In March 2012, OSHA revised its Hazard Communication Standard (HCS)( FR77 FR 17574) to align with the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. OSHA created and distributed Briefing Updates in order to provide ample time for the industry to address education and product manufacturers to become compliant with new label redesign. Two key dates are approaching: December 1, 2013 for completion of employee education and June 1, 2015 for relabeling and the introduction of pictograms to provide direction regarding employee use and safety.

1. The Changes with Global Hazard Communication: “Don’t Miss the Date!”
In March 2012, OSHA revised its Hazard Communication Standard (HCS)( FR77 FR 17574) to align with
the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. OSHA
created and distributed Briefing Updates in order to provide ample time for the industry to address
education and product manufacturers to become compliant with new label redesign. Two key dates are
approaching: December 1, 2013 for completion of employee education and June 1, 2015 for relabeling
and the introduction of pictograms to provide direction regarding employee use and safety.
What that means for healthcare is creating educational sessions that will address the following:
• Employee use of the labels in the workplace
• General understanding of how the elements work together on a label
– how information on the label can be used to ensure proper storage of hazardous
chemicals
– how the information on the label might be used to quickly locate information on first aid
when needed by employees or emergency personnel
• Training on the format of the SDS must include information on:
– Standardized 16‐section format, including the type of information found in the various
sections:
• Section 1: Identification
• Section 2: Hazard(s) Identification
• Section 3: Composition & Information on Ingredients
• Section 4: First‐Aid Measures
• Section 5: Fire‐Fighting Measures
• Section 6: Accidental Release Measures
• Section 7: Handling and Storage
• Section 8: Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
• Section 9: Physical & Chemical Properties
• Section 10: Stability & Reactivity
• Section 11: Toxicological Information
• Section 12: Ecological Information (non‐mandatory)
• Section 13: Disposal Considerations (non‐mandatory)
• Section 14: Transport Information (non‐mandatory)
• Section 15: Regulatory Information (non‐mandatory)
• Section 16: Other Information
• How the information on the label is related to the SDS
• Requires employers to present information in a manner and language that their employees can
understand.
The changes to the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard are covered under the Joint Commission
Standards in the Environment of Care chapter, specifically related to the Hazardous Materials
Management Plan and standards regarding the handling, storage and safety for staffoncerning
hazardous materials. The Human Resource chapter addresses standards on how staff are educated and
trained. The Leadership standards address compliance with applicable law and regulation, in this case
OSHA (CFR 1901.1200g, Appendix D)

2. Organizations should be in the process of completing staff education to meet the December deadline.
A sample of the new labeling features is noted below and the link to the OSHA Briefing Communiques.
Remember surveyors are asking about this during the Environment of Care Session and during tracers.
Sources:
• OSHA Fact Sheet #3642: December 1, 2013 Training Requirements for the Revised
Hazard Communication Standard
• OSHA Brief #3636: Hazard Communication Standard: Labels and Pictograms, Deadline,
June 1, 2015
• OSHA Brief #3514: Hazard Communication Standard: Safety Data Sheets
• OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.1200(g) and Appendix D.
• United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS),
third revised edition, United Nations, 2009
Example 1: HS85 Label
HS85
Batch number: 85L6543
Warning
Harmful if swallowed
Wash hands and face thoroughly after handling. Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. Dispose of
contents/container in accordance with local, state and federal regulations.
First aid: If swallowed: Call a doctor if you feel unwell. Rinse mouth.
GHS Example Company, 123 Global Circle, Anyville, NY 130XX Telephone (888) 888‐8888