WASHINGTON – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued a final rule updating the current Hazard Communication Standard to “better protect workers.”

The rule seeks to increase the amount and quality of the information on labels and safety data sheets.

“This update will provide a common and coherent approach to classifying chemicals and communicating hazard information on labels and safety data sheets,” OSHA said. “This update will also help reduce trade barriers and result in productivity improvements for American businesses that regularly handle, store and use hazardous chemicals while providing cost savings for American businesses that periodically update safety data sheets and labels for chemicals covered under the hazard communication standard.”

Chemical manufacturers and importers will be required to provide a label that includes a harmonized signal word, pictogram, and hazard statement for each hazard class and category. Precautionary statements must also be provided.

Employers are required to train workers on the new labels’ elements and safety data sheets format to facilitate recognition and understanding. Safety data sheets will now have a specified 16-section format.

See more here.

See also:

• OSHA ramps up ‘excessive noise’ penalties, targets wood manufacturers
• With concerns over flash fires, OSHA extends oversight of combustible dust program

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