The “HazCom” Standard is now aligned with the GHS (Globally Harmonized System for the Classification and Labeling of Chemicals). You can see why we just call this program the GHS!
Frequently called “Your Right to Know” this chemical standard is designed to inform and educate employees about the health and physical hazards that they work with or are expose to. The standard that gave workers the right to know, now gives them the right to understand.
Employers are to have this transition completed by April 1, 2016. This transition includes the change in Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) to the new 16 part Safety Data Sheets (SDS), updated employee training, new product labeling, and product classification for the health and physical hazards.
Much has not changed. You are still required to have an inventory list of the chemicals on site, a written program, the SDS for those chemicals, proper labeling on containers (secondary or primary labels), and employee training to the chemicals/hazardous products they use or have exposure to. For more information go to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration’s web site on Hazard Communication.
Other factors to consider with any chemical safety program are the employee exposures, spill procedures, waste storage and disposal requirements, process and pipe labeling, personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements and training to name some other factors.
Does Windex belong in your GHS program, how do you train temporary employees, who can clean up a spill, do you need a permit for your waste???
Whether you need updates to your existing plan, training for employees, or consulting on requirements, CTTCI experienced consultants have the answers you need for this often cited program by OSHA.
Give us a call , register for a course or contact us and one of our consultants will contact you as soon as possible.