The long-awaited OSHA Hazard Communication (HCS) Regulation update has been published as of May 20, 2024. This significant update aligns US Hazard Communication Standards with the seventh revision of the UN Globally Harmonized System (GHS). The new rule takes effect on July 19, 2024, with two key compliance dates: January 19, 2026, for substances and July 19, 2027, for mixtures with further compliance dates for employers to enact the changes.

This update is designed to enhance chemical safety in the workplace by requiring manufacturers and importers to provide detailed information on hazardous chemicals through labels, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and training. The updated US OSHA Hazard Communication Standard has implemented the UN GHS Revision 7 across the United States.

Key Highlights from the HCS Update:

• Alignment with GHS Revision 7 Classifications: Clearer hazard classification processes to provide more accurate hazard information on labels and SDS.

• Revised Criteria for Classification: Improved criteria for certain health and physical hazards with a focus on anticipating the uses or applications throughout the supply chain including updates to physical and human health hazard classes in appendixes A and B.

• Updated Physical Hazards: Better guidance for safely handling explosives, aerosols, and chemicals under pressure.

• Changes to Labelling Standards: 

• Updated Hazard and Precautionary statements in Appendix C:  In line with new classifications and GHS Revision 7.

• Provisions for Small Containers: More comprehensive and readable labels on small packages - provisions for 3ml and 100ml containers.

• SDS Trade Secret Claims: Manufacturers must now disclose a concentration range, aligning with Health Canada.

• Improved Safety Data Sheets: improved information quality and accuracy in SDS in appendix D - changes to sections 2, 3, 9 and 11.

• Alignment with Federal Agencies and Canada: Improving consistency with other regulations.

• Training requirements: Employers are required to train workers on the new label elements and safety data sheet format to facilitate recognition and understanding.

Starting July 19, 2024, stakeholders will need to begin updating their hazard communication practices to meet the new standards. OSHA expects the final rule will affect 111,223 firms, 147,832 establishments, and 1,530,476 employees. Embracing these changes not only ensures compliance but also enhances safety within the chemical industry whilst also providing net cost savings for the future.

How Can Yordas Help?

Navigating regulatory changes can be complex, but Yordas is here to help. Our team of experts can assist you in reviewing, updating, and authoring your SDS and labels to comply with the new standard.

Get in touch with our team today for more information and visit our website for insight into our Hazard Communication Services.

• Request a Free Consultation: Our experts can help you navigate the new regulations and ensure compliance. Request a consultation today!

• Download our Whitepapers: Gain in-depth knowledge by viewing our library of whitepapers.

• View our e-learning courses: Ensure SDS compliance within your supply chain.

• Contact our Support Team: Have a specific question or need immediate assistance? Email us today.

Embrace these changes with confidence and ensure your business remains compliant and safe with Yordas by your side.

About our experts

Fiona Moir
Managing Hazard Communication Consultant

Fiona is an experienced Safety Data Sheet author with over 10 years of experience. She leads the GHS and SDS services at Yordas, including the delivery, and ongoing development of service structure, operations and training. These services involve compiling and assessing product labels; including aspects of additional regulations such as Biocidal Products Regulation, Detergents Directive and the Aerosols Dispensers Directive.

Nathan Town-Field
Senior Hazard Communication Consultant

Nathan Town-Field is a Senior Regulatory Consultant at Yordas, with a focus on global hazard communication. With six years of expertise in GHS and CLP classification and labelling of substances and mixtures, Nathan is well-versed in navigating the complex regulatory landscape surrounding chemical safety. A key responsibility for Nathan leading the team responsible for authoring Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to global standards, ensuring that they accurately communicate the hazards associated with chemicals and provide essential safety information to downstream users. Additionally, he is proficient in poison centre notification obligations, and as Yordas' lead eSDS author, Nathan plays a crucial role in extracting exposure scenarios from various sources.