New Government Harmonized Global Chemical Labeling

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In recent news, OSHA has decided to implement The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals.

What does this mean to you, the business owner? Essentially if you are an organization that stores any chemicals, expect to be relabeling those products. The purpose of this process is to unify the United States with 67 other nations in this globally common labeling system. By unifying, a greater common approach is implemented, confusion is decreased and a greater global understanding is established.

The benefits of this adoption are a creation of safer work environments, reduced accidents, simplified communications, and easier and reduced HazCom compliance costs.

How does this affect you? Those mostly affected by this occurrence are manufacturers, distributors and importers, however many others will be affected, for example, addition to collision shops and garages.

Here is a timeline with important dates to remember.

 

Effective               Completion             Date                                                Requirement(s)      Those Impacted  
December 1, 2013 Train employees on the new label elements and SDS format Employers Employers
 June 1, 2015  Comply with all modified provisions of this final rule Chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors and employers
December 1, 2015  Distributors may ship products labeled by manufacturers under the old system until December 1, 2015 Chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors and employers
 June 1, 2016   Update alternative workplace labeling and hazard communication program as necessary, and provide additional employee training for newly identified physical or health hazards Chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors and employers
 Transition Period  Comply with either 29 CFR 1910.1200 (this final standard), or the current standard, or both Chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors and employers

 

To avoid fines and for more information on how to become properly covered, contact Allied Insurance Managers at 1.248.853.0930 or email us at aim@alliedinsmgr.com

For more information on the upcoming changes click here: Globally Harmonized System.