Read the full press release here...

OSHA News Release: [11/17/2009]
Contact Name: Diana Petterson
Phone Number: (202) 693-1898
Release Number: 09-1424-NA

Download the OSHA News Release here.

View the Federal Register Proposed rule directly here.

"Model for the Implementation of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS): Lessons Learned from Japan"

From the Journal of Occupational Health 2009; 51:526-530

Download the article now. Click here.

Download this advance notice of proposed rulemaking.

Download the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

Also see the presentation files from the Fall, 2009 meeting.

Here are the links to the side-by-side comparison and redline versions of the NPRM that are now posted on OSHA's website.

The Globally Harmonized System for Hazard Communication

This may well be the biggest HazCom event in 25 years!

The Outreach and Communications Committee of SCHC has launched an Outreach Speakers Bureau on the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS).

Visit the speakers bureau page to learn more about the volunteer speakers dedicated to enhancing your awareness of the GHS.

OSHA targets sites with hazardous chemicals:  U.S. Labor Department's OSHA national emphasis program targets workplaces that release highly hazardous chemicals

View the news release here

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) launched the release of a series of concise summaries of guidance to comply with REACH. The purpose of the “Guidance in a Nutshell” documents is to provide simple, concise introductions to the fuller guidance materials. The first two publications are: Requirements for Substances in Articles and Registration Data and Dossier Handling. The first document is designed to help companies producing or importing goods into the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. The second document on registrations and dossiers should not only help companies prepare to submit dossiers but also explain “essential follow-up activities required by ECHA and the registrants,” the agency said.

Requirements for Substances in Articles is available at http://guidance.echa.europa.eu/docs/guidance_document/nutshell_guidance_articles2.pdf.

Registration Data and Dossier Handling is available at http://guidance.echa.europa.eu/docs/guidance_document/nutshell_guidance.pdf.

Additional information and links to guidance materials is available at http://echa.europa.eu/doc/press/na_09_09_new_concise_guidance_20090624.pdf.

The EU SDS requirements are now in REACH. They are yet not fully aligned with the GHS. The EU has drafted proposed changes to the REACH Annex II SDS requirements. The proposed changes go beyond the minimum GHS SDS requirements. More information about these draft proposed changes may be found on the CHCS website.

The European Union is adopting the GHS. Read more here.

The European Union is adopting the GHS. The new regulation aligning current EU legislation on classification, labeling and packaging (CLP) of substances and mixtures to the GHS was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on December 31, 2008. After entry into force, the deadline for substance classification according to the new rules will be December 1, 2010 and for mixtures June 1, 2015. The CLP Regulation will, after a transitional period, replace the current rules on classification, labeling and packaging of substances (Directive 67/548/EEC) and mixtures (Directive 1999/45/EC). (View the document.)

Attention SCHC HazCom Professionals:

We want to know what sheets you need to help you with GHS! To submit ideas, please email them to elizabeth.levi@lifetech. com

Current GHS Infomation Sheet Library: The following sheets were produced by the SCHC-OSHA Alliance GHS Information Sheet Workgroup:

• Info Sheet #1: Pictograms
• Info Sheet #2: Flammable and Combustible Liquids
• Info Sheet #3: What is the GHS?
• Info Sheet #4: Labeling - OSHA vs. GHS
• Info Sheet #5: Eye Damage / Eye Irritation
• Info Sheet #6: Germ Cell Mutagenicity

The information contained in these sheets is believed to accurately represent provisions of U.S. regulations, consensus standards, and current GHS requirements. However, SCHC cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information. Users are responsible for determining the suitability and appropriateness of these materials for any particular application.

These sheets are developed through OSHA's Alliance Program for informational purposes only. They do not necessarily reflect the official views of OSHA or the U.S. Department of Labor.