Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Jordan Barab announced a proposed rule to align OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (hazcom standard) with provisions of the United Nations “Globally Harmonized System” of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) as “first step in an aggressive regulatory agenda” said Barab. The proposed rule can be found in the Sept. 30 Federal Register.

“The proposal to align the hazard communication standard with the GHS will improve the consistency and effectiveness of hazard communications and reduce chemical-related injuries, illnesses and fatalities,” said Barab. “Following the GHS approach will increase workplace safety, facilitate international trade in chemicals and generate cost savings from production efficiencies for firms that manufacture and use hazardous chemicals.”

We can expect another 3 to 5 years of work on this regulation during which time the administration says employers can either comply with the current regulations or the new proposed regulation.

GHS was developed by the United Nations and the system is designed to:

• Communicate hazard information, as well as protective measures, on labels and material safety data sheets (MSDSs).
• Define health, physical and environmental hazards of chemicals.
• Create classification processes that use available data on chemicals for comparison with the defined hazard criteria.

The proposed modifications to the current US  hazcom standard include:

• Revised criteria for classification of chemical hazards;
• Revised labeling provisions that include requirements for use of standardized signal words, pictograms, hazard statements and precautionary statements;
• A specified format for safety data sheets (this is a huge change from the endless variety of MSDS now in use);
• Related revisions to definitions of terms used in the standard, requirements for employee training on labels and safety data sheets.

OSHA is pursuing its aggressive agenda by also is proposing to modify a number of other standards, including standards for flammable and combustible liquids, process safety management and most substance-specific health standards, to ensure consistency with the modified hazcom standard requirements.

In the rest of the world the European Union, Japan, China, and Canada are the biggest players to adopt the GHS.