June 2016 GHS Timetable

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3/3/2016 June 2016 GHS Timetable | Graphic Products

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June 2016 GHS TimetableBy Graphic Products Editorial Staff (https://plus.google.com/+Graphicproductsinc/about)

Published: Aug 1, 2014

Updated: Jan 26, 2016

With its publication in the Federal Register on March 26, 2012, the new OSHA Hazard

Communication Standard (HCS) established its alignment with the Globally Harmonized

System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals in the United States. This resulted

in changes in:

Chemical hazard classification

Labeling of chemicals

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) which are replacing Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

Training of employees

What is the June 2016 GHS Timetable?

Because the GHS alignment, significant changes were introduced. OSHA established a

transition timetable that provided time for training employees, for acquiring new label

printing capabilities, and for using up existing stocks of chemicals which already had been

labeled under the old system. The timetable stretches until June 2016 for a 100%

transition to GHS. Its critical to know the milestone dates along the way in order to stay

compliant.

December 1 2013 All employees who use, handle, or store chemicals needed to

have been trained on the new label elements and safety data sheet (SDS) format.

June 1 2015 All chemical manufacturers, importers, and distributors must be in
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compliance with the 2012 OSHA HCS requirements. This includes classification of

chemicals, preparation of safety data sheets, and preparing GHS labels.

December 1 2015 The grace period ends for shipping existing inventory that had

older labels. All shipments of chemicals must have the new GHS compliant labels.

June 1 2016 All employers must be in full compliance with the new HCS. This

includes having updated their written workplace hazard communication program to

incorporate the new GHS requirements. The training of employees on their newworkplace hazard communication program must also be completed.

June 2016 GHS Timetable What Needs to be Done?

OSHA lists six steps for being in full compliance with the 2012 HCS.

1. Identify Responsible Staff

Responsibility for implementation of hazard communication should be assigned to a

specific person. That person then identifies and coordinates those who are responsible forcompleting specific activities, and is responsible for ensuring they are familiar with the

OSHA HCS.

2. Prepare and Implement a Written Hazard CommunicationProgram

This is a written plan describing how hazard communication will be accomplished in your

workplace. All workplaces must have a written hazard communication plan, except for

laboratories and work operations where employees only handle chemicals in sealed

containers.

The hazard communication plan does not have to be complicated, or lengthy. It is simply a

description of how hazard communication will be accomplished in your facility such that all

employees are fully aware of the chemical hazards in their workplace. If you are a

member of trade associations, or other type of industry group, you may find they already

have sample programs available that are tailored specifically to your industry. If you base

your program on a generic example, be sure it has been modified to accurately reflect the

chemicals you use in your workplace, the physical arrangement of your facility, and the

type of work you do.

One of the key requirements for your plan is that it must include a list of the hazardouschemicals known to be present in your workplace. This list makes it easier to ensure you

have all of the necessary safety data sheets and completed the required labeling.

Your hazard communication program should also cover the procedures for informing

employees about hazards associated with non-routine tasks. For example, vessels or

tanks may be cleaned infrequently, so workers may not be familiar with the cleaning


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procedures. Those doing the cleaning will need to be trained so they know about the

hazards associated with the materials the vessels and tanks held, and how they can

protect themselves from those hazards.

3. Ensure Containers Are Labeled

Chemicals will arrive at your facility in containers that have GHS labels(https://store.graphicproducts.com/en-us/duralabel/standards-compliance/hazmat-

compliance/ghs). Those labels should be kept in place. If they are damaged, they will need

to be replaced. Most workplace containers the containers that never leave your

workplace must be labeled. A container holding a hazardous material must, at a

minimum, have a label with the product identifier and general information about the

hazards associated with that material. In all cases your employees must be fully informed

about chemical hazards, although some information may be supplied through means

other than labels.

OSHA states that your hazard communication program should provide the followinginformation about container labeling:

For workplace chemical containers:

Identify the person responsible for ensuring all workplace containers are

labeled;

Provide a description of the system to be used for labeling workplace

containers;

When applicable, describe alternatives to labeling of workplace containers;

For chemical containers shipped from your facility:

Identify the person who is responsible for ensuring the containers are

properly labeled;

Describe the labeling system used for making GHS labels for shipments from

your facility;

Establish procedures for reviewing and updating labeling information.

4. Maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)

You must have readily available safety data sheets (/guides/safety-data-sheet-sds/) for

every hazardous chemical in your workplace. They are the source for detailed information

about the hazards of a chemical.

Have SDSs readily available. Having copies in binders placed around the workplace is one

example. Keep in mind that employees who work in the field also need ready access to

SDSs. This may mean keeping SDSs in the cabs of pickup trucks, or in mobile offices.

5. Inform and Train Employees

It is the employer's responsibility to train all employees. OSHA states:
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6. Evaluate Your Program

Your written hazard communication program should be reviewed periodically, and revised

if changes are necessary due to changes in the workplace, the use of new chemicals,

changes in work procedures, or any other changes that might result in exposure to

Paragraph (h) of the HCS requires that

employers train employees on the hazardous

chemicals in their work area before their initialassignment and when new hazards are introduced

into the work area, and this training must be

conducted in a manner and language that employees

can understand. Workers must understand they are

exposed to hazardous chemicals. They must knowthat labels and safety data sheets can provide them

with information on the hazards of a chemical, and

these items should be consulted when needed. In

addition, workers must have a general understanding

of what information is provided on labels and SDSs,and how to access them. They must also be aware of

the protective measures available in their workplace,

how to use or implement these measures, and whom

they should contact if an issue arises.


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chemical hazards. Your hazard communication program must remain current and

applicable to the existing conditions in your facility.

June 2016 GHS Timetable Free Best Practices Guide

For more information about GHS labeling for both domestic and international shipments,

request a free copy of the International GHS Labeling Best Practices Guide(/guides/international-ghs-labeling/). This best practice guide provides a concise overview

of the information needed to be GHS compliant.

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https://www.graphicproducts.com/guides/international-ghs-labeling/

June 2016 GHS Timetable

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