GLOBALLY%20HARMONIZED%20SYSTEM%20for%20HAZARD%20COMMUNICATION

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GLOBALLY HARMONIZED SYSTEM for HAZARD
COMMUNICATION

• David Wallace, CIH
• Sr. Lecturer, Utah State University
• Nevada Local Section, AIHA
• March 9, 2011

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Outline

• GHS overview
• OSHAs GHS activity
• Proposed changes to the Hazard Communication
  Standard
• Current status of the proposed standard
• Impact on Safety professionals

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Introduction

• In 1985, one of my jobs as a young industrial
  hygiene professional was helping my employer
  comply with OSHAs new Hazard Communication
  standard, 1910.1200.
• Now, it looks like we will need to do it again!

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Introduction

• AIHA online GHS course, if you want to learn more!

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GHS Overview

• Globally Harmonized System Of Classification And
  Labeling Of Chemicals
• United Nations guidance for a uniform
  (harmonized) hazard communication system
• Initiated at the 1992 United Nations Conference
  on Environment and Development (UNCED)
• Based on major existing systems
• USA and Canadian systems for the workplace,
  workplace, consumers and pesticides
• European Union directives for classification and
  labeling of substances and preparations
• United Nations Recommendations on the Transport
  of Dangerous Goods.

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GHS Overview
GHS Purple Book

• Elements
• Harmonized criteria for classifying substances
  and mixtures according to their health,
  environmental and physical hazards
• Harmonized hazard communication elements,
  including requirements for labeling and safety
  data sheets.
• Guide to the GHS (OSHA)

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GHS Overview

• Justification
• Label requirements differ, requiring multiple
  labels for the same product
• Hazard definitions are not consistent
• Toxicity, Flammability
• Globally over 100 diverse hazard communication
  regulations for their products globally
• Regulatory compliance is complex and costly
• Barrier to international trade in chemicals

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Flammability example
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Flammability Example

• OSHA letter of interpretation, July 14, 2010
• Re The definitions of combustible and flammable
  liquids under 29 CFR 1926 and 29 CFR 1910. 
• Question Why are the definitions for combustible
  liquids and flammable liquids different under
  OSHA's construction and general industry
  standards? 
• Answer The definitions in the two standards are
  different because the definitions were adopted
  from different sources. OSHA is currently
  addressing these definitions in the Hazard
  Communication rulemaking. GHS
• http//www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_docum
  ent?p_tableINTERPRETATIONSp_id27488

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GHS Overview

• Key Guiding Principles of the Harmonization
  Process
• Protection will not be reduced
• Will be based on intrinsic properties (hazards)
  of chemicals
• All types of chemicals will be covered
• All systems will have to be changed
• Involvement of all stakeholders should be ensured
• Comprehensibility must be addressed

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GHS Hazard Classification

• Defined criteria are used to assign a hazard
  classification
• Physical Hazards
• 16 categories
• Health Hazards
• 10 categories
• Environmental Hazards
• Mixtures
• GHS classification guidance for when chemicals
  are mixed

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GHS Hazard Classification

• Physical Hazards (16)
• Explosives
• Flammable Gases
• Flammable Aerosols
• Oxidizing Gases
• Gases Under Pressure
• Flammable Liquids
• Flammable Solids
• Self-Reactive Substances

• Pyrophoric Liquids
• Pyrophoric Solids
• Self-Heating Substances
• Substances which, in contact with water, emit
  flammable gases
• Oxidizing Liquids
• Oxidizing Solids
• Organic Peroxides
• Corrosive to Metals

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GHS Hazard Classification

• Health Hazards (10)
• Acute Toxicity
• Skin Corrosion/Irritation
• Serous Eye Damage/Eye Irritation
• Respiratory or Skin Sensitization
• Germ Cell Mutagenicity
• Carcinogenicity

• Reproductive Toxicology
• Target Organ Systemic Toxicity Single Exposure
• Target Organ Systemic Toxicity Repeated
  Exposure
• Aspiration Toxicity

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GHS Hazard Classification

• Hazardous to the Aquatic Environment
• Acute aquatic toxicity
• Chronic aquatic toxicity
• Bioaccumulation potential
• Rapid degradability

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GHS Hazard Communication

• Labels
• Symbols (hazard pictograms) with red border
• Examples

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GHS Hazard Communication

• Labels (cont.)
• Nine symbols
• Includes Environment

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GHS Hazard Communication

• Labels (cont.)
• Signal Words
• Danger or Warning
• Hazard Statements
• Example Toxic if swallowed
• Other
• Precautions, identification, supplier,
  supplemental

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GHS Hazard Communication

• Labels (cont.)
• GHS Label Elements for Flammable Liquids

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GHS label example
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GHS Hazard Communication

• GHS Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
• 16 headings
• Similar to ISO, EU, and ANSI MSDS/SDS
  requirements

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OSHA MSDS format (old)

• OSHA-174 (1989), 8 sections (non-mandatory)
• Manufacturer information
• Hazard Ingredients/Identity Information
• Physical/chemical properties
• Fire and Explosion Hazard Data
• Reactivity Data
• Health Hazard Data
• Precautions for Safe Handling and Use
• Control Measures

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ANSI MSDS format

• ANSI Z400.1-2004
• Product and Company Identification
• Hazard Identification
• Composition / Information On Ingredients
• First Aid Measures
• Fire Fighting Measures
• Accidental Release Measures
• Handling and Storage

1. Exposure Control / Personal Protection
2. Physical and Chemical Properties
3. Stability and Reactivity
4. Toxicological Information
5. Ecological Information
6. Disposal Considerations
7. Transport Information
8. Regulatory Information
9. Other Information

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OSHA and the GHS

• Rulemaking Steps
• Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, ANPR
• Sept. 12, 2006
• Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
• Sept. 30, 2009
• Public Comment Period ended Dec. 29, 2009
• Public Hearings
• Washington, Pittsburgh and Los Angeles
• March and April, 2010
• Post-hearing Comment Period ended June 1, 2010
• Final Standard
• Probably by late 2011, according to OSHA staff
• Phase-in Period for Compliance
• 2-3 years (as proposed)

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Proposed OSHA rule

• Major changes to the Hazard Communication
  Standards
• Changed hazard determination to hazard
  classification
• Changed MSDS to SDS
• Changed definitions to comply with GHS
• Labels for shipped containers must have GHS
  information
• Workplace labels may be GHS labels, or other
  labels that identify the material and hazard
• Safety Data Sheets with 16 sections
• May include guidance for transportation
  information and environmental hazards
• Side-by-side comparison (OSHA)

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Proposed OSHA rule

• Major changes to the Hazard Communication
  Standards (cont.)
• Other OSHA standards are changed where applicable
• New wording on warning signs for asbestos and
  other health hazards
• Changes to standards for HAZWOPER, Combustible
  and Flammable Liquids, Welding Cutting and
  Brazing, etc.

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Proposed OSHA rule

• Effective dates
• Two years after final rule
• Employee training on new labels and safety data
  sheets
• Three years after final rule
• Chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors,
  and employers in compliance with all modified
  provisions

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Proposed OSHA rule

• Costs and benefits
• 97 million annual cost
• training, SDSs labels, management
• 851 million annual benefit
• reduced injuries/illnesses/fatalities, improved
  productivity and cost reduction
• 754 million net annual benefit

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OSHA interpretation

• GHS labels comply with current OSHA requirements
• Standard Interpretation 10/06/2009 - Using the
  Globally Harmonized System (GHS) to Comply with
  OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard
• http//www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_docum
  ent?p_tableINTERPRETATIONSp_id27218

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Comments on the proposed rule

• OSHA specifically solicited comments about
• Costs and benefits
• Effect on small entities
• GHS classification system
• Combustible dusts and simple asphyxiants
• Color labels vs. BW
• PELs on data sheets
• Etc.
• Public Hearings ended April 13, 2010
• Record closed June 1, 2010 (877 items)

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Comments on the proposed rule

• Maureen Ruskin, director of OSHA's Office of
  Chemical Hazards, at GHS Round Table, 5/24/2010,
  AIHCE, Denver, Co
• Vast majority of comments support OSHA
• OSHA should adopt EU reporting limits for chronic
  hazards
• Create hazards not otherwise classified
  category
• Support and criticism of proposal to drop TLVs
• Updating labels within 30 days may not be
  feasible
• OSHA may have underestimated cost of red border
• Mixed support for adoption of GHS hazard
  statements
• Disagreement about implementation dates
• OSHA should provide more information for training

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Comments on the proposed rule

• OSHAs update (cont.)
• Some believe OSHA will create confusion with
  changes to flammable/combustible liquid
  classification, yet others agreed with OSHA
• OSHA should review safety standards to avoid
  conflicts
• Concerns over carcinogen notation changes in the
  health standards
• Concerns about conflict or confusion regarding
  EPA/DOT/NFPA
• OSHA underestimated costs
• Very little support for OSHAs proposed
  alternatives
• How will OSHA respond after UN updates GHS?

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ASSEs comment

• ASSE applauds OSHA for its leadership in
  undertaking this rulemaking and urges that every
  possible step be taken to achieve a final rule as
  soon as practicable.

• However, ASSE has some concerns
• OSHA should include control banding
• OSHA underestimated the impact on small business
• Some hazard classifications should be modified
• OSHA should require red borders on labels
• Labels should have more required information
• TLV and REL exposure limits should be listed on
  data sheets
• The new standard should have a shorter deadline
  for training
• There may be a shortage of SHE professional on
  staff
• Etc.

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AIHAs comment

• AIHA supports the proposed revision of the HCS
  and believes it will result in better hazard
  recognition and safer use of chemicals in the
  workplace.

• AIHAs generally supports OSHA
• Proposed hazard classifications are OK
• OSHA should require red borders on labels
• TLVs , WEELs and other exposure limits should be
  listed on data sheets
• OSHA should include a hazard category for
  combustible dust
• Training should not be delayed
• AIHA also submitted a post-hearing comment, April
  29, 2010 to answer OSHA questions

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OSHAs Schedule

• Record closed June 1
• Tasks
• Analyze information in the record
• Prepare the final rule and update the analyses of
  the record
• Submit rule for administrative review
• OSHA, DOL, OMB
• This is high priority for OSHA
• Expect final standard about 1 ½ years (?)

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Recent GHS activity

• United Nations Subcommittee of Experts on the
  Globally Harmonized System of Classification and
  Labelling of Chemicals (UNSCEGHS), Dec. 7-9,
  2010, in Geneva
• OSHA hosted an open informal public meeting of
  the U.S. Interagency GHS Coordinating Group, Nov.
  20, 2010.
• To provide interested parties with an update on
  GHS issues in preparation for the UN meeting
• http//www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_docum
  ent?p_tableFEDERAL_REGISTERp_id21809

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OSHAs Schedule

• Dr. David Michaels, Assistant Secretary of Labor
  for OSHA
• June 16, 2010 at the Baltimore ASSE conference
• the Global Harmonized System standard a
  non-controversial rule has received good
  comments and is moving along on target
• Source Occupational Health and Safety online
  magazine

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• OSHAs Fall 2010 Regulatory Agenda,
  http//www.dol.gov/osha/regs/unifiedagenda/fall201
  0/1218-AC20.htm

Timetable
Action Date FR Cite
ANPRM 09/12/2006 71 FR 53617
ANPRM Comment Period End 11/13/2006  
Complete Peer Review of Economic Analysis 11/19/2007  
NPRM 09/30/2009 74 FR 50279
NPRM Comment Period End 12/29/2009  
Hearing 03/02/2010  
Hearing 03/31/2010  
Post Hearing Comment Period End 06/01/2010  
Final Action 08/00/2011  
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Commercial GHS services

• Commercial Hazard Communication and MSDS/SDS
  authoring services should be ready for GHS
• Required for international trade
• Preparing for domestic market
• Examples
• http//3ecompany.com/solutions/ghs-solutions/
• http//www.sitehawk.com/ghs_home.html

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GHS in the commercial news

• Industry Week
• How to Convert to the Globally Harmonized System
  of Chemical Classification
• EHS Today
• GHS The Power of One
• OHS
• Major GHS Progress This Year
• OSHA's GHS Leader Sees Final Rule in 18 Months
• Global Harmonization A Catalyst for Safety
• OSHA, GHS, and Your MSDSs and Labels
• A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
• OSHA Finally Brings GHS to America

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Impact on Safety and IH Professionals

• Become familiar with the new system
• May want to wait until the OSHA rule is final
• Collect new SDSs as provided by suppliers and
  incorporate them into the existing MSDS system
  (or use a commercial service)
• Get new GHS labels for shipped containers
• Employers can use other systems for workplace
  labeling
• Train employees about new labels and SDS

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Impact on Chemical Manufacturers and Distributors

• Prepare and use new GHS compatible labels
• Prepare and distribute new GHS compatible Safety
  Data Sheets
• Commercial authoring firms are ready and
  willing to help

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GHS Resources

• GHS Websites
• OSHA, http//www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/global.html
• EPA, http//www.epa.gov/oppfead1/international/glo
  balharmon.htm
• DOT http//www.phmsa.dot.gov/hazmat/regs/internati
  onal
• CSPC, http//www.cpsc.gov/phth/GHSpolicy.html
• UN, http//www.unece.org/trans/danger/publi/ghs/gh
  s_rev02/02files_e.html
• Government Printing Office
• http//www.gpoaccess.gov/ this site will be
  replaced with the Federal Digital System,
  http//www.gpo.gov/fdsys/
• OSHA comments
• Docket No. OSHA-H022K- 2006-0062 at
  http//www.regulations.gov
• Nearly 900 items!