Safe Workplace and Safety News

An article in the December issue of Concrete Products Magazine compares and discusses the various standards for labeling hazardous materials with the new global requirements. Four labeling system are compared: GHS SDS, ISO MSDS, ANSI MSDS and OSHA MSDS.

The article points out that adopting global standards would be advantageous because it would eliminate the multiple standards in use within the U.S. The article states: "While a few changes would be in order to comply with the proposed standard, DOT labeling requirements for hazardous materials transportation are nearly identical to those of GHS. Since OSHA is not harmonized with current DOT standards, changing HCS to incorporate GHS criteria would ensure consistency of DOT and OSHA requirements."

Labels: global hazmat classification, hazard identifcation, rtk labels, safety labeling

1 Comments:

 Cindy Findley said...

OSHA is seeking comments regarding HSC and GHS:

OSHA is proposing to modify its existing Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to conform with the United Nations' (UN) Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). OSHA has made a preliminary determination that the proposed modifications will improve the quality and consistency of information provided to employers and employees regarding chemical hazards and associated protective measures. The Agency anticipates this improved information will enhance the effectiveness of the HCS in ensuring that employees are apprised of the chemical hazards to which they may be exposed, and in reducing the incidence of chemical-related occupational illnesses and injuries.
The proposed modifications to the standard include revised criteria for classification of chemical hazards; revised labeling provisions that include requirements for use of standardized signal words, pictograms, hazard statements, and precautionary statements; a specified format for safety data sheets; and related revisions to definitions of terms used in the standard, requirements for employee training on labels and safety data sheets. OSHA is also proposing to modify provisions of a number of other standards, including standards for flammable and combustible liquids, process safety management, and most substance-specific health standards, to ensure consistency with the modified HCS requirements.

Written comments. Written comments, including comments on the information collection determination described in Section VIII of the preamble (OMB Review under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995), must be submitted by the following dates:
Hard copy: Comments must be submitted (postmarked or sent) by December 29, 2009.
Facsimile and electronic transmissions: Comments must be sent by December 29, 2009.
Informal public hearings. The Agency will schedule an informal public hearing on the proposed rule. The location and date of the hearing, procedures for interested parties to notify the Agency of their intention to participate, and procedures for participants to submit their testimony and documentary evidence will be announced in the Federal Register.

http://www.FederalRegister.com

10:49 AM  

Post a Comment

Links to this post:

  <$BlogBacklinkTitle$>  

<$BlogBacklinkSnippet$>
<$I18NPostedByBacklinkAuthor$> @ <$BlogBacklinkDateTime$>

Create a Link

<< Home