It’s easy (and often fun) to criticize movies and TV shows for getting things wrong, especially if it’s in an area near and dear to your heart. Whether it’s an anachronistic costume element, an improperly restored vintage car, or a storyline that violated established franchise canon, there are plenty of people out there ready to…
New OSHA Letter of Interpretation clarifies Import/Export issues under the HCS
On November 23rd, 2015 the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) released a Letter of Interpretation (LOI) which offered further clarification of US companies’ responsibilities when importing or exporting materials which require action under the 29 CFR 1910.1200 Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). This standard was revised in 2012 to harmonize it with the UN Globally…
Guest Blog: Workplace and transport labeling: Communication cures the confusion
Guest blogger Chandra Deeds Gioiello helps clients across the globe navigate regulations with Industrial Health & Safety Consultants, Inc. She is a registered Safety Data Sheet and Label Author and a Certified Industrial Hygienist, specializing in international hazard communication regulations. I have written Safety Data Sheets for employers throughout the world. I’ve classified mixtures according…
For the first time in 25 years, OSHA fines will increase dramatically in 2016
On November 2, 2015, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 (H.R. 1314) was signed by President Obama, ensuring that the federal government will have a budget in place for the next two years. Great news for anyone concerned that budget woes could result in a government shutdown—bad news for OSHA violators at risk for citations.…
Summer Doldrums Allow a Chance to Catch up on GHS
One of the things that Labelmaster does to stay ahead of regulatory requirements for our customers is to monitor the United States Federal Register each day. If you don’t know what that is, it can be briefly described as the “book”—it’s an electronic publication, these days; that the federal government uses to give notice of…
What Exactly is GHS and How Does it Affect Me?
GHS, the Globally Harmonized System for Classification and Labeling of Chemicals, was adopted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in 2012 to align global communications on the risks of chemicals found in the workplace. With implementation of the standard ongoing and the final deadline less than a year away, employers now need to…
Clock Ticks Towards June 1st 2015, the Next OSHA/GHS Hazcom Deadline
There was a bustle of activity on the hazard communication front in 2013 as companies scrambled to meet a December 1st federal deadline to train their employees in the required elements of the updated Hazard Communication regulation which fully embraced the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Hazardous Chemicals, or as it is…
Infographic | GHS and the 2012 OSHA Hazcom Standard
Competing in the global marketplace is an increasingly challenging proposition when supply chains cross borders, languages and international regulations. One way governments and regulatory agencies are helping to facilitate international trade — and improve employee safety — is through the adoption of globally harmonized standards for hazard communication. For more information on GHS and HCS…
Identifying Non-hazardous Materials Effectively for Transport
The United States Department of Labor’s (USDOL) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published a major revision to the regulations governing hazard communication in the US 29 CFR 1910.1200 in May of 2012. The revision, which in large measure conformed US hazard communication standards, or the HCS, to those of the United Nations Globally Harmonized…
OSHA Announces November 12th, 2014 Washington Meeting in Preparation for December UN GHS Conference in Geneva
In the October 29th edition of the Federal Register, the United States Department of Labor’s (USDOL) Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) issued a notice announcing that a public meeting will be held in Washington, DC on November 12th from 1 PM to 4 PM Eastern Time (EST) addressing the planned agenda and issues to…