Did you know the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) is now aligned with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS).
Midwest Environmental Services offers training to this revision of the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), which will provide a common and coherent approach to classifying chemicals and communicating specific hazards on labels and safety data sheets. Major changes to the Hazard Communication Standard include the following:
- Hazard classification: Provides specific criteria for classification of health and physical hazards, as well as classification of mixtures.
- Labels: Chemical manufacturers and importers will be required to provide a label that includes a harmonized signal word, pictogram, and hazard statement for each hazard class and category. Precautionary statements must also be provided.
- Safety Data Sheets: Will now have a specified 16-section format.
- Information and training: Employers are required to train workers by December 1, 2013 on the new labels elements and safety data sheets format to facilitate recognition and understanding.
Midwest Environmental Services offers compliance training for the following phase-in period for the revised Hazard Communication Standard:
December 1, 2013 – Training employees on the new label elements and safety data sheet (SDS) format
June 1, 2015 – Compliance with all modified provisions of the final rule except:
December 1, 2015 – The Distributor shall not ship containers labeled by the chemical manufacture or importer unless it is a GHS label
June 1, 2016 – Update alternative workplace labeling and hazard communication program as necessary, and provide additional employee training for newly identified physical or health hazards
Contact Midwest Environmental Services at 800-388-5160 or our Consulting Services Division at 502-491-0991, and inquire about the GHS training requirements and how Midwest Environmental Services may assist you for the change.