Changes in OSHA’s Hazcom standards

Calling it the first major health rulemaking of the Obama administration, OSHA announced on September 30 it is proposing to modify its existing Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to conform with the United Nations' (UN) Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS).Details of the OSHA GHS rule are published in the Federal Register. OSHA also said the proposal is the first of many steps in the months to come that will demonstrate the agency's renewed commitment to an aggressive regulatory agenda. Read the full article in the Occupational Health & Safety Magazine.

Please be aware that this is not a rule yet. Comments can be submitted to OSHA (postmarked or sent) by December 29, 2009. You may submit comments electronically at http://www.regulations.gov, which is the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. The Agency will also schedule an informal public hearing on the proposed rule. The location and date of the hearing, procedures for interested parties to notify the Agency of their intention to participate, and procedures for participants to submit their testimony and documentary evidence will be announced in the Federal Register.

Stay posted as KPA will provide updates on the impact on dealerships.