On Feb. 16, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration published a notice of proposed rulemaking that offers revisions to the Hazard Communication Standard of 2012 to align it with the seventh revised edition of the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals.
The proposal primarily is focused on technical aspects of the regulation applicable to manufacturers, importers and distributors of chemicals used in the workplace and likely will not create additional compliance obligations for roofing contractors. Revisions include the addition of new hazard classes and categories; new labeling requirements for small containers; a requirement to add chemical reaction hazards to Section 2 of safety data sheets; and several new or revised definitions.
OSHA also is requesting comments regarding how the Hazard Communication Standard should be revised in the future to align with changes to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals in a timely manner. Comments are due April 19. NRCA will not be submitting comments, but NRCA manufacturer members may want to consider doing so.
