In an effort to “improve the quality and consistency of hazard information, making it safer for workers to do their jobs and easier for employers to stay competitive,” the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has revised its Hazard Communication Standard to align it with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals,…
OSHA to Announce GHS Updates to Hazard Communication Standard in Teleconference
The U.S. Department of Labor has issued a news release announcing a March 20 teleconference to provide details on the final rule that updates the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Hazard Communication Standard to align it with the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals: “Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis, joined by…
Review of OSHA’s GHS Final Rule Concluded
UPDATE (2/23): The Office of Management and Budget’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs concluded the review of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s revised hazard communication standard on Feb. 21, 2012. The rule was returned to OSHA with a “consistent with change” notice, meaning OIRA did make modifications to the proposed rule. OSHA will…
The Hazardous Materials Transportation Safety Improvement Act of 2011
U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) recently introduced Senate Bill 1952, known as the Hazardous Materials Transportation Safety Improvement Act of 2011, which would amend and reauthorize the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (the “HMTA”) with the intended goal of improving hazardous materials transportation safety in the United States. The Senate legislation proposes changes to the U.S.…
Summary of the 40th Session of the United Nations Sub-Committee on the Transport of Dangerous Goods
From Nov. 28 to Dec. 7, 2011, the United Nations Sub-Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (the “Sub-Committee”) met in Geneva, Switzerland, to continue its work on the development of the 18th revised edition of the Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods – Model Regulations (the “Model Regulations”). The Sub-Committee agenda…
Newest Version of RegStick Features Multi-Publication Access, Improved Performance
Labelmaster recently rolled out RegStick™ 2.0, an update of our novel electronic solution that provides up-to-date regulatory publications on a portable USB drive. This new release contains several innovative features that improve the RegStick experience: Our library of RegStick regulatory publications is now available from a single stick. Instead of purchasing individual sticks for each…
Product Returns Present a Hazmat Challenge for Retailers
As the holidays approach, many retail companies will see an influx of product returns due to extremely liberal return policies geared to attract customers. Retailers’ employees, though, don’t always recognize the potential hazards inherent in some consumer products. As a result, they may unknowingly violate federal laws and regulations, and put many at risk. Improperly…
OSHA GHS Implementation Advances to OMB
After a few weeks of delays, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) submitted its revised hazard communication standard, which implements the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS), to the Office of Management and Budget’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) for final review on Oct. 25. The OIRA…
OSHA GHS Implementation Remains in Regulatory Limbo
September has come and gone without the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) unveiling its revised Hazard Communication Standard. As mentioned in our previous post, OSHA is in the final stages of a rule-making process that will modify the current hazard communication standard to incorporate elements of the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling…
Recent Changes to US Hazard Communication Requirements for Labels, Placards and IBCs
On July 20, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) published final rule HM-218F, which adopted various amendments to the U.S. Hazardous Materials Regulations in order to update and clarify certain regulatory requirements. By implementing these amendments, PHMSA hopes to: promote safer transportation practices; eliminate unnecessary regulatory requirements; finalize outstanding petitions for rulemaking; facilitate…