Reminder: Final Hazcom Deadline Drawing Near

On June 1, 2016, OSHA’s revised Federal Hazard Communication (Hazcom) Standard will be in full effect. By this date, all chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors and employers must be in compliance with all modified provisions of the Hazcom Standard. All employers must ensure that they have updated their alternative workplace labeling on secondary containers (if any) and their hazard communication program, as well as provided additional employee training for newly identified physical or health hazards.

OSHA revised its Hazcom Standard in 2012 to align with the United Nation’s Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. Affecting mostly chemical manufacturers, distributors, and importers, the major changes to the Hazcom Standard require a new hazard classification system for chemicals, new labeling of chemical containers, standard formatting for safety data sheets (SDSs), previously called material safety data sheets (MSDSs), and updated employee information and training.

Special Note: Drugs for patient care, consumer chemicals, and pesticides, including disinfectants and dental unit waterline cleaners, are exempt from the labeling requirements.

For our OSHA Review Subscribers: The March/April 2013 issue of OSHA Review, in Section VI of your binder, covered the new hazcom requirements, as well as included an updated template hazard communication plan. This template plan can also be downloaded from OSHA Review’s website in the clients-only section under Professional Documents.

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