OSHA Issues Proposed Rule to Update Hazcom Standard

In February 2021, the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced proposed updates to the Hazard Communication (Hazcom) Standard to align with the seventh revision of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). The amendments will largely affect chemical manufacturers, because they call for improvements to the information disseminated to end users, on the labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for hazardous chemicals.

Individuals may submit comments identified by Docket No. OSHA-2019-0001, electronically at Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Refer to the Federal Register notice for details. The deadline for submitting comments is April 19, 2021.

What is Hazard Communication Standard?

OSHA’s Hazcom Standard requires that employers inform and train employees of potential chemical hazards in the workplace and associated safe practices, procedures, and protective measures. Under the Hazcom Standard, employers are required to implement five main “right-to-know” procedures that provide employees with information on chemical hazards in the workplace:

• Written hazard communication program
• Chemical inventory list
• Chemical labeling
• Safety data sheets
• Employee training

For our OSHA Review Subscribers… The January/February 2019 issue of OSHA Review, in Section VI of your binder, covers Cal/OSHA’s hazard communication requirements. Because California requirements must be at least as stringent as Federal requirements, it is expected that Cal/OSHA will begin revising its Hazcom Standard soon after the federal amendments take effect. OSHA Review, Inc. will continue to provide guidance as new information becomes available and updated rules are finalized.

Since 1992, OSHA Review, Inc. has provided dental professionals with comprehensive programs to support regulatory compliance and infection control. We are a registered continuing education provider in the state of California, specializing in Dental Practice Act, infection control, and OSHA training.