US OSHA Releases Updated Hazards Communication Standard to Align with GHS 7

A long-awaited final rule updating the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) was released by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) on May 20, 2024. The update incorporates the seventh revised edition of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) into OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). The revised HCS regulation will take effect on July 19, 2024.

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Hazard Category Updates

The GHS 7 revision introduces several important changes to the hazard categories to improve clarity and safety in the classification and labelling of chemicals. These updates include new hazard classes, redefined existing categories, and additional label elements to ensure comprehensive hazard communication. The most significant changes are as follows:

??????? Aerosols Category 3: The "Flammable Aerosols" class has been renamed "Aerosols," and a new hazard class has been introduced. Label components have also been added.

??????? Chemicals under Pressure: New hazard class and label elements.

??????? Flammable Gases: The following new subcategories have been added: Pyrophoric gas and chemically unstable gas (Category A and B) are added to Category 1A and 1B.

??????? Desensitized explosives: New hazard class and label elements.

??????? Flammable Gases: Labels must be modified, and new label elements are included for all categories.

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Updates to Safety Data Sheets and Labelling

The GHS 7 revision also brings significant updates to Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and labelling requirements. These changes aim to improve the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the information provided to users, ensuring better protection and understanding of chemical hazards. Key updates include:

·?????? SDS Section 3: Ranges of prescribed concentrations.

·?????? SDS Section 9: Data requirements, format adjustments, and introduction of particle size as a new physicochemical characteristic.

·?????? SDS Section 11: Addition of "interactive effects" and using SAR/QSAR/read across.

·?????? SDS Section 14: "Transport in bulk according to IMO instruments" is the new name of the subsection.

·?????? Labels for Small Containers: Specific guidelines for labels (such as pull-out, fold-back, and tag systems) for small containers.

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Compliance Deadlines

Manufacturers, importers, and distributors must comply with the new requirements by January 19, 2026, for substances and by July 19, 2027, for mixtures.

During the transition period, employers, importers, distributors, and manufacturers of chemicals may comply with the final rule, the previous version of this standard, or both. After the transition period, all compounds and mixtures must comply with? GHS 7 of the US HCS.

To complete any necessary updates to the hazard communication program, alternative workplace labelling, and additional employee training for newly discovered physical or health hazards as a result of the evaluation of substances and mixtures (i.e., 24 months after the effective date for substances and 42 months after the effective date for mixtures).