Pub. 54 2013-2014 Issue 2

28 I nMarch 2012, the U.S. Department of Labor and OSHA adopted an update to the Hazard Communication Standard to bring it in alignment with the United Nation’s Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). The purpose of this revision is to help reduce injuries and fatalities in the workplace by improving the quality, con- sistency, and clarity of the chemical haz- ard information that employees use in the workplace. What has changed? Four key areas of the Hazard Commu- nication Standard have been updated: • Hazard classification • Product Labels • Safety Data Sheets (formerly called Material Safety Data Sheets) • Employee Training What does this mean for you? Most of the burden of complying with the new standard falls on chemical manufacturers, importers, and distributors. However, there are a few things you need to do. Train Employees One key responsibility you have is to make sure all employees have been trained on the newGHS standard (as of December 1, 2013). The good news for you is that KPA has already updated your Hazard Communication training. You can offer your employees two options for completing the training: • Have your KPA engineer deliver it onsite during a scheduled visit –OR– • Have employees take it online any time at www.myKPAonline.com. Keep in mind that online training is a great option for any employee who misses the onsite version or is hired after the onsite version is delivered. Talk to your engineer if you have questions about the new GHS training. Update and Share Your Written Program Facilities must also update their written Hazard Communication program by June 1, 2015. KPA will handle this for you, but it’s your job to make sure your employees know how to access the updated program. It’s always available at: www.mykpaonline.com Client Alert Hazard Communication Standard Now Aligned with Globally Harmonized System