The Importance of Chemical Safety Compliance in the Workplace

In today's fast-paced environment, staying up-to-date with chemical safety regulations is a continuous challenge. Compliance with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) is not optional—it's a requirement set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). With chemical hazards often hidden and the regulations ever-evolving, ensuring proper adherence to GHS standards is crucial for maintaining safety across various industries.

What is the Globally Harmonized System (GHS)?

The GHS is a unified system designed by the United Nations to standardize chemical classification and labeling worldwide. Before GHS, each country had different rules, which led to confusion and safety risks, especially for workers handling chemicals. GHS mandates uniform hazard pictograms and clear labeling on chemical containers, ensuring that workers globally understand the risks associated with chemicals, regardless of location.

The United States updated its implementation of GHS in 2015, introducing new requirements for Safety Data Sheets (SDS), including specific pictograms, hazard statements, and signal words. Bill McGarvey, Director of Training and Sustainability at Imperial Dade, emphasizes the need for companies to not only comply with OSHA guidelines but also to be aware of specific state requirements, which may be stricter than federal guidelines.

Recent Regulatory Updates

In 2024, OSHA made important revisions to its Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to better align with the GHS. Some key updates include:

• Revised Classification Criteria: Chemicals once labeled as mild irritants may now require more stringent classifications due to new scientific data.
• Updated Label Requirements: The rule requires clear and legible labels on small containers, ensuring proper identification of even small chemical amounts.
• Safeguarding Trade Secrets: Manufacturers are now required to disclose critical hazard information on SDS, removing the possibility of withholding ingredients as trade secrets.
• SDS Amendments: Reorganization and rewording of SDS sections to improve clarity and ensure they provide comprehensive safety data.

These changes are primarily aimed at manufacturers and importers, although distributors of cleaning chemicals should also be vigilant in updating their products' documentation and safety measures.

Ensuring Safety Through Proper SDS and Pictograms

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are essential tools for providing workers with hazard information. Distributors play a crucial role by supplying these documents and helping customers stay compliant. For example, Fagan Sanitary Supply offers a digital SDS dashboard, allowing customers to access product data easily.

In addition to SDS, GHS pictograms are a vital communication tool. Each pictogram conveys a different hazard, such as a skull and crossbones (toxic chemicals) or a flame (flammable substances). McGarvey highlights the importance of pictograms in overcoming language barriers, allowing workers to quickly identify chemical risks without needing to read complex text.

Bill Allen, Territory Manager at Fagan Sanitary Supply, stresses that distributors must ensure employees understand the meaning of these symbols, as failure to recognize them could lead to improper chemical handling or misuse. He also advocates for comprehensive training programs, which should cover the interpretation of SDS, hazard communication, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Proper Labeling and Color Coding for Safety

Labeling is a fundamental part of chemical safety. Manufacturers are required to label chemical containers with official hazard information, and these labels must be transferred to spray bottles and other reusable containers. McGarvey warns against using homemade labels, as they may lack crucial safety details.

Additionally, implementing color coding for cleaning tools (mops, microfiber cloths, and buckets) can further enhance safety. Each color signifies its specific use—red for toilets, blue for general cleaning, green for kitchens, and yellow for infectious areas. This visual system helps workers easily identify and use the right tools for the job.

Continuous Training and Compliance

Ongoing training is essential to reinforce chemical safety practices. McGarvey recommends annual refresher courses to keep workers updated on GHS regulations, hazard recognition, and safe chemical handling. Distributors like Imperial Dade and Fagan Sanitary Supply offer these training sessions, ensuring that employees stay familiar with the SDS and other safety documentation.

The Role of Distributors in Chemical Safety

Distributors like Fagan Sanitary Supply and Imperial Dade are key players in helping facilities remain compliant. They ensure that customers have the necessary safety information and training, which helps reduce the risk of accidents and ensures that workers are properly protected from chemical hazards.

By providing SDS, proper labeling, and regular training, distributors help create safer workplaces. As Allen puts it, "Our job is to provide thorough information so that workers can be as safe as possible when using cleaning products."

Conclusion

Chemical safety in the workplace is more than just a regulatory requirement—it’s a matter of life and death. By adhering to GHS standards, keeping up with OSHA regulations, and ensuring proper training and labeling, facilities can protect workers from hazardous chemicals and avoid costly accidents.

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