Hawaii incorporates by reference the July 1, 2017, edition of the federal OSHA general industry requirements for hazard communication (HazCom), however, the state adds further requirements. Also, any federal OSHA rulemakings effective after July 1, 2017, will not take effect for employers in Hawaii until the state takes action.
A summary of the additional requirements includes the following:
- Prominently post hazard information and also label the hazard (or post near it) if possible. See section 396-7 for list of information required.
- Provide information about the protective equipment (i.e., equipment for exposure monitoring) availability.
- Do not allow certain exposure to substances that will cause material impairment to health/function of employees.
- Provide employees with information when exposed to toxics or physical agents at levels over the regulated limits. See section 396-7 for list of information and access required.
- Hawaii's HAR 12-60-50 lists state-specific definitions that differ from federal OSHA's definitions.
Except as amended in section 12-60-50, HIOSH incorporates by reference the July 1, 2017, edition of 29 CFR 1910. Any new federal OSHA final rule that took or takes effect after July 1, 2017, will not be effective until the state takes action. For example, currently, the following federal OSHA final rules are not effective in Hawaii:
- Hazard Communication Standard final rule, dated May 20, 2024; and
- Hazard Communication Standard final rule, dated October 9, 2024.
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