The Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued a final rule updating and improving the current Hazard Communication Standard to provide better information on data sheets and labels that might help first responders in case of a workplace emergency.
The updates require labels on small packaging to be easier to read and contain more information to allow workers and first responders to receive critical hazard information. The changes are to ensure that trade secrets no longer prevent critical information from being accessed, according to a June 11 news release from OSHA.
Other changes to the current standard include a clearer hazard classification process, updated physical hazard classes and updated precautionary statements on how to safely handle, store and dispose of hazardous chemicals.
The new standards will align with the seventh revision of the United Nations' Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals.
The changes take effect July 19, the release said.