HAZCOM


Free Online Safety and Training Courses

The state of Washington is offering some invaluable online safety and training courses on their website.  Topics include:

  • Accident Investigation
  • Safety Checklists
  • HAZCOM
  • Ergonomics
  • Fall Protection
  • Janitorial Services
  • Job Safety / Hazard Analyses
  • Lockout / Tagout
  • Noise
  • Process Safety Management (PSM)
  • and much more

You can find the courses and modules on the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries website.


Fact Sheet: Aligning HAZCOM with GHS

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 (more…)

Free Webinar: Hazard Communication (HAZCOM) Compliance

webinarOSHA’s HAZCOM standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) for General Industry was the 3rd most cited standard for fiscal year 2009.  With so many citations, why aren’t more companies getting the message and achieving compliance?  Grainger, in association with Bureau Veritas, has produced a very informative webinar on the HAZCOM standard, the top 5 citations related to 29 CFR 1910.1200, and what you and your company can do to ensure compliance.

You can view a recorded version of the session, HERE.  The session aired live in October 2009.


OSHA Requests Comments on Change in HAZCOM Standard

osha-logoOSHA is proposing to modify its existing Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to conform with the United Nations’ (UN) Globally  Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). OSHA has made a preliminary determination that the proposed modifications will improve the quality and consistency of information provided to employers and employees regarding chemical hazards and associated protective measures. The Agency anticipates this improved information will enhance the effectiveness of the HCS in ensuring that employees are apprised of the chemical hazards to which they may be exposed, and in reducing the incidence of chemical-related occupational illnesses and injuries.

The proposed modifications to the 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; and related revisions to definitions of terms used in the standard, requirements for employee
training on labels and safety data sheets. OSHA is also proposing to modify provisions of 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 HCS requirements.

For more information on sending comments pertaining to the changes, visit HERE