The federal Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) under the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is now aligned with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). This update to the HCS provides a common and coherent approach to classifying chemicals and communicating hazard information on labels and safety data sheets.
Once implemented, the revised standard will improve the quality and consistency of hazard information in the workplace, making it safer for workers by providing easily understandable information on appropriate handling and safe use of hazardous chemicals.
The update will also help reduce trade barriers and result in productivity improvements for American businesses that regularly handle, store, and use hazardous chemicals. Standardized labeling will also provide cost savings for American businesses that periodically update safety data sheets and labels for chemicals covered under the hazard communication standard.
In order to ensure chemical safety in the workplace, information about the identities and hazards of the chemicals must be available and understandable to workers. OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) requires the development and dissemination of such information:
The table below summarizes the phase-in dates required under the revised Hazard Communication Standard (HCS):
| Effective Completion Date | Requirement(s) | Who |
| December 1, 2013 | Train employees on the new label elements and safety data sheet (SDS) format. | Employers |
| June 1, 2015 December 1, 2015 |
Compliance with all modified provisions of this final rule, except: The Distributor shall not ship containers labeled by the chemical manufacturer or importer unless it is a GHS label. |
Chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors and employers |
| June 1, 2016 | Update alternative workplace labeling and hazard communication program as necessary, and provide additional employee training for newly identified physical or health hazards. | Employers |
| Transition period to the effective completion dates noted above |
May comply with either 29 CFR 1910.1200 (the final standard), or the current standard, or both. | Chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors, and employers |
Below are some links to information on the OSHA website and from other sources to help you complete the requirements by the above noted dates.
