Ask the Expert: How Can Our Company Prepare for OSHA’s HazCom Deadlines?

OSHA’s 2024 HazCom final rule updates the HazCom Standard and aligns it with GHS Revisions 7 and 8, impacting manufacturers, distributors, and end users of hazardous chemicals. The new rule brings significant changes, including revised hazard classifications for aerosols, flammable gases, desensitized explosives, and chemicals under pressure. There are updated requirements for SDS and shipped container labels, with up to 95% of SDSs and 64% of labels needing revisions. Special provisions for small and very small containers have also been introduced.

Compliance deadlines start from July 2024, with chemical manufacturers required to comply by January 2026 and employers by July 2026. Mixture manufacturers have until July 2027, and employers handling mixtures until January 2028.

Businesses must ensure they have proper chemical management software in place to meet the updated SDS and labeling requirements, ensure workplace safety, and stay compliant with OSHA's new standards.

For more information on what this update means for you and your business, download this Ask the Expert.