Hazard communication and GHS

0:00 Intro

Hazard communication and GHS, for the ASP exam. Every rule and number here is cited to its primary source, on screen. In this lesson, you'll learn to: say who classifies chemicals and who labels them, list the label elements and the small-container rules, state SDS content, update deadlines and employee access, and apply the written program, training and trade secret rules.

0:32 Responsibilities

Start with who does what. Chemical manufacturers and importers must classify the hazards of what they produce or import. All employers inform employees through a program, labels, SDSs and training. Employers needn't classify unless they choose not to rely on the manufacturer.

0:55 Scope

The standard covers chemicals where employees may be exposed in normal use or a foreseeable emergency. Laboratories: don't remove or deface incoming labels, keep SDSs received with shipments readily accessible, and train, except on program location. Sealed-container operations have similar limited duties, with training as needed for a spill or leak.

1:23 Shipped container labels

A shipped container label generally carries six items, with limited exceptions. Product identifier, signal word, hazard statements and pictograms. S. S. phone number. Signal word, hazard statements and pictograms must sit together. Items one through five must be prominently displayed in English; other languages may be added.

1:56 Labeling

In the workplace, use the full shipped-label information, or the product identifier plus general hazard information. Portable containers filled from a labeled container for the transferrer's immediate use need no label. New significant hazard information means revised labels within 6 months. If pull-out labels, fold-back labels or tags aren't feasible, containers of 100 milliliters or less get a reduced label, with full information on the outer package.

2:42 Safety data sheets

At 3 milliliters or less, where a label interferes with use, no label is required, but the product identifier is the minimum, with the full label on the outer package. Manufacturers and importers obtain or develop an SDS for each hazardous chemical they produce or import. Employers keep one in the workplace for each hazardous chemical they use. It has sections 1 through 16 in order. Sections 12 through 15 must appear, but OSHA won't enforce their information requirements.

3:22 Program and training

New significant hazard information must be added within 3 months. SDSs stay readily accessible every work shift; electronic access is fine if it creates no barriers. Each workplace needs a written hazard communication program. It lists hazardous chemicals by a product identifier that matches the SDS. It also covers non-routine tasks and unlabeled pipes.

3:54 Trade secrets

At multi-employer workplaces, tell other employers how to reach SDSs, what precautions apply, and the labeling system. Train at initial assignment, and whenever a new, untrained-on chemical hazard enters the work area. A supported trade secret claim lets identity or concentration be withheld from SDS section 3, but the SDS must say so and still disclose properties and effects.

4:24 Compliance dates

In a medical emergency, disclose immediately to the treating PLHCP, with no written statement or agreement first. A denial of a non-emergency written request must be in writing within 30 days. The modified rule became effective July 19, 2024. Compliance dates differ for substances and mixtures. For substances, manufacturers, importers and distributors comply by May 19, 2026.

5:04 Common exam traps

Employers update by November 20, 2026. For mixtures: November 19, 2027, then employers by May 19, 2028. During the transition, you may comply with the revised rule, the version as of July 1, 2023, or both. Now, six traps that catch people on exam day. One: employers classify only if they choose not to rely on the manufacturer. Two: a shipped label generally needs six items, not just one. Three: SDS updates take 3 months. Labels take 6. Four: sections 12 through 15 must appear; OSHA doesn't enforce their information requirements.

5:46 Recap quiz

Five: among transfer containers, only portable, immediate-use ones are exempt. Six: in a medical emergency, disclose first. Paperwork follows. Question 1. After newly learning significant hazard information, within what time must an SDS be updated? A: Immediately. B: Within three months. C: Within six months. D: At the next annual review. B. Within three months. Labels get six. Question 2. A worker pours solvent from a labeled drum into a can for her own use this shift. What is required for the can? A: A full shipped-format label. B: A pictogram only. C: No label. D: A label with an SDS attached. C. Filled from a labeled drum for her own immediate use, the can needs no label. Question 3. A treating PLHCP says a medical emergency exists and needs a trade secret chemical's identity. What must the manufacturer do? A: Require a signed agreement first. B: Disclose immediately. C: Wait 30 days. D: Provide only the concentration range. B. Disclose immediately; paperwork can follow. Want to see where you stand on every ASP domain? com.

25 questions, free, no card. You get a readiness score for each ASP domain.