Employers whose employees may be exposed to hazardous chemicals in the workplace must train their employees on OSHA’s new chemical label elements and new Safety Data Sheet (SDS) format by December 1, 2013.
The training requirement is the first compliance deadline for employers under OSHA’s 2012 revised Hazard Communication Standard, 29 C.F.R. 1910.1200. The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) is now aligned with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). The revised standard is intended to improve the quality and consistency of hazard information in the workplace, making it safer for workers by providing easily understandable information on appropriate handling and safe use of hazardous chemicals.
Compliance Poster Company has developed new HCS training tools to help employers comply with the training requirement. CPC’s Hazard Communication Standard Poster is a useful training tool and an ongoing reinforcement tool. Employers can also download CPC’s free HCS Sample Label Training Sheet to use as a training tool and save for later reference.
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Training is an integral part of any hazard communication program. Under the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200), all employers are required to inform and train their employees at the time of their initial assignment to a work area where hazardous chemicals are present, and wherever a new hazard is introduced into the work area.