Download the GHS Compliance Toolkit!
On March 26, 2012, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a final rule modifying its Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). The final rule aligns the HCS with the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS).
OSHA’s intent in revising the standard is to improve the effectiveness of the HCS by ensuring that employees are informed of the chemical hazards to which they may be exposed and, consequently, to reduce the number of chemical-related occupational illnesses and injuries.
The revised standard takes effect in stages, beginning in December 2013. The table below summarizes the phase-in dates required under the revised HCS.
| Effective Completion Date |
Requirement(s) |
Who |
|
Dec. 1, 2013 |
Train employees on the new label elements and safety data sheet (SDS) format. |
Employers |
|
June 1, 2015 |
Compliance with all modified provisions of this final rule, except: |
Chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors 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 |
|
Transition period to the effective completion dates noted above |
May comply with either 29 CFR 1910.1200 (the final standard), the current standard or both. |
Chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors and employers |
This GHS Compliance Toolkit is divided into two sections. The first section contains information designed to help employers understand and comply with OSHA’s revised Hazard Communication Standard. The second section contains a variety of training materials employers can use to educate employees on the new label elements and safety data sheet (SDS) format.
Material posted on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a legal opinion or medical advice. Contact your legal representative or medical professional for information specific to your legal or medical needs.
