Download Hazard Communication and GHS What you need to know to prepare

June 2013
Hazard Communication Standard
Initially developed in 1983 to give employees a
“right to know”
Required a comprehensive hazard evaluation and
communication process
Chemical manufacturers and importers had to
develop and provide container labels and
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
Employers with employees exposed to hazardous
chemicals had to develop a hazard
communication program including:
•
Labels
•
Access to MSDSs
•
Training on the workplace hazardous
chemicals
•
The HCS established requirements for
minimum information that had to be included
on labels and MSDSs, but did not provide
specific language to convey the information
or a format in which to provide it.
OSHA’s Final Ruling on GHS
OSHA has updated its Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to align with the
United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of
Chemicals (GHS). Modifications will reduce costs and burdens while protecting
employers and employees.
Modifications include:
• Revised criteria for classification of
chemical hazards
• Revised and standardized labeling
requirements
• A specified format for safety data
sheets
• Requirements for employee training
on labels and safety data sheets
OSHA’s GHS Implementation Deadlines
12/01/13:
Employers must complete employee training
on new label elements and SDS format
06/01/15:
Chemical manufacturers, importers,
distributors, and employers must comply with
all modified provisions of the final rule
12/01/15:
Distributors may not ship products labeled
by manufacturers under the old system
06/01/16:
Employers must update alternative workplace
labeling and hazard communication programs
as necessary, and provide additional worker
training for new identified physical and health
hazards
Impact of GHS for U.S. Businesses
• 880,000 hazardous chemicals are
currently used in the U.S
• Hazard Communication affects 43
million American workers in over 5
million workplaces
• GHS will prevent 500
injuries/illnesses and 43 deaths per
year, equaling a total of $250 million
in reduced health and safety risks
• Costs per year will total $201 million
dollars to comply with revisions to
the HCS
• Future net benefits are estimated at
$556 million dollars per year
Hazard Communication Program
Requirements
1. Written Hazard Communication Plan
2. Chemical Inventory
3. Labels & Warnings
4. Safety Data Sheets
5. Employee Training
Container Label Changes
HANDOUT
Container Label Changes
Changes to the HazCom Label
Six elements of the GHS label format
Label Element: Hazard Statements
Statements assigned to a hazard class and category
that describe the nature of the hazard(s) of a chemical,
including, where appropriate, the degree of the
hazards
Label Element: Hazard Statements
Notice the nature of the hazards:
•
FLAMMABLE GAS
•
INHALATION RISK
•
REPEATED EXPOSURE
And the degree of the hazards:
•
EXTREMELY flammable gas
•
TOXIC if inhaled
•
DAMAGE to unborn child and
organs
Label Element:
Precautionary Statements
• Statements which describe recommended measures that
should be taken to minimize or prevent adverse effects from
exposure to a hazardous chemical or improper storage or
handling
• First aid measures are included in Precautionary Statements
Label Element:
Precautionary Statements
PREVENTION Precautionary Statement(s):
• Keep container tightly closed
• Avoid breathing vapors
RESPONSE Precautionary Statement(s):
• Remove victim to fresh air…
• Call a Poison Control Center…
STORAGE Precautionary Statement:
• Store in a well-ventilated place
Benefits of GHS-formatted Labels
• Past labels were inconsistent in
terminology and visuals
• Provide immediate visual reminders
of hazards
• Standardized signal words, visuals,
and hazard statements
• Pictograms reinforce messages
presented in text while enhancing
communication for low-literacy users
• Precautionary statements provide
useful steps to protect from and
prevent chemical-related injuries
and illnesses
Example of Multi-Language Label
GHS Pictograms
HANDOUT
GHS Pictograms
GHS Pictograms – Health Hazards
GHS Pictograms – Physical Hazards
GHS Pictograms
Secondary Containers
Containers used for storage or transfer of chemicals other
than the original manufacturer’s container
These may include:
• Portable or working containers
• Storage containers that are created for distribution of smaller amounts of
the chemical
Do I need to label it? YES!
The only time a hazardous chemical does NOT need to be labeled is
when the container is intended only for the immediate use of the
employee who performs the transfer
What does a Secondary Container Label need to display?
• The same information on the manufacturer’s label, or
• Words, pictures, symbols or a combination thereof which provide at least
general information regarding the hazards of the chemicals, and which, in
conjunction with the other information immediately available to
employees under the hazard communication program, will provide
employees with the specific information regarding the physical and health
hazards of the hazardous chemical
Safety Data Sheets
HANDOUT
Safety Data Sheets
Previously known as
Material Data Safety Sheets
(MSDS), they will now be
referred to as
Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
GHS standardizes the order
of SDS information for ease
of use of employees along
with improved accuracy of
the information presented
The number of sections has
been increased to 16 sections
Safety Data Sheets Format
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
IDENTIFICATION
HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
FIRST AID MEASURES
FIREFIGHTING MEASURES
ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
HANDLING AND STORAGE
EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION
PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
TRANSPORT INFORMATION
REGULATORY INFORMATION
OTHER INFORMATION INCLUDING
INFORMATION ON PREPARATION AND REVISION OF THE SDS
MSDS/SDS Maintenance
• Inventory hazardous chemicals in the warehouse, yard, and
office. Don’t forget fuels, toner, etc.
• Do you have a current MSDS/SDS for each hazardous
chemical? Check with the manufacturer.
• Remove/Replace duplicate and obsolete MSDS/SDS.
• Are MSDS/SDS in HazCom Notebook(s) and readily
accessible to employees?
• As the June 1, 2015 deadline nears, you may have to contact
chemical manufacturers, importers, and distributors to
receive SDS not already received .
OSHA HazCom/GHS Responsibilities
Chemical manufacturers and importers
•
•
•
Hazard Re-Classification
Label Changes
Safety Data Sheets (SDS) Changes and Distribution
Employers
•
•
•
•
•
•
Ensure all chemicals in the workplace are clearly and properly
labeled
Update secondary container labels
Ensure new SDS are available to all employees as they are
received
Distribute SDS to customers when chemicals are first
shipped to them after receipt of new/revised SDS
Train Employees
Update HazCom programs as necessary
Questions?
Learning Exercise