Search

PHMSA, OSHA Prepare for GHS HazCom Summit

Posted on 10/26/2020 by Roger Marks

OSHA and PHMSA will hold a virtual public meeting to prepare to the next session of the UN Sub-Committee of Experts on the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (UNSCEGHS).

The UN preparation meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 19. Stakeholders can submit comments and attend virtually (GHS Meeting Details).

The UNSCEGHS meeting will be held on December 9—11, 2020 in Geneva, Switzerland.

What is the GHS?

The Globally Harmonized System for Classification and Labeling of Chemicals, or GHS for short, is an internationally used system for classifying chemicals and communicating their hazards to employees who handle and use them.

In 2012, OSHA adopted elements of the Third Edition GHS into its Hazard Communication Standard at 29 CFR 1910.1200.

Since then, the UN released a fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth edition of the GHS. 

Read more: Lion instructor and CDGP Joel Gregier explores OSHA's next steps for adopting a more recent GHS edition on our blog. 

OSHA's HazCom Info Collection Up for OMB Review, Extension

in other HazCom news, OSHA's information collection requirements under the HazCom Standard are up for review and extension by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

OSHA will accept public comments on information collection requirements in the HazCom Standard until November 23, 2020. OSHA asks whether the information collection requirements in the HazCom Standard are necessary to protect employees, the quality and clarity of the information collected, and ways to minimize the burden on employers. 

Information that employers must collect and apply under the HazCom Standard includes:
  • Evaluate and classify/categorize chemicals in the workplace
  • Consider a full range of evidence concerning potential hazards
  • Label, tag, or mark each container to indicate the hazard
  • Develop a complete, accurate Safety Data Sheet 
OSHA also asks for comments about whether their estimates of time spent on HazCom are accurate. OSHA proposed to adjust down the estimated burden hour total for HazCom information collection, citing "a decrease in establishments and a decrease in the number of employees" covered by the Standard [85 FR 44108]. 

OSHA estimates that 5 million employers are covered by the requirements in the HazCom Standard at 29 CFR 1910.1200 and that HazCom info collection takes an estimated 6.5 million hours per year. 

Read more: 5 Must Know Changes for GHS Hazard Communication

Online GHS Hazard Communication Training 

GHS reactive labelBe confident that all of your employees are familiar with the hazards of chemicals in your workplace. OSHA requires annual hazcom training for covered employees.

The Hazard Communication online course is designed to help satisfy OSHA's annual training requirement in 29 CFR 1910.1200(h).

If you responsible for site hazard communication planning and implementation, the more advanced Managing Hazard Communication online course is for you.  

Tags: 1910.1200, 29, CFR, GHS, hazard communication, HazCom, OSHA compliance

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

These are the best classes I attend each year. I always take something away and implement improvements at my sites.

Kim Racine

EH&S Manager

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

Marc Bugg

Hazardous Waste Professional

The instructor kept the class engaged and made learning fun. There was a lot of information to cover but time flew by. I will definitely use Lion in the future!

Chelsea Minguela

Hazmat Shipping Professional

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

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

Lion's course was superior to others I have taken in the past. Very clear in the presentation and the examples helped to explain the content presented.

George Bersik

Hazardous Waste Professional

The instructor was very patient and engaging - willing to answer and help explain subject matter.

Misty Filipp

Material Control Superintendent

The instructor created a great learning environment.

Avinash Thummadi

CAD & Environmental Manager

I have attended other training providers, but Lion is best. Lion is king of the hazmat jungle!!!

Henry Watkins

Hazardous Waste Technician

I love that the instructor emphasized the thought process behind the regs.

Rebecca Saxena

Corporate Product Stewardship Specialist

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Some limited quantity reliefs are reserved for specific modes of transport. Use this guide to identify which reliefs you can capitalize on, and which do not apply to your operations.

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.