844-GSM-INFO
The Backstory When the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) adopted the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of classification and labeling in 2015, it implemented the 3rd Revised Edition of the GHS. Released by the United Nations in 2009, this so-called ‘GHS Rev. 3’ was outdated the moment it was implemented in the US. In…read more.
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California Proposition 65 Impact on SDS & Product Labels
The Backstory As you’re no doubt aware, California’s Proposition 65 (Cal P65) regulation underwent a major overhaul this year, which took effect this past August. Now some three months after the mandatory compliance date, let’s briefly review the impact to your Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and product labels. What’s Changing The most prominent effects of…read more.
Will Brexit Impact Your Safety Data Sheets?
The Backstory As the world prepares for the British exit from the European Union, the so-called “Brexit” event, scheduled for March of 2019, many questions remain, as to its impact on chemical regulation and communication of hazards via Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and labels in the UK. What’s Changing Although the draft Brexit deal was…read more.
SDS Record Retention Requirements
The Backstory One of the most common misconceptions about Safety Data Sheets (SDS) is that they must be retained for 30 years. While retaining these documents is certainly a recommended best practice, it is not a regulatory requirement per se. In fact, the regulatory requirement outlined in 29 CFR 1910.1020(d)(1)(ii) is that employee exposure records…read more.
Hot Topic: OSHA’s Crackdown on the Fertilizer Industry
In an effort to address the dangers related to exposure to fertilizer-grade ammonium nitrate and agricultural anhydrous ammonium, OSHA recently launched a program to enforce and emphasize standards under the existing OSHA regulations. The Regional Emphasis Program (REP), which began on October 1, 2018, is now in effect in Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma,…read more.
SDSs South of the Border: Quick Tips on Compliance
The Backstory Mexico’s implementation of the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) became mandatory on October 9, 2018, exactly three years after it was first promulgated in Mexico’s Official Journal—Diario Oficial de la Federación. What’s Changing With Mexico’s implementation of workplace standard NOM-018-STPS-2015, which adopts elements of the 5th Revised Edition of the GHS, comes significant changes,…read more.
ECHA Proposes Authorization of 18 SVHCs
The Backstory “Authorization” (the “A” in the REACH regulation) is the process whereby manufacturers and importers must seek permission to continue to place a substance on the EU market. Applications for this permission or “Authorization” must be submitted by the Latest Application Date specified for the substance; and eventually, the substance can no longer be…read more.
What Triggers an OSHA Inspection?
For many compliance professionals, OSHA elicits a very negative response. Our hope is that by the end of this article, you’ll have a completely different perspective. The reality is that OSHA’s goal is to make the workplace safer – and that should be your goal, too. Because even if you’re not driven by the higher…read more.
Hazard Communication in a Hurricane – One Year After Harvey
Arkema & Hurricane Harvey It was approximately one year ago that Hurricane Harvey struck the Gulf Coast, dropping a torrent of rainfall on the area, producing flood waters thought to occur only once every 500 years! As these flood waters rose to some 6 feet in depth, knocking out power and back-up generators, Arkema knew…read more.
How Do I Know If I Have a GHS-Compliant SDS?
We’re often asked how to know if SDSs are GHS-compliant. And while there are many factors that contribute to compliance, we’ll break down some of the biggest considerations so you can know – beyond the shadow of a doubt – if your supplier has provided you a GHS-compliant SDS. It is important to note, however,…read more.