Update OSHA to GHS Version 7

OSHA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking in February 2021, with comments due by May 19, 2021. It was widely anticipated that the amendment, aligning OSHA Hazcom standard 1900.1910 was to be issued as a final rule in late fall 2021.

“OSHA is proposing to modify the HCS to maintain conformity with the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) (revision 7), align certain provisions with Canada and other U.S. agencies, and address issues that have developed since implementation of the 2012 standard.”

At the recent ISSA virtual conference, OSHA stated that the earliest possible adoption of the final rule would be December 2022 – a whole year from now! This was not what we were expecting nor hoping for, but OSHA is trying to align the regulation with the Canadian WHMIS regulations.

We all know, the more aligned the regulations are, the easier it will be for all parties. Let’s hope it is worth the wait.

In the meantime, ensure that your Safety Data Sheets and labels are up-to-date. How do you know if they are? Even though there is no requirement in the USA to periodically review the documents, best practice would suggest every 3 to 5 years is warranted. Note, some provinces in Canada do still require a 3-year update of the SDS, even though the Federal standard does not. Since the province is the one enforcing the rules, you better make sure you follow them!

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