OSHA calls for comments on significant proposed amendments to align Hazard Communication Standard with the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals.

By Julia A. Hatcher, Stijn Van Osch, Nathaniel L. Glynn*, and Jacqueline J. Yap

The US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA or the agency) published a proposed rule to amend its Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), 29 C.F.R. § 1910.1200. The February 16, 2021 amendments would align the HCS with the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) 2017 Seventh Revision (GHS Revision 7) in various respects, including by modifying the requirements to classify hazards and to communicate those hazards and other information in Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and labeling. The public comment period on the proposed rule runs until April 19, 2021. The OSHA webpage for the proposed rule provides a red-line strikeout comparison between the current HCS and the proposed amendments, which will be helpful for stakeholders to review as they prepare comments.