Search

GHS Deadline Is Less Than 30 Days Away

Posted on 5/5/2015 by James Griffin

In 2012, the United States Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) promulgated final amendments to the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), to harmonize it with the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification & Labeling of Chemicals (GHS).

These amendments, the first significant changes to the HCS in almost 20 years, made many changes to different parts of the Standard (and related parts of other Standards) but did not alter the underlying thrust of the program.

While criteria for classifying chemicals as occupational hazards have been modified, the rules governing who classifies chemicals as hazardous, authors Safety Data Sheets, affixes labels, and prepares written workplace Hazard Communication Programs have not changed. But for the first time, OSHA has provided us with explicit criteria for the full content of Safety Data Sheets and container labels. Since its publication more than three years ago, the final GHS rule has brought with it much discussion about many of its elements, including:
  • Confusion over package labels regulated by the US DOT and workplace container labels regulated by OSHA;
  • Amended criteria for the physical and/or health hazards posed by chemicals (i.e., revised definitions, newly added terminology, updated test methods, etc.); and
  • Compliance with the new content-laden labels and how to fit them onto small sized containers.
Due to the expansive scope of these rule changes, OSHA allowed for an extended phase-in period:
  • December 1, 2013—Employers must train employees on the new label elements and Safety Data Sheet format
  • June 1, 2015—Chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors, and employers must comply with all modified provisions of the rule (e.g., new labels, new Safety Data Sheets, etc.)
  • December 1, 2015—Distributors of hazardous chemicals have until this date before all containers they ship must bear a GHS label
  • June 1, 2016—All employers must update their workplace hazard communication program and provide additional employee training for new chemical hazards, as applicable
GHS Workplace Hazcom Labels

In the lead-up to the transition date this summer, some manufacturers and distributors of complex chemical formulations have found it difficult to obtain information from their upstream suppliers. As a result, this has unfavorably impacted their ability to complete new labels and Safety Data Sheets. In response, OSHA recently issued guidance to provide relief for temporary data gaps caused by insufficient upstream information.

Here's a list of letters of interpretation and other guidance from OSHA since the publication of the GHS final rule: Lion Technology has maintained up-to-date information on the transition dates, training requirements, and rule interpretations since OSHA adopted GHS standards in 2012.

Further GHS Reading:

Labeling Classification Safety Data Sheets Less Than 30 Days Left to Comply

For hazmat shippers, Lion will present the live, instructor-led GHS Compliance for Hazmat Shippers Webinar on May 12. The webinar will help you get ready to conquer the challenges hazmat shippers face now that OSHA's new GHS rules are imminent. Don't let hazard labeling delay your shipments, confuse your supply—chain partners, or subject you to DOT or OSHA civil penalties—sign up now.

 

Tags: GHS, HazCom, hazmat shipping, marks and labels, osha

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

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 will never go anywhere, but to Lion Technology.

Dawn Swofford

EHS Technician

The instructor was excellent. They knew all of the material without having to read from a notepad or computer.

Gary Hartzell

Warehouse Supervisor

Lion's information is very thorough and accurate. Presenter was very good.

Melissa Little

Regulatory Manager

Lion does a great job summarizing and communicating complicated EH&S-related regulations.

Michele Irmen

Sr. Environmental Engineer

The course was very well structured and covered the material in a clear, concise manner.

Ian Martinez

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The price was reasonable, the time to complete the course was manageable, and the flexibility the online training allowed made it easy to complete.

Felicia Rutledge

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The instructor did an excellent job presenting a very dry subject; keeping everyone interested and making it enjoyable.

Marc Bugg

Hazardous Waste Professional

Lion is my preferred trainer for hazmat and DOT.

Jim Jani

Environmental Coordinator

Very well structured, comprehensive, and comparable to live training seminars I've participated in previously. I will recommend the online course to other colleagues with training requirement needs.

Neil Luciano

EHS Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Just starting out with shipping lithium batteries? The four fundamental concepts in this guide are the place to start.

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.