OSHA Hazard Communication Standard Updated- What You Need to Know to be in Compliance Presented By: Heather Stiner, SSPC

Introduction• This webinar will explain the importance

of the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard: 1910.1200, explaining how it differs from the past version, how to conform to the current version, and how the current standard improves quality and consistency of hazard information in the workplace, making it safer for workers and helping reduce trade barriers, resulting in productivity improvements for American businesses that regularly handle, store, and use hazardous chemicals

OSHA Hazard Communication Standard: 1910.1200

• Ensures that the hazards of all chemicals produced or imported are classified, and that information concerning the classified hazards is transmitted to employers and employees.

OSHA Hazard Communication Standard: 1910.1200• On May 25,2012 the standard was

updated to align with the UN Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals

Global Harmonized System• Providing agreed criteria for

classification of chemical hazards, and a standardized approach for labeling containers and creating safety data sheets

• Based on major existing systems from around the world, including OSHA’s Hazardous Communication Standard

Global Harmonized System• Provides harmonized classification

hazard criteria for:– Health– Physical– Environmental

Global Harmonized System• Standardized labeling of containers,

providing appropriate:– Signal Words– Pictograms– Hazard and Precautionary Statements

Global Harmonized System• Standardized safety

data sheets, specifying a format for presentation or order of information

Benefits of OSHA Making Modification • OSHA has modified the Hazard

Communication Standard to adopt the Global Harmonized System to:– Improve safety and health of workers• Standardized Labels

– Ensures appropriate handling and safe use

• Standardized Safety Data Sheets– Enables employers, workers, health professionals

and emergency responders to access the information more efficiently and effectively

Benefits of OSHA Making Modification• Adoption of GHS

improved information received from other countries– Benefit since US

is both a major importer and exporter

When do I need to Comply?Date Requirements to be Met Who it EffectsDecember 1, 2013 Train employees on the new labeling system

and safety data sheet formatEmployers

June 1 2015 Compliance with all modified provisions except labeling

Chemical manufacturers, importers, distributers and employers

December 1, 2015 Comply with GHS labeling Chemical manufacturers, importers, distributers and employers

June 1, 2016 Update alternative workplace labeling and hazard communication program as necessary, and provide additional employee training for newly identified physical or health hazards

Employers

Note: During transition period you may comply with either 29 CFR 1910.1200 final standard or the current standard

Importance of Training• OSHA is requiring training on

labeling requirements and safety data sheet formats by December 2013– If receive label and safety data sheet

consistent with the Global Harmonized System employees:• Have familiarity of them• Understand how to use them• Can access the information effectively

Hazard Classification Changes• OLD WAY– Hazard determination provisions have

definitions of hazard and evaluator determines whether or not the data on a chemical meet those definitions

– Performance-oriented approach• Provides parameters for evaluation• Not specific detailed criteria

Hazard Classification Changes• NEW WAY– Has specific criteria for each health and

physical hazard, along with detailed instructions for hazard evaluation and determinations as to whether mixtures or substances are covered

– Establishes hazard classes and categories• Reflects the relative severity of the effect

Label Changes• Labels will be required to have:– Pictograms– Signal Words– Hazard Statement– Precautionary Statement

Pictogram• Consists of a different symbol on a white background

within a red square diamond frame• 8 different types

– Health Hazard– Flame– Exclamation Mark– Gas Cylinder– Corrosion– Exploding Bomb– Flame Over Circle– Skull and Crossbones

Signal Words• Used to indicate the relative level of

severity of hazard and alert potential hazard on label– Danger• More severe

–Warning• Less severe

Hazard Statement• Assigned to a hazard class and

category that describes the nature and degree of hazard

• Associated with the Hazard Pictogram

Hazard Statement• Health Hazard– Carcinogen, mutagenicity, reproductive

toxicity, respiratory sensitizer, target organ toxicity, aspiration toxicity

• Flame– Flammables, pyrophorics, self-heating,

emits flammable gas, self-reactives, organic peroxides

Hazard Statement• Exclamation Mark– Irritant, skin sensitizer, acute toxicity,

narcotic effects, respiratory tract irritant, hazardous to ozone layer

• Gas Cylinder– Gases under pressure

Hazard Statement• Corrosion– Skin corrosion/burns, eye damage,

corrosive to metals

• Exploding Bomb– Explosives, self-reactives, organic

peroxides

Hazard Statement• Flame Over Circle– Oxidizers

• Skull and Crossbones– Acute toxicity

Precautionary Statement• A phrase that describes

recommended measures to be taken to minimize or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure

Updating Labels• Any significant changes regarding

the hazards of a chemical shall be updated within 6 months of becoming aware of the new information

Example of Label Components

Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)• Revised Hazard Communication

Standard requires the following 16-section chronological format:– Section 1: Identification– Section 2: Hazards Identification– Section 3: Composition/Information on

Ingredients– Section 4: First-Aid Measures– Section 5: Fire-Fighting Measures

Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)• Section 6: Accidental Release

Measures• Section 7: Handling and Storage• Section 8: Exposure

Controls/Personal Protection• Section 9: Physical and Chemical

Properties• Section 10: Stability and Reactivity• Section 11: Toxicological Information

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)• Section 12: Ecological Information• Section 13: Disposal Considerations• Section 14: Transport Information• Section 15: Regulatory Information• Section 16: Other Information,

Including Date of Preparation or Last Revision

Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)• Required

Exposure Limit Data– Threshold Limit

Values (TLVs)– PELs– Other Exposure

Limits

Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)• Carcinogen Classification– Classification listings of IARC and NTP–Makes classification easier and more

consistent

Addition of Hazardous Chemicals• In the revised

Hazard Communication Standard, OSHA has added:– Pyrophoric Gases– Simple

Asphyxiants– Combustible Dust

Pyrophoric Gases• Must be addressed both on

container labels and SDSs• Designated Label Elements– Signal Work “Danger”– Hazard Statement “Catches Fire

Spontaneously if Exposed to Air”

Simple Asphyxiants• Must be addressed both on

container labels and SDSs• Designated Label Elements– Signal Word “Warning”– Hazard Statement “May Displace

Oxygen and Cause Rapid Suffocation”

Combustible Dust• Must be addressed both on

container labels and SDSs• Designated Label Elements– Signal Word “Warning”– Hazard Statement “May From

Combustible Dust Concentrations in the Air”

Who Will be Affected and What Are the Costs?• Estimated that over 5 million workplaces in the

United States will be affected• Sum of 4 major cost elements:– Classifying chemical hazards in accordance

with revised criteria– Training of employees to become familiar with

new warning symbols and revised SDS format– Yearly required management for adoption– Printing packing and labels for hazardous

chemicals

Updates to Global Harmonized Standard• Living Document• Must remain up-to-date and relevant– Standard reviewed every two years

Questions?