OSHA’s Revised Hazard Communication Standard

Purpose of OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard

Hazard Communication

Program

Container Labeling

SafetyData Sheet

SDSProgramLabel

To ensure that employers and employees know about chemical hazards and how to protect themselves so that the incidence of illnesses and injuries due to hazardous chemicals is reduced.

Revisions to the Hazcom Standard

• OSHA revised its Hazard Communication Standard to align with the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS).

• The changes to the Hazard Communication standard will help ensure improved quality and consistency in the classification and labeling of chemicals and it will also enhance your comprehension of the hazards of the materials with which you work.

There are Two Changes to the Hazcom Standard

1) new labeling elements and

2) a standardized format for Safety Data Sheets (SDS), formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

The New Labeling Elements

• Product identifier• Signal word• Hazard statement(s)• Pictogram(s)• Precautionary statement(s)• Name, address and telephone

number of the manufacturer, importer, or other responsible party

Each container of hazardous chemicals entering the workplace must be labeled or marked with:

Label Elements

• Product identifier Chemical name, code number, or

batch numberThe product identifier can be used to find the corresponding SDS

• Signal word “Danger” or “Warning”

• Pictogram(s) Black hazard symbol with red frame.

• Hazard statement(s) Describe the nature of the hazard(s) of the

chemical, including where appropriate, the degree of hazard.

• Precautionary statement(s) A phrase that describes recommended measures

that should be taken to minimize or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure.

• Name, address and telephone number of the chemical manufacturer, distributor, or importer

Label Elements, cont.

Health Hazard Skull and Crossbones Exclamation Mark

Carcinogen Acute Toxicity Irritant (skin & eye) Reproductive Toxicity (fatal or toxic) Skin Sensitizer Respiratory Sensitizer Acute Toxicity

(harmful) Target Organ Toxicity Narcotic Effects Aspiration Toxicity Respiratory Tract Irritant Mutagenicity

Pictograms

Gas Cylinder Corrosion Exploding Bomb

Gases Under Pressure Skin Corrosion/Burns Explosives

Eye Damage Self-Reactives

Corrosive to Metals Organic Peroxides

Pictograms

Flame Over Circle Flame

Oxidizers Flammables

Pyrophorics

Self-Heating

Emits Flammable Gas

Self-Reactives

Organic Peroxides

Pictograms

Secondary LabelsSecondary Labels

Copy of manufacturer’s label or

Product identifier and words, pictures, symbols, or 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 (SDS)

Physical hazards, such as fire and explosion Health hazards, such as signs of exposure Routes of exposure Precautions for safe handling and use Emergency and first-aid procedures Control measures Must be readily accessible to employees in

their work area

• Prepared by the chemical manufacturer or importer and describe:

The Standardized SDS Format

16 Sections

1. Identification2. Hazard(s) identification3. Composition/information on ingredients4. First-aid measures5. Fire-fighting measures6. Accidental release measures7. Handling and storage8. Exposure control/personal protection

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

• Format: 16 Sections (cont.)

9. Physical and chemical properties10.Stability and reactivity11.Toxicological information12.Ecological information13.Disposal information14.Transport information15.Regulatory information16.Other information

Safety Data Sheet (SDS) sample

• SDS are useful for:

Learning potential hazards Determining safe handling procedures Emergency response

• Example: send a copy along with an employee going to the Doctor after an incident.)

Exercise: Review a Label and the Corresponding SDS from the

Workplace and Discuss:

• The product identifier that is on both the label and the SDS

• The potential hazards of the product • The recommended protective measures such as

engineering controls, work practices, and the use of PPE

• The sections of the SDS that address these and other issues (first aid etc)

Summary

• OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard is based on a simple concept: You have a need and a “right-to-know” about the hazards and identities of the chemicals you are exposed to when at work.

• You also need to know what protective measures are available to prevent adverse effects.

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Federal OSHA’s Website