Download - Hazard Communication Standard
Hazard Communication StandardGlobally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals
Kathleen Park
Medical Technology Program
Austin Community College
What is hazard communication? Employers must develop, maintain, prepare, and implement a written hazard
communication to include: List of all hazardous chemicals present onsite All containers MUST be labeled Provide employees access to Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
at all times within the work area An effective training program for all employees
that could potentially have an exposure
Define the GHS The Globally Harmonized System (GHS)
International approach to hazard communication Internationally agreed criteria for classification of chemical hazards Standardized approach to label elements and SDSs Based on existing systems from around the world
OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) U. S. agencies’ labeling systems
Hazard communication updates The three major areas updated in 2012
Hazard classification Labels Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
Hazard Classification Definition changed to provide specific criteria
For classification of health hazards For classification of physical hazards For classification of mixtures
Why change? Ensure evaluation of hazardous effect are consistent across
manufacturers Labels are accurate SDS are accurate For classification of physical hazards For classification of mixtures
Hazard ClassificationClassification
Physical hazardHealth hazardPyrophoric GasSimple AsphyxiatesCombustible dustHazard not otherwise classified (HNOC)
Labels Requirements for chemical manufacturers:
Product identifier Name, address, and telephone number of the chemical
manufacturer Hazard class and category
Harmonized signal word Pictogram Hazard statement Precautionary statements
Safety Data Sheets Information required is essentially the same as the old standard (MSDS) 1994 Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) indicated what
information, but not a format The revised standard, HCS 2012, requires
Consistent headings Information in a specified sequence
Safety Data Sheets SDS MUST be accessible to employees
Employers must maintain SDS Binders Online A back-up system MUST be available for rapid access if power outage
Employees MUST have immediate access without leaving work area Employers may designate personnel to obtain and maintain the SDS
Safety Data Sheets SDS format into 16 sections
1. Identification 12. Ecological information
2. Hazard identification 13. Disposal considerations
3. Composition/information on ingredients 14. Transport information
4. First-aid measures 15. Regulatory information
5. Fire fighting measures 16. Other information
6. Accidental release measures
7. Handling and storage
8. Exposure controls/personal protection
9. Physical and chemical properties
10. Stability and reactivity
11. Toxicological information
Sample SDS
Sample Label
Pictograms Required under the GHS
Required to convey health, physical, and environment hazards Found on all SDS
Fire pictogram - flammables, pyrophorics, self-heating, self-reactive, items that emit flammable gas, and organic peroxides
The pictogram in the middle - oxidizers The skull and crossbones pictogram - acute toxicity (fatal or toxic)
Pictograms
Hand and chemical pictogram – skin corrosion/burns, eye damage, and corrosive to metals
Explosion pictogram – explosives, self-reactive, and organic peroxides Exclamation point pictogram – irritant (skin and eye), skin sensitizer,
acute toxicity, narcotic effects, respiratory tract irritant, and hazardous to ozone layer
Pictograms
“Dead fish” pictogram – aquatic toxicity Man and star pictogram – carcinogen, mutagenicity, reproductive
toxicity, respiratory sensitizer, target organ toxicity, and aspiration toxicity
Gas pictogram – gases under pressure
Pictograms
References
OSHA HCS brief
https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3514.pdf
OSHA compliance
http://www.thecompliancecenter.com/blog/2012/05/09/oshas-safety-data-sheet-changes/
OSHA HCS factsheet
https://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/HCSFactsheet.html