Hazard Communication Continues To Evolve

The Hazard Communication standard in the United States recently evolved with a new revision

. The new standard conforms to the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). This shift creates an international approach to hazard communication. Countries from around the world have adopted this standard to continue to increase efficiencies across the globe. Chemicals made in one country can be shipped to another country and utilized.

The global prospective allows safety to travel with the hazardous chemical as they travel across borders. The United States is a major exporter and importer of chemicals. American companies can reduce confusion with foreign chemicals by using a common labeling system. This also aids efficiency by reducing problems at the border and slowing down the shipping process.

The new Hazard Communication standard also has provisions to be updated as needed to ensure a safe working environment for people working in many countries. Revisions are intended to be timely and relevant. Further additions or changes can occur every two years. The revisions to date have been clarifications of the text.

Revisions might include technical updates for minor terminality changes needed. These changes enhance clarity to ensure the proper message is being received by the reader. The next possible change would be Direct Final Rules to give text clarification. The final type of change is Notice and Comment rulemaking. This is reserved for larger issues that may be controversial, such as major revisions. Additional criteria or changes in health or safety classes or categories may be necessary.

A Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) could aid your company with compliance of the newly adopted hazard communication standard. These are OSHA mandates and any violation could result in costly fines. The CIH could also recommend new solutions to ensure any new regulations were being met appropriately. OSHA continues to impress that employees have a right to understand the hazards that they work with on a day to day basis. This understanding leads to a safer work environment for all employees at the facility. The person that unloads shipments and transports them to the warehouse has the same right to understand how that chemical could react to different environments as the employee utilizing the hazardous chemical during production.

Click here to contact a Certified Industrial Hygienist today. The CIH will work with your company to ensure adoption of the GHS and any revision that may be implemented in the future. Each company has a duty to ensure safe work conditions for all employees.

by: Libertyohm

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