Safety Data Sheet Authoring – GHS Compliant

The June 1, 2015 effective date is upon us for manufacturers and importers developing Hazard Communication Standard (HCS)-2012 compliant Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) and labels.

SDS and label authoring: Our IHR Certified Industrial Hygienists (CIHs) are experienced at authoring compliant SDSs and labels and can provide this service for your business.

Training of workers: We are past the December 1, 2013 deadline to have employees trained about the format and presentation of the new labels and SDSs. Our CIHs will conduct this training for you, and tailor it to the chemicals used in your work places.

Call us to discuss how we can help you bring your SDSs and labels and training requirements into compliance with OSHA.

OSHA compliance officers will look for “reasonable diligence” and “good faith efforts” to taken to comply with HCS 2012. The OSHA Hazard Communication Standard was revised as of March 26, 2012 to be aligned with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS).

Major Changes to the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard:

• Hazard classification: Provides specific criteria for classification of health and physical hazards, as well as classification of mixtures.
• Labels: Chemical manufacturers and importers will be required to provide a label that includes a harmonized signal word, pictogram, and hazard statement for each hazard class and category. Precautionary statements must also be provided.
• Safety Data Sheets (SDS) will now have a specified 16-section format.
• Information and training: Employers were required to train workers by December 1, 2013 on the new labels elements and safety data sheets format to facilitate recognition and understanding.

OSHA Fact Sheet : Hazard Communication Standard Final Rule