Video: Hazard Communications: It’s Time to Raise Your Standards

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Hazard Comms: It’s Time to Raise Your Standards

THE BETTER MRO SAFETY HOW-TO SERIES

Born out of right-to-know laws, the original OSHA Hazard Communication Standard was created so employees would know of any toxic chemicals in their workplace.

But there was no uniform standard for everyone to follow.

Here’s the problem: If someone thinks a sign means a chemical is flammable when in fact the danger is from inhaling toxic fumes, the safety risk is real—and potentially fatal.

But graphics were only half the story.

Since chemical manufacturing is a global business without a universal standard, every country set their own local laws on how to regulate and label chemicals.

To ensure that everyone everywhere would be on the same page, OSHA found inspiration from an unlikely source: the United Nations.

The U.N. had already established an international numbering system for safely transporting chemicals.

That number system laid the groundwork for the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals—or GHS for short.

GHS formally classified hazards. It requires standard testing criteria, universal pictograms, and detailed safety labels and data sheets.

In 2012, OSHA updated its hazard communication standards to adhere to GHS, giving manufacturers a cushion until 2015 to update the labels on the products they make.

Here’s what compliance with these new standards looks like:

GHS created distinct labeling classifications, establishing 16 for physical hazards and 10 for health hazards.

Once a hazard is identified, it must be labeled according to the standard for each class and category. Labels must include:

A product identifier; a signal word; hazard statements; all corresponding pictograms; precautionary statements; and contact information for the responsible party.

The new, more detailed GHS standard for labels gives workers all the information they need to take the necessary precautions.

But what happens if the label is in a foreign language? You need another way to quickly identify potential hazards.

While a single hazard can fall under multiple classifications, every chemical or substance must be labeled with ALL of the pictograms that apply.

There are NINE pictograms. Each denotes a specific physical or health hazard. All must appear in black on a white background surrounded by a red diamond.

It’s not uncommon to see several pictograms on a single item. For example, ethanol should be labeled with the flammable, exclamation mark and health hazard pictograms.

Along with the pictograms, this compliant label provides details about the risks of ethanol and how to prevent them, with instructions on how to store, transport and dispose of it.

This information is critical and must be included on all hazardous chemicals so that employees know how to deal with them in case of an emergency.

While standardized labels are great in the moment when handling a chemical, nothing helps prevent mishaps and accidents like proper training.

That’s where safety data sheets come in.

For GHS compliance, you need a safety data sheet (or SDS) for each hazardous chemical in your workplace.

Every SDS must provide the following crucial information that your employees should know about a substance:

●       The identity and properties

●       The potential health hazards

●       Necessary protective measures

●       And instructions for storing, handling and transporting

OSHA sets the minimum information requirements for SDSs, which must be presented in an easy-to-review, 16-section format according to ANSI standards.

SDS sheets must always be up to date and stored all in one place so that the workers have immediate access to them—as required by GHS.

Training your employees to understand the format of safety data sheets allows them to quickly find relevant information on any hazardous chemicals they may come in contact with.

This training might save their lives.

OSHA requires training to take place at least annually—and every time a new hazard is introduced into the workplace.

Following the new GHS standards for classification, labeling and safety data sheets of chemicals will not only make your workplace safer, it could save you a lot of money.

When OSHA swings by for a routine compliance visit, the first thing they check for are hazard communications.

It’s no wonder, then, that it’s the second most cited violation for the past six years running, behind only fall protection.

Failure to properly identify hazardous chemicals carries a hefty fine: up to $13,260 per violation.

Hazardous chemicals not being properly labeled are not the only thing that can lead to a lack of compliance.

In 2013, OSHA adopted new ANSI standards for safety signage—the first major change since 1968.

These standards require every safety sign be legible and not faded, with:

●       A clear header

●       A prominent pictogram

●       And an informative legend

The next time you walk the factory floor, take a look around to see if any of your signs look a little out of date. Because they might be out of compliance.

For custom signage that will save you money and fines—and more importantly, could save you in injury claims—visit mscdirect.com/betterMRO.

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