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Can your company "opt-out" of the HCS/GHS updates? The short answer to this question is "no." While OSHA did receive comments that certain companies should be allowed to opt-out of complying with the revised GHS portion of the HCS, other commenter’s argued that having a multiple systems in place would undermine the implementation of the rule. OSHA agreed that multiple rules would cause confusion and that allowing even one company to deviate would affect other companies. OSHA also acknowledges that small chemical companies would incur burdens not necessarily felt by larger companies.

What exactly is required for the new GHS Label Format? The GHS elements that were added to the Hazard Communications Standard earlier this year, stipulate the Label elements. Per the new standard, appropriate GHS Label elements for a chemical will be determined by the hazard classification of that particular chemical and will include: a standardized signal word; hazard statement(s) that convey the degree of hazard; pictogram(s) that reinforce the message presented in the text; and precautionary statements that provide the information a user need to guard against injury or illness.

Is it acceptable to have Black Diamonds surrounding the images on your GHS Labels? The short answer is no. The new HCS Rule that adopted the GHS elements for labeling requires a RED Diamond shaped border around all images. And although OSHA did acknowledge that the RED Diamonds would require a bit more planning, and yes “money”, the counter side of that is that the visibility will be greatly increased. Red is a much more noticeable color which will draw the eye of a user to the hazards.

Training….training…training and GHS?

One of the requirements for any OSHA rule is that it be feasible.  The added elements of the GHS to the revised Hazard Communication Standard are in fact, very feasible.

As previously stated, GHS elements have been added to the Hazardous Communication Standard.  Although we all seem to be referring to GHS as a rule in itself, it has, in fact been incorporated into what already existed, and thus updating the HCS to meet global standards.

Overwhelmed by GHS chatter?  Wondering what it all means?  It isn’t as complicated as you may think. 

Creating custom GHS Labels quickly and Easily is just a few clicks away with the new EZMAKE® Sign System.  That’s right, the new and improved EZMAKE® SIGN SYSTEM is available now and will make your compliance with the new components of the HCS rule simple.  Cost effective, fast, versatile…EZMAKE® is the to your answer to labeling needs.

What you need:

EZMAKE® SIGN SYSTEM SOFTWARE           

PC WITH WIN 7 or WIN 8 OPERATING SYSTEM

Did you know that Safetycal attends six to ten Safety or Operations Conferences a year?  From sea to shining sea, we travel the United States attending assorted industry specific trade shows and conferences.  We do this for a couple of reasons.  First of all, we really enjoy getting to meet our customers face to face.  It is a great opportunity to discuss issues being faced in the field.  We have come up with some of our best ideas to solve said problems at these conferences.  Secondly, it gives you, our customers a chance to see what we have that is new.  For instance, this year we are exc

There has been an overwhelming amount of industry chatter regarding the GHS additions to the HCS Rule.  So much confusion out there…but it needn’t be confusing or difficult. How about starting a check list?  Have you received your updated SDS forms from your suppliers?  You need them before you can start your labeling project.  This writer cautions anyone from hastily jumping into any kind of conversion software.  There is data required in the SDS and further, on GHS labels, that simply is not available in old, out of date MSDS forms.  

 Did you know there is much more to the new HCS rule than just the GHS changes!

Over the past couple of years we have all been focused on the new GHS portion of the revised HCS rule.  However, there are many additional changes that need to be discussed.

Beginning last year in June (2015) there were several wording changes mandated for ASBESTOS, CADMIUM, LEAD and METHYLENEDIANILINE (MDA).   

In addition, there are changes to Flammable Liquid Storage limits.