OSHA Revises Hazard Communication Standards

The printing industry will primarily be affected by the labeling and Safety Data Sheet changes to the Hazard Communication Standard, as well as the training requirements that accompany these changes. OSHA will require employers who use an in-plant labeling system to update their labeling program, so companies should begin evaluating the labeling system used for in-plant containers during the transition period.

Although the changes do not directly affect the written program requirements of Hazard Communication Standard, OSHA will require employers to update, as necessary, any portion of their programs that would reflect changes such as terminology, definitions, training, or any change in policies as a result of the new revision.

To prepare companies for the implementation of the new Hazard Communication standard OSHA has provided an online resource(http://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/index.html) that contains the text of the final rule, fact sheets, frequently asked questions, and additional information about the new rule. Further information and guidance will be made available after a review is performed by the Environmental, Health, and Safety Affairs team at Printing Industries of America.

For questions or more information regarding Environmental, Health, and Safety, contact Rick Hartwig, Manager, Environmental Health and Safety Affairs, Printing Industries of America, at rhartwig@printing.org.

Also, join Printing Industries of America Networking Group on LinkedIn to start your own discussion with others in your industry.