OSHA has proposed a rule that would align its hazard communication standard (HCS) with provisions of the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS).
Proposed modifications to the hazard communication 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 material safety data sheets (MSDSs)
- Related revisions to definitions of terms used in the standard and a requirement that employees be trained to understand the new labels and MSDSs
OSHA estimates that more than 40 million workers in more than 5 million workplaces will be affected by the proposed standard.
“The proposal to align the hazard communication standard with the GHS will improve the consistency and effectiveness of hazard communications and reduce chemical-related injuries, illnesses, and fatalities,” says acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Jordan Barab.
The proposed rule was published in the September 30, 2009, edition of the Federal Register.
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Why Modify the HCS ?
OSHA’s proposal to adopt the GHS will not change the framework and scope of the current hazard communication standard but will, as Barab says, help ensure improved quality and more consistency in the classification and labeling of all chemicals. OSHA believes that this will enhance worker comprehension, resulting in appropriate handling and use of chemicals. The harmonized format of the MSDS will also enable workers to access safety and health information about chemicals more efficiently.
In addition, the new standard will avoid the need for multiple labels and MSDSs, which must often be developed for the same product when shipped to different countries. This relieves chemical manufacturers and those involved in international trade from a major compliance burden, thereby decreasing the cost of providing hazard information.
Quality and Consistency of Information
OSHA says that the primary benefit of aligning the hazard communication standard with GHS is to increase the quality and consistency of information provided to workers, employers, and chemical users by adopting a standardized approach to hazard classification, labels, and safety data.
This system was agreed on at an international level by governments, industry, and labor and adopted by the UN in 2002 with a goal of 2008 for implementation.
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Benefits of Proposed Standard
OSHA estimates that the revised standard will prevent 43 fatalities and 585 injuries and illnesses annually. The annualized monetized benefits associated with these reductions in safety and health risks are an estimated $266 million a year.
OSHA estimates additional annualized benefits of $585 million a year from cost reductions and productivity improvements attributable to the proposed revisions.
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