Update
OSHA HAZARD COMMUNICATION STANDARD ADOPTS GLOBALLY HARMONIZED SYSTEM (GHS) OF LABELING AND CLASSIFYING CHEMICALS
September 2011
GHS is a global approach to hazardous chemical classification and hazard communication, i.e., labels and safety data sheets, currently in the process of adoption by more than 48 countries.
OSHA is aligning of the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) with the principles of GHS. The main points are in the areas of material safety data sheet (MSDS) management, safety labels, and training.
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MSDSs will get a make-over from the format used now. The 'M' (of MSDS) will be dropped and safety data sheets will be called SDSs.
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SDSs will have a 16-section format with a prescribed ordering of the sections. Safety labels will include the addition of hazard pictograms and specific language on labels to make them compliant.
- As part of the GHS adoption OSHA will require training of employees on these changes within two years of its adoption.
MOVING THE QUALITY OF HEALTHCARE FORWARD