In an effort to promote standard criteria worldwide for classifying chemicals according to their health, physical and environmental hazards the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals initiative was launched.
Supporting this initiative, Osha has issued a Hazard Communication Standard Final Rule. This rule outlines changes for both chemical users and chemical producers to become compliant with the new GHS standards.
- Chemical users: Continue to update safety data sheets when new ones become available, provide training on the new label elements and update hazard communication programs if new hazards are identified.
- Chemical Producers: Review hazard information for all chemicals produced or imported, classify chemicals according to the new classification criteria, and update labels and safety data sheets.
This GHS timeline outlines the phase-in schedule for OSHA required compliance with Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals
