If you haven’t already begun GHS training for employees, you have less than 3 months to get it done. Today’s Advisor gives you a quick review of key training issues.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has given businesses the following timetable for complying with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS).

May 25, 2012 to November 30, 2013

All employers that use, handle, and store chemicals must train employees how to read and interpret chemical labels and (material) safety data sheets (M)(SDSs) in compliance with either:

• The pre-GHS HazCom standard 29 CFR 1910.1200 for labels and MSDSs; or
• The revised Hazard Communication standard with GHS for new-style labels and SDSs; or
• Both old and new requirements at the same time.

December 1, 2013

All employers that use, handle, and store chemicals must train employees about the new GHS-compliant chemical labels and SDSs.

June 1, 2015

Chemical manufacturers, importers, and distributors must comply with all the requirements of the GHS rule, including classifying chemical hazards and preparing new labels and SDSs. Distributors have until December 1, 2015, to comply with the shipping requirements for GHS-compliant labels.

December 1, 2015

All employers that use, handle, and/or store chemicals must ensure that all shipments of chemical containers include the new GHS-compliant label (signal word, pictogram, hazard statement, and precautionary statement).

June 1, 2016

All employers that use, handle, and store chemicals must update the alternative workplace labeling and hazard communication program as necessary, and provide additional employee training for newly identified physical or health hazards.

Here are the basics of what employees need to learn about the new 16-section SDS and new labels.

Safety Data Sheets

Section 1: Identification – includes product identifier, manufacturer or distributor name, address, phone number, emergency phone number, recommended use, and restrictions on use

Section 2: Hazard(s) identification – includes all hazards regarding the chemical and required label elements

Section 3: Composition/Information on ingredients – includes information on chemical ingredients and trade secret claims

Section 4: First-aid measures – includes important immediate or delayed symptoms of exposure to a chemical and the required first-aid treatment

Section 5: Fire-fighting measures – lists suitable extinguishing techniques, equipment, and chemical hazards from fire

Section 6: Accidental release measures – lists emergency procedures, protective equipment, and proper methods of containment and cleanup

Section 7: Handling and storage – lists precautions for safe handling and storage, including incompatibilities

Section 8: Exposure controls/Personal protection – lists OSHA’s permissible exposure limits (PELs), threshold limit values (TLVs), appropriate engineering controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE)

Section 9: Physical and chemical properties – lists the chemical’s characteristics

Section 10: Stability and reactivity – lists chemical stability and possible hazardous reactions

Section 11: Toxicological information – includes routes of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, or absorption contact), symptoms, acute and chronic effects, and numerical measures of toxicity

Section 12: Ecological information – how the chemical might affect the environment and the duration of the effect

Section 13: Disposal considerations – describes safe handling of wastes and methods of disposal, including the disposal of any contaminated packaging

Section 14: Transportation information – includes packing, marking, and labeling requirements for hazardous chemical shipments

Section 15: Regulatory information – indicates regulations that apply to the chemical

Section 16: Other information – includes date of preparation or last revision

Labels

All GHS-compliant labels will have the following components:

• Product identifier gives a name or number that enables you to identify the chemical and cross-reference the label to the SDS.

• Supplier information tells you the name, address, and phone number of the manufacturer, importer, or other responsible party.

• First-aid information can help you act quickly and effectively in an emergency.

• In case of fire, the label tells you how to extinguish it.

• Signal word indicates the severity of the hazard.

• Hazard statements describe the nature of the hazards.

• Pictograms convey specific hazard information using symbols or graphics.

• Precautionary statements describe recommended measures to minimize or prevent injury or illness due to exposure to the chemical or from improper handling or storage.

For more information call Ralph Carito at Total Environmental & Safety, LLC.