Last month, the U.S. Department of Labor finalized a rule from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to update the current Hazard Communication Standard to better protect workers. The final rule will reportedly improve the amount and quality of information on labels and safety data sheets, allowing workers and first responders to react more quickly in an emergency.
The department says the standard will now require labels on small packaging to be more comprehensive and readable. Additionally, it helps ensure “trade secrets” no longer prevent workers and first responders from receiving critical hazard information on safety data sheets.
According to the release, workers will benefit from changes in the standard, including:
-A clearer hazard classification process to provide more complete and accurate hazard information on labels and safety data sheets;
-Updated physical hazard classes to better inform users on safe handling of explosives, aerosols and chemicals under pressure; and
-Updated precautionary statements on how to safely handle, store and dispose of hazardous chemicals.
The full final rule, effective July 19, can be read in The Federal Register.
The updates are reportedly aligned with the seventh revision of the United Nations' Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. It also addresses issues that arose from the implementation of the 2012 standard and improves alignment with other federal agencies and Canada.
The Hazard Communication Standard, established in 1983, provides a standardized approach to workplace hazard communications associated with exposure to hazardous chemicals.
