Have all your employees been tested for training compliance for the new OSHA GHS Hazardous Communications Standards? If not, you need to take action now. All employees are supposed to have been trained and tested by Dec. 1, 2013, under the new rules.

OSHA revised its Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to align with the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) and published it in the Federal Register in March 2012 (77 FR 17574).

The Metal Treating Institute responded promptly by designing the appropriate course for compliance. It is available on-demand at the MTI Online Academy. The cost for taking the course is only $14.95 per employee. If your company subscribes to the MTI Online Academy, the course is included in your subscription at no charge. 

Two significant changes contained in the revised standard require the use of new labeling elements and a standardized format for Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs). The new label elements and SDS requirements will improve worker understanding of the hazards associated with the chemicals in their workplace.

The first compliance date of the revised HCS is Dec. 1, 2013. By that time employers must have trained their workers on the new label elements and the SDS format. This training is needed early in the transition process since workers are already beginning to see the new labels and SDSs on the chemicals in their workplace.

To see full details of the standard, visit www.heattreat.net and scroll to the bottom of the page for MTI Featured Resources. If you have any questions, contact MTI at 904-249-0448 or info@heattreat.net.