OSHA is proposing modifying the Hazard Communication Standard (HAZCOM) with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). Over 40 million workers in more than 5 million workplaces are expected to be impacted at a total cost of approximately $97 million per year to implement (costs to decrease to $42 million per year after initial period of familiarization).
HAZCOM currently:
- Requires chemical manufacturers and importers to label containers and prepare MSDS’s
- Requires employers to have a HAZCOM program for workers who have exposures or potential exposures
GHS will:
- Adopts a standardized method of hazard classification leading to an increase in quality and consistency of information provided to employees and employers
- Classifies chemicals by their health and physical hazards
- Specifies hazard communication specifics for labelling and MSDS’s
- Agreement at an international level
Major changes to HAZCOM:
- Specific criteria for classification of health and physical hazards of chemicals and mixtures
- Manufacturers and importers must use standardized labelling methods that include signal word, pictogram, and hazard statement
- MSDS’s will have a specific 16-section format
- Workers must be trained within 2 years of the final rule on the recognition and understanding of the GHS labelling and MSDS system
Benefits of GHS:
- Prevent 43 fatalities per year
- Prevent 585 illnesses per year
- Save $754 million per year
Source: OSHA.com