OSHA Close to Proposed GHS Rule

According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the agency is close to issuing a proposed rule on the Globally Harmonized System for classifying and labeling chemicals, commonly referred to as the GHS. The proposal would amend the hazardous communication standard, and according to OSHA, is taking a lot of time. The United Nations recommended that all developed countries adopt the GHS by the end of 2008. This will not happen in the United States, but a proposed rule could possibly be published in October.

The UN’s Globally Harmonized System for product labeling and chemical safety data sheets is now being actively considered around the world. Harmonized labeling and hazard communications requirements for coatings will permit products to move more freely internationally, and can only emerge after significant changes to regulations that govern labeling and hazard communication programs.

NPCA, in its capacity as Secretariat of the International Paint and Printing Ink Council (IPPIC) has helped to establish an international committee to study the GHS and develop tools for the paint industry to address the new requirements. NPCA is also actively involved with other U.S. industry associations seeking to have OSHA, EPA and the Consumer Product Safety Commission consider the practical aspects of harmonized labeling and avoid unnecessarily burdensome requirements.

The results of these various international efforts could mean changes in the way manufacturers label their products and provide material safety data sheets (MSDS) for end users, particularly as the U.S. government would move to implement any resulting harmonized standards in our health, safety, and environmental rules. International harmonization of hazard communication requirements will facilitate international commerce in chemical products.

Contact: NPCA’s Skip Edwards for more information.

Source: September 2008 Coatings, posted 8/5/08