Changes to hazard communication standard on the horizon.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed significant changes to its Hazard Communication Standard to make it consistent with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS), which the United Nations adopted in 2003.

The international goal is to have as many countries as possible implement the GHS by 2008, which would involve changing the criteria for classifying health and physical hazards, adopting standardized labeling requirements and requiring a standardized order of information for material safety data sheets (MSDS).

Once in place, metalcasters would have to incorporate all new MSDS into their systems and then train their employees on how to read the new labels and safety data sheets. In addition, GHS will require revisions to every employer's written OSHA hazard communication program.

Since 1985, OSHA has required the development of a hazard communication program in facilities where workers are exposed to hazardous chemicals. In recent years, it has been the most often cited "serious" general industry violation, including in the metalcasting industry.

Users of chemicals likely will not have to implement the changes OSHA is proposing until at least 2009 or 2010. The agency is in the beginning stages of this rulemaking and has not yet announced a proposed effective date. The agency has the support of many of the chemical companies and labor unions on this plan.

To help facilities better understand the GHS approach, OSHA has prepared a guidance document that summarizes the requirements. To view this document, go to http://www.osha. gov/dsg/hazcom/ghs.html.