined interface to provide an enriched learning experience. Featuring award-winning and SCORM-compliant content, the curriculum covers the latest workplace safety, human resources and maintenance issues.

With the deadlines for “Globally Harmonized System” (GHS) label compliance now past for chemical manufacturers, distributors, and end users, OSHA has some stiff fines planned for those not yet with the program.

Q: Is there a limit to the number of precautionary statements that appear on the label? A: No. OSHA requires all of the appropriate precautionary statements to appear on the label to warn users of the hazards of the chemical in question.

OSHA standard 1910.1200, covering toxic and hazardous substances, was updated to align with the UN Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).