The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued a proposed rule to update its Hazard Communication Standard to align with the seventh revision of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, according to www.osha.gov.
OSHA expects the Hazard Communication Standard update will increase worker protections and reduce the incidence of chemical-related occupational illnesses and injuries by further improving the information on the labels and safety data sheets for hazardous chemicals. Proposed modifications also will address issues that have arisen since implementing the 2012 standard and improve alignment with other federal agencies and Canada.
Individuals may electronically submit comments identified by Docket No. OSHA-2019-0001 at www.regulations.gov, the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. The Federal Register notice will be published Feb. 16, but the unpublished details are available. The deadline for submitting comments is April 19.
OSHA has preliminarily determined the proposed modifications would enhance the effectiveness of the standard by improving dissemination of hazard information so employees are more appropriately informed regarding exposure to chemical hazards in the workplace.
