On July 19, 2024, the final OSHA rule updating the Hazard Communication Standard (Haz-Com Standard) became effective.
The Hazard Communication Standard:
OSHA's Haz-Com Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200, generally requires employers to provide employees with information about chemical hazards and associated protective measures. In long-term care communities, communication of chemical hazards most frequently occurs through training, chemical container labels, and Safety Data Sheets (SDS). These general requirements have been and will remain in place, even with the current update.
Updates in the revised Standards:
The updated standard aims to enhance the effectiveness of the Haz-Com Standard by providing employees with better information about chemical hazards in the workplace. The changes require improved information on labels and Safety Data Sheets for hazardous chemicals.
Much of the updated standard is geared toward manufacturers and distributors of chemicals, as they typically provide labels and SDSs to the employer. However, it is ultimately the employer’s responsibility to ensure that the labels are accurate, SDSs are updated, and employees are trained.
To account for the distinction between manufacturers and employers, OSHA’s updated standard has compliance deadlines for manufacturers and distributors first, followed by compliance deadlines for employers.
Additional Resources: