SGIA Journal September/October 2013 - (Page 17)

December 1, 2013 Training Deadline Approaches Understanding the changes The passage of the final regulations amending the Occupational Labels Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Hazard The new regulations provide specific informa- Communication Standard included new mandated employer tion that must be included on each label. The training, and several key deadlines: December 1, 2013, June 1, major change includes the use of pictograms. 2015 and June 1, 2016. The hazard determination process establishes The final regulation changed three major areas: what information will be included on the SDS 1. Hazard classification: The definitions have been changed and the label. Under the new standard, hazard to provide specific criteria for classification of health and categories are based on the degree of severity. physical hazards, as well as for mixtures. These specific An increase in the hazard category number indicates a decrease in criteria will help ensure that evaluations of hazardous the severity of that specific hazard. Category 1 of any hazard is the effects are consistent, and that labels and safety data highest level of severity. This is in marked contrast to the Hazard sheets are more accurate. Materials Identification System (HMIS), under which Category 4 2. Labels: Chemical manufacturers and importers will be Marcia Y. Kinter, SGIA denotes the highest level of severity. It is not recommended that required to provide a label that includes a harmonized either manufacturers or employers continue to use the HMIS sys- signal word, pictogram, and hazard statement for each tem unless you, the employer, undertake a rigorous training pro- hazard class and category. Precautionary statements must gram to reeducate your employees. There have been discussions also be provided. to revise the HMIS system, but no action has been taken to date. 3. Safety Data Sheets: Will now have a specified 16-section format. Similar to past requirements, all employers are still required to: • Maintain copies of all Safety Data Sheets in the areas in which they are used. A master file can be kept in one location; however, employees should have access to the information found on these SDSs. It is recommended that employers consider using an intranet-based system or have copies of the data sheets in the areas in which the chemicals are used, such as the ink room. • Develop and implement a written hazard communication The new, required label elements include: • Product identifier • Signal word • Hazard statement(s) • Pictograms • Precautionary statement(s) • Name, address and telephone number of the chemical manufacturer, importer or other responsible party The revised regulation still acknowledges the secondary container rule for workplaces. Workplace labeling programs are still required. It is recommended that employers do not remove origi- plan outlining how the workplace plans to meet the require- nal labels from containers unless it is immediately re-labeled. ments for labels and other forms of warning, safety data These written materials must be readily accessible to employees sheets, and employee information and training. in their work area, throughout each work shift. • Maintain a list of the hazardous chemicals known to be pres- For workplace labels, employers can opt to use the label ent using a product identifier referenced on the appropriate elements outlined earlier, or, a combination of signal words, safety data sheet. The only change in this provision is to use pictograms and product identifiers that provide general hazard the product identifier, which provides a unique means by information as long as other information or an SDS provides the which the user can identify the chemical. The list of chemi- specific hazard information on the product used. cals can be compiled for the entire workplace as a whole or by individual work areas. Employers are not responsible for determining the hazard classifications of the products used. The chemical manufacturer will undertake this process. The employer is responsible for The Safety Data Sheet format is changing and now all chemical manufacturers will be required to use the same format for ease of reading and understanding. Many manufacturers within the garment decoration industry have long migrated toward the 16-section format. ensuring that the employee understands the new labeling program and SDS format. Visit SGIA at SGIA.org SGIA Journal ■ September/October 2013 | 17 http://www.SGIA.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of SGIA Journal September/October 2013

How to Sell in a Tough Economy
How One Fine-Art Photographer Created a Four-Story-Tall Print
December 1, 2013 Training Deadline Approaches
Affordable Care Act — What is New and What is Happening
Reducing Inkjet Ink Usage
Want Your Graphics to Look Great and Last? Start with Surface Preparation and Cleaning
2013 Market Trends & Product Specialties Report
Digital Ceramic Printing Continues to Cast a New Business Model for Output Providers
How to Hire and Retain a Sales Champion
Going Grand: Does It Make Sense for Your Business?
Flames Made Easy with Knifeless Tape
The Edge is Near: Innovations in Fabric Finishing
SGIA Expo Sponsors Lead the Industry Charge to Orlando
The Innovation of an Art Form: A History of Screen Printing
In Many Specialty Graphics Shops, Old and New Technologies Sit Side by Side
SGIA Helps Making Shipping Easier with YRC
New Products
Specialty Imaging Shines at the 2013 SGIA Expo

SGIA Journal September/October 2013