On May 20, 2024, OSHA issued its final rule, updating the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to align primarily with the seventh revision of the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for chemical classification and labeling. This revision aims to enhance workplace safety by ensuring employees receive clearer and more effective information about chemical hazards. 

Whenever OSHA updates the HazCom standard, organizations handling chemical products must take responsibility for enhancing employee safety measures. However, keeping up with every new regulation can be challenging. A quick overview of the key updates can help organizations stay informed and ensure compliance with the latest HazCom standards. 

Continue reading and find out the key points of the new OSHA final revised HaZCom standard.  

 

Understanding OSHA’s HaZCom Standard  

 

OSHA, a key federal agency dedicated to employee safety and workplace hazard management, has updated its Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom) to enhance workplace safety in environments handling hazardous chemicals. 

The newly revised standard aims to improve hazard communication by ensuring clearer and more effective labeling and SDS documentation. These updates will strengthen worker protections. Besides, it will reduce chemical-related illnesses and injuries. Moreover, the revised standards address challenges that have emerged since the implementation of the 2012 standard. Additionally, the changes enhance alignment with other federal agencies and Canada, ensuring consistency in safety regulations. 

 

 

Key Changes in the HazCom Standard 

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the major updates: 

1. Improved Labeling for Hazardous Chemicals:

Chemical labels are a critical part of workplace safety, providing essential hazard information to workers. The new HazCom update introduces clearer and more detailed labeling requirements to improve worker understanding and reduce chemical-related risks. 

Key Changes in Labeling: 

  • More Precise Hazard Warnings: Labels now provide clearer descriptions of potential hazards to ensure employees understand the risks. 
  • Updated Precautionary Statements: New precautionary guidelines help workers follow correct handling, storage, and emergency response procedures. 
  • Changes for Small Containers: OSHA has introduced adjustments for labeling small chemical containers to ensure hazard information remains visible and accessible. 

By enhancing chemical labeling, OSHA enables workers to quickly and clearly comprehend the risks of hazardous substances. This leads to improved safety practices and a reduction in workplace accidents. 

 

2. Standardized and Simplified Safety Data Sheets (SDSs):

 

Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) serve as comprehensive documents as it provides crucial information about chemicals. The new OSHA rule enhances SDS formatting and structure which makes  them more readable and consistent. 

Key SDS Updates: 

  • More Consistent Format: Ensures that all SDSs follow a structured format, making it easier for workers to locate important information. 
  • Clearer Hazard Classifications: The new standard refines hazard classification criteria, reducing confusion and improving hazard identification. 
  • Simplified Chemical Risk Explanations: The changes make SDSs more accessible, ensuring that workers can quickly interpret safety information. 

By making SDSs more user-friendly, OSHA aims to improve workplace safety and enable better decision-making when handling hazardous chemicals. 

 

  1. Alignment with the 7th Revision of the Globally Harmonized System (GHS):

OSHA’s HazCom standard now follows the 7th revision of the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), a global system for classifying and labeling chemicals. This helps ensure consistent safety rules worldwide and improves trade compliance. 

Key Benefits of GHS Alignment: 

  • Easier Compliance for Multinational Companies: Businesses operating internationally will have a more uniform standard to follow. 
  • Better Hazard Communication Across Borders: Standardized labels and SDSs ensure workers worldwide receive the same critical information. 
  • Stronger Coordination with Canada and Other Regulatory Agencies: The update improves alignment with Canada’s Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) and other federal agencies. 

Global alignment with GHS improves the effectiveness of hazard communication. Besides, it will simplify compliance for businesses handling international chemical shipments. 

 

  1. Addressing Challenges from the 2012 HazCom Standard:

Since the 2012 HazCom update, several challenges have emerged, creating confusion and inconsistencies in hazard classification and communication. The new 2024 revision addresses these issues by clarifying existing requirements and introducing refinements that improve compliance. 

Key Fixes in the 2024 Update: 

  • Refined Hazard Classification Guidelines: Businesses now have clearer criteria for classifying chemical hazards. 
  • Enhanced Reporting Requirements: Improved documentation guidelines help organizations maintain accurate hazard communication records. 
  • Streamlined Compliance Measures: Reduces confusion by providing more precise instructions on labeling, SDSs, and reporting. 

 

  1. Addressing Challenges from the 2012 HazCom Standard:

Since the 2012 HazCom update, several challenges have emerged, creating confusion and inconsistencies in hazard classification and communication. The new 2024 revision addresses these issues by clarifying existing requirements and introducing refinements that improve compliance. 

Key Fixes in the 2024 Update: 

  • Refined Hazard Classification Guidelines: Businesses now have clearer criteria for classifying chemical hazards. 
  • Enhanced Reporting Requirements: Improved documentation guidelines help organizations maintain accurate hazard communication records. 
  • Streamlined Compliance Measures: Reduces confusion by providing more precise instructions on labeling, SDSs, and reporting. 

 

  1. Strengthened Worker Safety and Protection Measures:

One of the core objectives of the revised HazCom standard is to increase worker protections and minimize chemical-related injuries and illnesses. The new rule enhances hazard awareness and provides clearer safety guidelines. 

How the Update Improves Worker Safety: 

  • More Readable Labels and SDSs: Employees can quickly identify chemical hazards and necessary precautions. 
  • Better Access to Safety Information: Updates make it easier for workers to find and understand chemical safety guidelines. 
  • Reduced Workplace Accidents and Exposure Risks: Improved communication lowers the chances of chemical-related health issues and accidents. 

By making hazard communication more effective, OSHA ensures that employees receive comprehensive protection against chemical hazards in the workplace. 

 

 

How Businesses Can Prepare for the New HazCom Standard? 

With these significant changes in place, businesses must take proactive steps to ensure compliance. Here’s how organizations can adapt to the new HazCom updates: 

  1. Review and Update Chemical Labels

Ensure all chemical labels comply with the new requirements. Moreover, to ensure it include updated precautionary statements and hazard classifications. 

  1. Update Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)

Work with chemical suppliers and safety professionals to update SDSs in line with the revised format and classification guidelines. 

  1. Train Employees on the New HazCom Requirements

Conduct hazard communication training sessions to educate employees on the new labels, SDSs, and safety protocols. 

  1. Align Compliance Measures with International Standards

If your company operates globally, ensure that all hazard communication practices align with GHS Revision 7. 

  1. Work with EHS Professionals

Partner with Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) experts to ensure your workplace remains compliant and implements best practices. 

 

Conclusion: 

The 2024 update to OSHA’s HazCom Standard improves workplace safety by enhancing chemical labels, SDS formats, and aligning with global standards. 

Businesses handling hazardous chemicals must update their labels, SDSs, and training programs to comply. Being proactive ensures regulatory compliance and a safer workplace for employees.