Hazard Communication is the Key

Hazard Communication to inform employees about the potential hazards of the chemicals they work with has recently changed to bring uniformity to the labeling process.  Prior to the new mandates, many companies could label the same material in many different ways.  An employee may be working with two barrels of the same chemical but from different manufacturers, and the labels and warnings would be different.  The new system helps streamline the labeling so the variances has been taken out and the guess work by the employee is eliminated.  The new uniform system allows for a broad understanding of how to handle the same chemical across many job platforms.  The person transporting the material can use the labeling information to use special precautions, while the employee working with the chemical in the facility can use other precautions to ensure a safe working environment as well.  The Safety Data Sheets for each chemical is also being presented in a uniform way.  The sections are now outlined in the same way; so an employee may quickly reference the section needed, rather than flipping through multiple layouts and formats.The major changes in Hazard Communication or HazCom allows for an improvement of the consistency and quality of hazard information in many different work environments.  Also, the new changes are part of a global initiative that allows many different countries to adhere to the labeling; which allows chemicals to be taken across borders in a safer way.  The global economy continues to demand for uniformity which allows chemicals from many different origins across the globe to be used in a safe and productive way.  The continued evolution of Hazard Communication reflects the growing need continue the global advancement that growing commerce market demands.Employees that use, store, and handle the hazardous material are required by OSHA to have information to identify and know the hazards of the chemicals.  The information must be accessible and understandable to the employee, and the employer must have training for working with the various chemicals an employee may come into contact with.  A Certified Industrial Hygienist would be an expert in the ongoing changes that OSHA mandates to keep your company in line with the new regulation.Hazard Communication is about informing employees about potential hazards through training, recognition, providing proper labeling and Safety Data Sheets for each chemical.  To learn more about the changes in Hazard Communication that is pertinent to your work environment, click here.