Recent Modifications and Revisions to the GHS-Based Hazard Communication Rule

Labelmaster - May 16, 2013 - U.S. Regulations

In March 2012, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration promulgated a major revision to the U.S. Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) in 29 CFR 1910.1200.  In short, this rulemaking harmonized the HCS with the UN-based Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). The rule went into effect in May of last year. To…

First Compliance Date Looms for OSHA’s 2012 Hazard Communication Standard

Labelmaster - April 12, 2013 - International Regulations, U.S. Regulations

The 2012 changes to the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration brought the United States into alignment with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). According to the final rule, the GHS/HCS compliance requirements will be phased in over a four-year period.  The first compliance date,…

GHS: Learning the Ropes

Labelmaster - March 28, 2013 - U.S. Regulations

Much of the “buzz” in the U.S. regulatory community this year, at least in hazard communication, has been about a three letter acronym that may still be a mystery to many: “GHS.” What does this acronym stand for, and how will it affect you and your company as it relates to hazard communication? One thing…

Summary of USPS Publication 52: Shipping Lithium Batteries

Labelmaster - January 19, 2013 - Lithium Batteries, U.S. Regulations

United States Parcel Service (USPS) published a notice in the Federal Register that describes revisions to USPS Publication 52, Hazardous Restricted, and Perishable Mail. These revisions closely align USPS requirements for shipping lithium cells and batteries with those found in both the U.S. D.O.T. and international regulations.

A.I.R. Shipper 2013 Addendum/Corrigendum Issued

Labelmaster - January 2, 2013 - International Regulations

Users of Labelmaster’s A.I.R. Shipper (Air International Regulations for Shippers of Dangerous Goods) should take note that the first Addendum/Corrigendum (or revision) of the regulations for 2013 has been released. A variety of sources are used for this revision; however, the primary source remains the regulations promulgated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).  A.I.R. Shipper presents…

To “E” or Not to “E”: That Remains the Question in Dangerous Goods Training

Labelmaster - December 7, 2012 - Training

As advances in technology continue their march across the plains of the learning environment, the role of e-learning in dangerous goods training is still a source of heated debate. New electronic tools, systems and learning solutions are introduced regularly, but the jury is still out on their use and place in the field of dangerous…

Reminder: Upcoming Transitional Date for Basic Shipping Description Sequence

Labelmaster - November 29, 2012 - U.S. Regulations

On December 29, 2006, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) published a final rule in the Federal Register harmonizing certain aspects of the U.S. Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) with the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air, and the…

Aerosols: Is Further Harmonization Needed?

Labelmaster - November 12, 2012 - U.S. Regulations

With so much focus over the years on harmonizing the dangerous goods regulations, one commodity that can definitely benefit from a focused review is the entry for aerosols.  This is particularly a concern relative to U.S. regulations, where the definition for aerosols is not aligned with the international definition.  In §171.8 of the Hazardous Materials…

Work Continues Towards Development of a Canadian National Occupational Standard for Dangerous Goods Program Administrators

Labelmaster - November 1, 2012 - International Regulations, U.S. Regulations

The Dangerous Goods Committee of the Air Transport Association of Canada (ATAC), in conjunction with the Canadian Council for Aviation & Aerospace (CCAA), is working toward developing a national occupational standard (NOS) for transportation of dangerous goods program administrators. The aim is to develop a voluntary recognition of industry requirements for professionals engaged in the air…

Required Regulatory Change Affects Marking Text Size for Hazard Class Labels

Labelmaster - October 25, 2012 - International Regulations, U.S. Regulations

Both the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and International Maritime Organization (IMO) recently changed the required size of the text to be used when marking the United Nations Identification Number (UNID Number) on packages of dangerous goods/hazardous materials.  The UNID Number is a four-digit numerical designator (for example, UN1993) which provides an internationally recognized identification number…