Hazard Communication Standard: New Chemical Provisions

Information and Training: Employers are required to train workers by Dec. 1, 2013, on the new GHS label elements and safety data sheets format to facilitate recognition and understanding. This is required to aid in the recognition and understanding of these important changes.

Pharmaceuticals, food additives, cosmetics and pesticide residues in food will not be covered by the GHS at the point of consumption, but will be covered where workers may be exposed (workplaces), and in transport. Also, the medical use of human or veterinary pharmaceuticals is generally addressed in package inserts and is not part of existing hazard communication systems. Similarly, foods are generally not labeled under existing hazard communication systems. The exact requirements for labels and Safety Data Sheets will continue to be defined in national regulations.