OSHA issued a final rule updating the Hazard Communication Standard (Haz-Com Standard) to align with the seventh revision of the United Nations' Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). The rule was published on May 20, 2024, and became law on July 19, 2024.
The Hazard Communication Standard:
OSHA's Haz-Com Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200, generally requires employers to provide employees with information about chemical hazards and associated protective measures. In long-term care communities, communication of chemical hazards most frequently occurs through training, chemical container labels, and Safety Data Sheets (SDS). These general requirements have been and will remain in place, even with the current update.
Overview of the Updates:
The updated standard aims to enhance the effectiveness of the Haz-Com Standard by providing employees with better information about chemical hazards in the workplace. The changes require improved information on labels and Safety Data Sheets for hazardous chemicals. Additionally, the final rule addresses issues that have arisen since the 2012 standard and improves alignment with other federal agencies and Canada.
Much of the updated standard is geared toward manufacturers and distributors of chemicals, as they typically provide labels and SDSs to the employer. However, it is ultimately the employer’s responsibility to ensure that the labels are accurate, SDSs are updated, and employees are trained. To account for the distinction between manufacturers and employers, OSHA’s updated standard has compliance deadlines for manufacturers and distributors first, followed by compliance deadlines for employers. For ease of reference, here is a table with the compliance dates:
Additional Resources:
If nothing else, the updated standard is an opportunity for all long-term care centers to update their labels, SDSs, and training:
All employers shall, as necessary, update any alternative workplace labeling used under paragraph (f)(6) of this section, update the hazard communication program required by paragraph (h)(1), and provide any additional employee training in accordance with paragraph (h)(3) for newly identified physical hazards, health hazards, or other hazards covered under this section.
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this link for updated Fed Reg text, without appendices, for ease of reference.