Lion's office will be closed on Monday, September 1, in observance of Labor Day. For help with online training, please contact support@lion.com.
Search

Moving Forward with GHS Hazard Communication

Posted on 1/13/2014 by Roger Marks

Dec. 1 GHS Deadline Has Passed – What Now?
 
The December 1, 2013 deadline for employers to train workers on changes to OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) has come and gone.  Still, reports show many companies have not yet trained employees on the updated “HazCom” rules, which were revised when OSHA adopted international standards from the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals, “GHS” for short.  The adoption of new hazard classification criteria, hazard labels, and Safety Data Sheets is changing the way employees nationwide protect themselves from hazardous chemicals encountered on-the-job. 
 
While OSHA has always required hazard communication training for new workers under its General Industry standards, update training is now required to ensure all workers can recognize and use new hazard labels and Safety Data Sheets. Because some facilities may have already updated their procedures, new hazard labels and Safety Data Sheets have likely entered chemical manufacturers’ and shippers’ supply chains already, making update training critical to employee understanding and safety. 
 
 
Managers’ Responsibilities for the Transition 
 
Managers of employees who handle or may be exposed to hazardous chemicals must prepare their operations for the changing Hazard Communication Standard.  Hazard communication plans must be updated, as well as facility procedures. 
 
Managers are also responsible for updating their employees training so that workers have an understanding of the new label elements, how to read the new Safety Data Sheets, and what risks are posed by hazardous chemicals in their workplace.
 
 
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Deadlines
 
OSHA will phase in the new, GHS-aligned requirements over the next 3 years.  
 
December 1, 2013: Employers were required to provide update training for employees covering new hazard labels and Safety Data Sheets to help them protect themselves under the revised HCS.
 
June 1, 2015: Employers must comply with all provisions of OSHA’s revised Hazard Communication Standard, with a labeling exception for distributors.  
 
December 1, 2015: Distributors may no longer ship products under the old labeling system.
 
 June 1, 2016: Employers must be in full compliance with all provisions of the updated HazCom Standard. Additional employee training must be provided as needed for any new hazards identified between December 1, 2013 and June 1, 2016.  During the transition period, meaning until June 1, 2016, employers may comply with either the current or the revised HCS.
 
 
Simplifying the Transition to the New Requirements 
 
Lion Technology offers three web-based training options to help EHS managers prepare their organizations for compliance with the revised HazCom Standard. The Managing Hazard Communication Online Course is designed to help employers create a HazCom plan that includes newly adopted rules.  The Hazard Communication Online Course covers OSHA’s HazCom Standard, including update training on the new GHS rules.  As of December 1, 2013, employers should have provided GHS update training to their employees
 

Tags: GHS, HazCom, new rules, osha

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

I had a positive experience utilizing this educational program. It was very informative, convenient, and rewarding from a career perspective.

John Gratacos

Logistics Manager

Lion's online training is more comprehensive, has better slides, and is a superior training experience than what I would get from other trainers.

Robert Brenner

District Environmental Manager

The instructor clearly enjoys his job and transmits that enthusiasm. He made a dry subject very interesting and fun.

Teresa Arellanes

EHS Manager

I really enjoyed this training. Even after years on both sides of the comprehension coin, I find myself still learning! The quality of the delivery exceeded much of the training I have received in the past.

Neil Ozonur

Safety Officer

I chose Lion's online webinar because it is simple, effective, and easily accessible.

Jeremy Bost

Environmental Health & Safety Technician

Given the choice, I would do all coursework this way. In-person courses go very fast without the opportunity to pause or repeat anything.

Ellen Pelton

Chemical Laboratory Manager

As always, Lion never disappoints

Paul Resley

Environmental Coordinator

The instructor was very very informative, helpful, understandable and pleasant. This course answered many questions I had, being new to this industry.

Frances Mona

Shipping Manager

The instructor was very dedicated to providing a quality experience. She did her best to make sure students were really comprehending the information.

Stephanie Venn

Inventory Control Specialist

Lion courses are the standard to which all other workshops should strive for!

Brody Saleen

Registered Environmental Health Specialist

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Your hazmat paperwork is the first thing a DOT inspector will ask for during an inspection. From hazmat training records to special permits, make sure your hazmat documents are in order.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.