BRIEF - osha.gov

1 BRIEF . Hazard Communication Standard: Labels and Pictograms osha has adopted new hazardous chemical standard also requires the use of a 16-section labeling requirements as a part of its recent safety data sheet format, which provides revision of the Hazard Communication detailed information regarding the chemical. Standard, 29 CFR (HCS), bringing There is a separate osha BRIEF on SDSs it into alignment with the United Nations' that provides information on the new SDS. Globally Harmonized System of Classification requirements. and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). These changes will help ensure improved quality and All hazardous chemicals shipped after June 1, consistency in the classification and labeling 2015, must be labeled with specified elements of all chemicals, and will also enhance worker including pictograms, signal words and hazard comprehension.

2 As a result, workers will and precautionary statements. However, have better information available on the safe manufacturers, importers, and distributors handling and use of hazardous chemicals, may start using the new labeling system in the thereby allowing them to avoid injuries and revised HCS before the June 1, 2015 effective illnesses related to exposures to hazardous date if they so choose. Until the June 1, 2015. chemicals. effective date, manufacturers, importers and distributors may maintain compliance with The revised HCS changes the existing Hazard the requirements of HazCom 1994 or the Communication Standard (HCS/HazCom 19941) revised standard.

3 Distributors may continue from a performance-based standard to one to ship containers labeled by manufacturers that has more structured requirements for the or importers (but not by the distributor labeling of chemicals. The revised standard themselves) in compliance with the HazCom requires that information about chemical 1994 until December 1, 2015. hazards be conveyed on labels using quick visual notations to alert the user, providing This document is designed to inform chemical immediate recognition of the hazards. Labels receivers, chemical purchasers, and trainers must also provide instructions on how to about the label requirements.

4 It explains the handle the chemical so that chemical users are new labeling elements, identifies what goes on informed about how to protect themselves. a label, and describes what pictograms are and how to use them. The label provides information to the workers on the specific hazardous chemical. While Label Requirements labels provide important information for Labels, as defined in the HCS, are an anyone who handles, uses, stores, and appropriate group of written, printed or transports hazardous chemicals, they are graphic informational elements concerning a limited by design in the amount of information hazardous chemical that are affixed to, printed they can provide.

5 Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), on, or attached to the immediate container which must accompany hazardous chemicals, of a hazardous chemical, or to the outside are the more complete resource for details packaging. regarding hazardous chemicals. The revised The HCS requires chemical manufacturers, 1. Prior to the 2012 update, the Hazard Communication importers, or distributors to ensure that each Standard had last been amended in 1994. HazCom container of hazardous chemicals leaving the 1994' refers to the version of the Hazard Communi- workplace is labeled, tagged or marked with cation Standard in effect directly prior to the 2012.

6 Revision, printed in the 1995 through 2011 versions of the following information: product identifier;. the Code of Federal Regulations. It is also available on signal word; hazard statement(s); precautionary osha 's webpage. 1. statement(s); and pictogram(s); and name, alert the reader to a potential hazard on address and telephone number of the chemical the label. There are only two words used manufacturer, importer, or other responsible as signal words, Danger and Warning.. party. Within a specific hazard class, Danger . is used for the more severe hazards and Labels for a hazardous chemical must contain: Warning is used for the less severe hazards.

7 There will only be one signal Name, Address and Telephone Number word on the label no matter how many Product Identifier hazards a chemical may have. If one of the hazards warrants a Danger signal Signal Word word and another warrants the signal word Hazard Statement(s) Warning, then only Danger should Precautionary Statement(s) appear on the label. Pictogram(s). Hazard Statements describe the nature of the hazard(s) of a chemical, including, To develop labels under the revised HCS, where appropriate, the degree of hazard. manufacturers, importers and distributors For example: Causes damage to kidneys must first identify and classify the chemical through prolonged or repeated exposure hazard(s).

8 Appendices A, B, and C are all when absorbed through the skin. All of mandatory. The classification criteria for health the applicable hazard statements must hazards are in Appendix A and the criteria for appear on the label. Hazard statements may physical hazards are presented in Appendix be combined where appropriate to reduce B of the revised Hazard Communication redundancies and improve readability. Standard. After classifying the hazardous The hazard statements are specific to chemicals, the manufacturer, importer or the hazard classification categories, and distributor then consults Appendix C to chemical users should always see the same determine the appropriate pictograms, statement for the same hazards no matter signal words, and hazard and precautionary what the chemical is or who produces it.

9 Statement(s), for the chemical label. Once this information has been identified and gathered, Precautionary Statements describe then a label may be created. recommended measures that should be taken to minimize or prevent adverse effects Label Elements resulting from exposure to the hazardous The HCS now requires the following elements chemical or improper storage or handling. on labels of hazardous chemicals: There are four types of precautionary statements: prevention (to minimize Name, Address and Telephone Number exposure); response (in case of accidental of the chemical manufacturer, importer or spillage or exposure emergency response, other responsible party.)

10 And first-aid); storage; and disposal. For example, a chemical presenting a specific Product Identifier is how the hazardous target organ toxicity (repeated exposure). chemical is identified. This can be (but hazard would include the following on the is not limited to) the chemical name, label: Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/. code number or batch number. The vapors/spray. Get medical advice/attention manufacturer, importer or distributor can if you feel unwell. Dispose of contents/. decide the appropriate product identifier. container in accordance with local/regional/. The same product identifier must be both national and international regulations.