GHS for Hazmat Shippers: June 28

Now that the years-long implementation schedule for OSHA’s adoption of the GHS into the 29 CFR 1910.1200 Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) is over—the final deadline for employers to provide update training on newly identified GHS hazards was June 1—chemical manufacturers, distributors, and shippers face unique challenges stemming from new hazard labels and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) requirements. 

Like DOT-required hazmat labels, GHS hazard communication labels are designed to inform employees and supply chain personnel of the hazards posed by the chemical. These pictograms are often similar if not identical to the ones required under the 49 CFR hazmat rules, which may cause confusion.

In some cases, a chemical covered under OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard is not regulated as a transport hazard under 49 CFR. In this case, the appearance of an OSHA GHS label on a container may lead freight personnel to believe a shipment contains “hazmat” or “dangerous goods” when in fact it does not. This can lead to mistakenly rejected shipments, port delays, or trouble at customs.

Knowing which labels belong on which containers and packages, and when, is crucial to maintain compliance with both GHS/OSHA and 49 CFR hazmat shipping standards.

On June 28 from 1—3  p.m. ET, Lion will present the live, instructor-led GHS Compliance for Hazmat Shippers Webinar.

This live session is led by an expert in both OSHA hazard communication and 49 CFR hazardous materials shipping regulations. Get a full, clear picture of how GHS affects your hazmat shipping responsibilities, and find out what it takes to keep your shipments in compliance. Sign up here and get access to the webinar plus six months of Lion Membership for fast answers to your shipping questions, exclusive content and resources, updates on new and changing rules, and much more.

Tags: GHS, hazmat shipping, new rules, osha