GHS in the United States – Updated Information from OSHA

By: Kirsten Alcock, Manager of Product Safety, email

Yesterday during the HCPA/ISSA Virtual event, we were given a presentation from OSHA on the status of the GHS. This presentation was similar to the one we received through the Society of Chemical Hazard Communication (SCHC) Virtual meeting a couple of weeks back but we have NEW information.

During the meeting yesterday, an individual asked OSHA in the question/answer period about when we can expect to see the final rule. As advised by Janet Carter, they are hoping for December 2022. I contacted Janet today via email and this timeline was confirmed.

OSHA is indicating that December 2022 is the earliest they could finalize the rule. They are working hard to meet or be near that timeline as it corresponds with an estimate they received from Health Canada. OSHA would like to be in alignment with Canada on the adoption of GHS Version 7.

I know this is not what we were all hoping for. We were hoping to update our SDSs to the GHS Version 7 soon. So the question lies – WHAT DO WE DO NOW?

• Continue to ensure that your SDSs and labels are in compliance with current regulations.
• Continue to update your SDSs if new information becomes available on the formulations, the raw materials, shipping classifications, etc.
• Create SDSs and labels in compliance with the current regulations. One cannot proceed with the GHS Version 7 yet.

Contact:
Dell Tech
Kirsten Alcock, B.Sc. (Hons) 
Manager, Product Safety Group
519-858-5074
kirsten@delltech.com

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