CGA Regulatory Alert (RA-235): OSHA Issues Proposed Rule to Update Hazard Communication Standard

The Compressed Gas Association has issued the following CGA Regulatory Alert (RA-235).

On February 5, 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a press release announcing a proposed rule to update the agency’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to align with the seventh revision of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).

On February 16, 2021, this proposed rule was published in the Federal Register.

OSHA expects the HCS update will increase worker protections, and reduce the incidence of chemical-related occupational illnesses and injuries by further improving the information on the labels and Safety Data Sheets for hazardous chemicals. Proposed modifications will also address issues since implementation of the 2012 standard, and improve alignment with other federal agencies and Canada.

DATE:

Comment deadline: Individuals may submit comments electronically, identified by Docket No. OSHA-2019-0001, via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal.

The OSHA deadline for submitting comments is April 19, 2021.

Recommended CGA Member Action

CGA members should review the proposed rule published in the Federal Register to determine its applicability to them.

Individuals who work for CGA member companies may access and download a copy of CGA RA-235 from the Association’s member portal (login required).