OSHA has issued a final rule that updates the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to align primarily with the seventh revision of the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). The final rule was published on May 20, 2024, and took effect on July 19, 2024.

Hazard Communication Standard

In order to ensure chemical safety in the workplace, information about the identities and hazards of the chemicals must be available and understandable to workers. OSHA’s HCS requires the development and dissemination of such information:

• Chemical manufacturers and importers are required to evaluate the hazards of the chemicals they produce or import, and prepare labels and safety data sheets to convey the hazard information to their downstream customers.
• All employers with hazardous chemicals in their workplaces must have labels and safety data sheets for their exposed workers and train them to handle the chemicals appropriately.

Major changes to the Hazard Communication Standard

• Hazard Classification: Provides specific criteria for classification of health and physical hazards, as well as classification of mixtures.
• Labels: Chemical manufacturers and importers will be required to provide a label that includes a harmonized signal word, pictogram and hazard statement for each hazard class and category. Precautionary statements must also be provided.
• Safety Data Sheets: Will now have a specified 16-section format.
• Information and Training: Employers are required to train workers on the new label’s elements and safety data sheets format to facilitate recognition and understanding.

To assist in complying with the new regulation, NHADA has launched a new online training for members to train their employees. Upon completion, trainees will gain a clear understanding on the updated safety standard, including the new labels and safety data sheets.

Developed in-house, NHADA Loss Prevention strives to create industry-specific trainings, and in this example, the actual hazards experienced by technicians in motor vehicle service and collision businesses.

It is anticipated that the final version will be launched and available to members by August 1. In addition to our online offering, this training is also offered free, on-site, for all members of the Workers’ Compensation Trust. If you’d like to learn more or put your name on the list for this training, please contact me at bduplessis@nhada.com or (603) 224-2369.