HazCom 2012 – Intro and Overview toAdoption of GHS in U.S.

• Understand background of GHS and Hazard Communication Standard changes

• Review major changes to the Hazard Communication Standard

• Identify effective dates and summarize

Course Objectives

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GHS History

• UN Conference on Environment & Development (UNCED), in 1992, in Brazil• “A globally-harmonized hazard classification and

compatible labeling system, including material safety data sheets and easily understandable symbols, should be available, if feasible, by the year 2000”

GHS

• HazCom 1983 gave workers “right to know;” new Globally Harmonized System gives workers “right to understand”

GHS isn’t…

• Model regulation or standard that can simply be adopted• Is framework• Has criteria or provisions & explanatory text

• Countries & authorities will choose those parts of system that apply to sphere of regulation & prepare implementing text consistent with own requirements

GHS is…

• Comprehensive tool that harmonizes chemical classification & hazard communication

• Framework that covers all hazardous chemical substances, dilute solutions & mixtures

• Classification based on hazard properties of chemical

GHS is…

• Common & coherent approach to defining & classifying hazards, & communicating information on labels & safety data sheets

• Target audiences include workers, consumers, transport workers, & emergency responders

• Provides underlying infrastructure for establishment of national, comprehensive chemical safety programs

HAZARD COMMUNICATIONREQUIREMENTS

• Site Specific Written Program• Chemical Inventory• MSDSs/SDSs• Labeling• Non-routine Tasks• Contractors• Training

HazCom 2012

• Changes to HazCom bringing US into alignment with Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS), further improving safety & health protections for America's workers

• Building on HazCom 1994, GHS expected to prevent injuries & illnesses, save lives & improve trade conditions for chemical manufacturers

Benefits of HazCom 2012

• New standard covers >43 million workers who produce or handle hazardous chemicals in >5 million workplaces

• Expected to prevent >500 workplace injuries & illnesses & 43 fatalities annually

• Enhance worker comprehension of hazards, especially for low & limited-literacy workers, reduce confusion, facilitate safety training, & result in safer handling & use of chemicals

• Provide workers quicker & more efficient access to information on SDSs

• Cost savings >$475 million in productivity improvements, fewer SDS & label updates & simpler new hazcom training

• Reduce trade barriers by harmonizing with systems around world

HazCom 2012

• Old standard allowed chemical manufacturers & importers to convey hazard information on labels & MSDSs in any format

• New standard provides single set of harmonized criteria for classifying chemicals according to health & physical hazards & specifies hazard communication elements for labeling & Safety Data Sheets

Hazcom 2012

• Labels• Use pictograms (help address literacy issues), signal words

& hazard statements• Same information & language for same hazard

• MSDS/SDS• Harmonized format• Hazard information in consistent & prescribed locations

Labels

• Labeling provisions biggest difference between HazCom & GHS

• HazCom Standard is performance-oriented• GHS uses harmonized pictograms, hazard statements

& signal words for specific hazards• Specific approach will require all labels to be modified

to comply• Chemical manufacturers & importers must provide

label that includes signal word, pictogram, hazard statement, & precautionary statement for each hazard class & category

GHS Pictograms

SDS Format: 16 Headings

Identification Hazard(s) identification Composition/information

on ingredients First-aid measures Fire-fighting measures Accidental release

measures Handling & storage Exposure control/personal

protection

Physical & chemical properties

Stability & reactivity Toxicological information Ecological information Disposal considerations Transport information Regulatory information Other information

HazCom

• New standard still requires chemical manufacturers & importers to evaluate chemicals produced or imported & provide hazard information to employers & workers by putting labels on containers & preparing Safety Data Sheets

Effective Completion Date Requirement(s) Who

12/1/13 Train employees on new label elements & SDS format

Employers

6/1/15

12/1/15

Compliance with all modified provisions of this final rule, except:

Distributors may ship products labeled by manufacturers under old system until 12/1/15

Chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors & employers

6/1/16 Update alternative workplace labeling & hazcom program as necessary, & provide additional employee training for newly identified physical or health hazards

Employers

Transition Period May comply with either 1910.1200 (final standard), current standard, or both

Chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors & employers

Summary

• No change in emphasis on labels & SDS• Changes in format/content of labels & SDS• Training mandates by 12/1/13