OSHA is amending the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to conform to the United Nations' GHS, primarily Revision 7, address issues that arose during the implementation of the 2012 update to the HCS, and provide better alignment with other U.S. agencies and international trading partners. Consistent with E.O. 13563 and the Regulatory Flexibility Act, which call for assessment and modification and improvement of existing rules, OSHA has reviewed the existing HCS. The agency has determined that the revisions in this final rule will enhance the effectiveness of the HCS by ensuring employees are appropriately apprised of the chemical hazards to which they may be exposed, thus reducing the incidence of chemical-related occupational illnesses and injuries. The modifications to the standard include revised criteria for classification of certain health and physical hazards, revised provisions for updating labels, labeling small containers, new provisions related to trade secrets, technical amendments related to the contents of safety data sheets (SDSs), and related revisions to definitions of terms used in the standard. This final rule is effective 19 July 2024. POC is Tiffany DeFoe, Director, Office of Chemical Hazards--Metals, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, OSHA, U.S. Department of Labor; tele: (202) 693-1950; email: defoe.tiffany@dol.gov.
Executive Order 14057
