Here’s what’s HazCom-ing your way in 2024
OSHA’s final hazard communication (HazCom) rule is expected to be published within the next few months. Are you ready for the changes?
Following a series of stakeholder meetings in September 2021, the HazCom final rule was sent to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review on October 11, 2023. Once the review is completed, it will be published in the Federal Register which is anticipated in early 2024.
Who’s impacted by the final rule?
The final rule intends to align the HazCom standard with the 7th revision of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). Though the new rule will primarily affect those in the chemical industry, many other employers may also be impacted.
Chemical manufacturers, importers, and distributors evaluating substances must be fully compliant within one year of the effective date of the final rule. Those who evaluate mixtures have two years to comply.
What can be expected with the final rule?
In addition to aligning with Revision 7 of GHS, the final rule is expected to:
- Address issues that became apparent during the implementation of the 2012 HazCom Standard update; and
- Better align requirements of other U.S. agencies and international trading partners.
Here’s what to look for:
- New and revised definitions for exposure, hazardous chemical, combustible dust, gas, liquid, solid, and immediate outer package;
- New label element for chemical release date required on shipped containers;
- New labeling requirements for small containers and bulk containers;
- Significant changes to the flammable gas hazard class including the addition of a new hazard class (desensitized explosives) and several new hazard categories (unstable gases and pyrophoric gases in the Flammable Gases class and nonflammable aerosols in the Aerosols class);
- Revised health hazard statements and precautionary statements for some situations; and
- Reorganization of Sections 9 and 11 of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
Employers should also anticipate training changes for employees that address their HazCom programs in response to the final rule.
Keys to Remember: OSHA’s final HazCom rule is expected to be published in early 2024. Employers should prepare now for changes that affect their companies and anticipate training employees ahead of time.