On December 7th, OSHA’s latest semiannual regulatory agenda was published. OSHA’s list was shared to the public threw a live web chat presented by the Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis and acting Assistant Secretary for OSHA Jordan Barab. The list that was shared includes 29 regulatory items OSHA is determined to address and work on so that workers have a safe and healthful workplace.
One of the items on their list is to work on Hazard Communication.
“OSHA has moved toward preparing to align its hazcom standard with the Global Harmonization System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). OSHA published an NPRM in September 2009 and is planning hearings for February 2010.”
What does this mean for your business and handling your MSDSs?
GHS is a new classification and labeling system that has been designed so that there is a standard national understanding of the hazard risk for chemicals. This new system will allow a cohesive classification system to be implemented in each country and recognizable globally so that no matter who is working with a hazardous chemical will know the potential risks across the board. GHS has been discussed over the past few years and is slowly beginning to work its way into the everyday language for EHS professionals.
With this new classification system means it may be time to revisit and examine your current MSDS system. Of course if you need an efficient MSDS management system for your business feel free to contact us and we would be happy to talk to you about how we can take the burden out of MSDS management.
