OSHA is proposing to modify its existing Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to conform
with the United Nations' (UN) Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of
Chemicals (GHS).
The proposed modifications to the standard include revised criteria for classification of chemical
hazards; revised labeling provisions that include requirements for use of standardized signal
words, pictograms, hazard statements, and precautionary statements; a specified format for
safety data sheets; and related revisions to definitions of terms used in the standard,
requirements for employee training on labels and safety data sheets.
OSHA is proposing to adopt all of the physical and health hazard classes in the GHS.
MAXCOM/GHS utilizes the specific criteria established by the GHS to classify workplace chemicals. The system also incorporates Safe-Use-Guides for each class of chemical an employee may be exposed to that include formatted information simplified to meet the needs of all levels of employees!
OSHA also believes that standardized presentation of information...and the use of standardized pictograms would compliment and reinforce the information provided through signal words and hazard statements. Pictograms are also anticipated to improve communication for those who are not functionally literate, or who are not literate in the language used.
MAXCOM/GHS is available in over 60 languages and it is now fully compliant with all
components of GHS proposed by the OSHA rule change!
In addition to the pictograms, signal word and hazard statements, GHS labels must include
precautionary statements. OSHA is proposing to require the text in the precautionary statements
in the GHS to be on HCS labels.
MAXCOM/GHS secondary container labels include all core components of GHS
proposed by the OSHA rule change including:
- Signal Word
- GHS Hazard Class
- Hazard Statements
- Precautionary Statements
- Pictograms
In addition MAXCOM/GHS labels can be customized to include additional hazards,
target organ effects, routes of exposure, PPE, NFPA 704 diamond, etc.!
Each employee who may be "exposed" to hazardous chemicals when working must be provided
information and trained prior to initial assignment to work with a hazardous chemical, and
whenever the hazard changes.
Where there are large numbers of chemicals, or the chemicals change frequently, you will
probably want to train generally based on the hazard categories (e.g., flammable liquids,
corrosive materials, carcinogens).
In accordance with the training requirements established by OSHA, MAXCOM/GHS offers training
modules for each category [of chemical] that an employee may be exposed to in their immediate work
area.
Interactive and web-enabled MAXCOM/GHS training modules provide employees with valuable
information about the potential hazards, safety precautions and the emergency responses for fires,
spills and first aid for the chemicals specific to their job responsibility or work area**.
**Additional MAXCOM/GHS training modules provide valuable information about how to read and interpret SDS, and how to understand GHS pictograms, warning statements, precautionary statements and hazard statements. Test results are tracked and recorded online or with company specific Learning Management Systems, (LMS).
MAXCOM/GHS provides an immediate identification of what chemicals can and cannot be safely stored together in a specific work area or cabinet.
For more information call: 1-888-707-8819 or click the link below to request a demo of the MAXCOM/GHS system.
