OSHA, as we know, is always on the move.
Now that it’s HCS or Hazard Communication Standard has aligned itself with the GHS or Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals in the United States [1], there is a June 1 deadline for changes in compliance to take place. For example, if you’re currently adapting the ANSI model, you’ll want to switch to GHS to be compliance.
So what’s changed you may ask? The areas affected by the alignment include:
- Chemical hazard classification
- Labeling of chemicals
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS) which are replacing Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
- Training of employees
We know, it’s those gosh darned safety updates that seem to take place every time we change our PPE. But it’s critical that we take measures for compliance to not only avoid those crippling OSHA fines and citations, but so no one gets burned, crushed, injured, decapitated…..you get it.
Click Here to find out exactly what OSHA will be looking for after June 1, 2016 [3].
In short, OSHA says, “Update alternative workplace labeling and hazard communication program as necessary, and provide additional employee training for newly identified physical or health hazards.”[4] This final timeline requirement applies to employers, but what does it mean? Essentially it means that employers must have workplace labeling and hazard communication programs up to date as necessary (this includes having all Material Safety Data Sheet-formatted documents replaced with the newer Safety Data Sheet-formatted documents)[4]. It also states that additional training must be conducted for newly identified physical or health hazards [4]
Fortunately, it is the final deadline which means that after your updates are made, you’ll have made the transition to complete compliance with the HCS and GHS alignment.
Now if you’re one of those people who has the “why do today what you can put off until tomorrow?” mentality (which I’m sure your spouse just loves), or if you just have a infinite heap of busying tasks that you never quite seem to make a dent in, then here’s what our friends at OH&S say you need to know if you should miss the June 1 deadline [2].
Ultimately, stay updated, my friends.
