Staying Current with Changes for Hazard Communication

Jan 17
08:49

2013

Leighanna Cumbie

Leighanna Cumbie

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Hazard Communications is going through a cycle to evolve from the national standards that it was, to the global standard accepted in countries across the globe. Regulations from different governments are being streamlined into one series of regulations to allow for international commerce to be conducted in a less restricted flow. The new Global Harmonized Standard (GHS) will reduce the time it takes for hazardous chemicals to be produced in one country for use in another country.

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Hazard Communications is going through a cycle to evolve from the national standards that it was,Staying Current with Changes for Hazard Communication Articles to the global standard accepted in countries across the globe.  Regulations from different governments are being streamlined into one series of regulations to allow for international commerce to be conducted in a less restricted flow.  The new Global Harmonized Standard (GHS) will reduce the time it takes for hazardous chemicals to be produced in one country for use in another country.

 

The GHS system changes the rules in the United States regarding what labels are used and how information is presented to workers that utilize hazardous chemicals on a daily basis.  The labels are being given a uniform format to ensure they are quickly identifiable to alert workers to the potential hazards of working with and around these chemicals.  In the past, different manufacturers that produced the same chemical could vary the actual warning label on the chemical.  This could lead to confusion for the worker, so the GHS ensures the same chemical is labeled consistently across all chemical manufacturers.  The labeling classification system has been simplified to ensure the proper labels are being affixed to the containers of the hazardous chemicals.

 

The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the hazardous chemical is also being tweaked to align with the GHS.  MSDS could vary in the order of the information being presented by different manufacturers.  The order of information has been standardized so workers can quickly reference the needed material from the MSDS.  The workers have a right to understand the hazards faced and should be educated by the company on a periodic basis so the continuing education can further enforce safety plans in place to keep the employees safe.

 

The GHS is set to update the Hazard Communication Standard on a regularly scheduled basis and it is imperative to keep your company on top of any changes in policy or regulation as it is announced.  A Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) can work with your company to ensure the proper corporate policies are in place to align your company with any changing regulation.  The CIH can also perform periodic continuing education classes for new and existing employees to ensure all employees are aware of any changes and are kept current.  Hazard Communication requires a proactive approach to ensure employees are informed and educated of how to stay safe around hazardous materials.  Click hereto contact a CIH to start working with your company today.