Hazard communication and GHS

0:00 Intro

Hazard communication and GHS, for the CHST 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.

0:29 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.

0:48 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 accessible, and train, except on program location.

1:09 Shipped container labels

Sealed-container operations have similar limited duties, training as needed for a spill or leak. A shipped label generally carries six items. Start with the product identifier. The signal word, hazard statements and pictograms must sit together on the label. S. S. phone number of the manufacturer, importer or other responsible party.

1:34 Labeling

Items one through five are prominently displayed, in English. In the workplace, use full shipped-label information, or the product identifier plus general hazards that, with program information, give specifics. 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 a manufacturer, importer or distributor shows full labels aren't feasible, containers of 100 milliliters or less get a reduced label; full information goes on the outer package.

2:13 Safety data sheets

At 3 milliliters or less, where a label interferes with use, no label is required; the product identifier is the minimum. Manufacturers and importers obtain or develop an SDS for each hazardous chemical they produce or import. Employers keep one for each hazardous chemical they use. Sections 1 through 16, in order.

2:45 Program and training

Sections 12 through 15 must appear, but OSHA won't enforce their information requirements. New significant hazard information must be added within 3 months. SDSs stay readily accessible every work shift; electronic access is fine without barriers. Each workplace needs a written hazard communication program. It lists hazardous chemicals by a product identifier that matches the SDS.

3:14 Trade secrets

It also covers non-routine tasks and unlabeled pipes. 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.

3:38 Compliance dates

A supported trade secret claim lets identity or concentration be withheld from SDS section 3; the SDS must say so and still disclose properties and effects. In a medical emergency, disclose immediately to the treating PLHCP, with no paperwork first. A denial of a non-emergency written request must be in writing within 30 days. The modified rule took effect July 19, 2024. Compliance dates differ for substances and mixtures.

4:09 On the job

Substances: manufacturers, importers and distributors comply by May 19, 2026; employers update by November 20, 2026. For mixtures: November 19, 2027, then employers by May 19, 2028. In transition, comply with the revised rule, the July 1, 2023 version, or both. You're the safety manager at a warehouse that only handles sealed drums.

4:36 Common exam traps

One arrives without an SDS. First, ensure labels on incoming containers aren't removed or defaced. Shipped-container labeling belongs to the manufacturer, importer or distributor. Next, if an employee requests the SDS, obtain it as soon as possible. Keep SDSs readily accessible each work shift, and train as needed for a spill or leak. Now, six traps that catch people on exam day. One: employers classify only if they choose not to rely on the manufacturer.

5:12 Recap quiz

Two: a shipped label generally needs six items. Three: SDS updates take 3 months. Labels take 6. Four: sections 12 through 15 must appear; OSHA won't enforce their information. 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, when must an SDS be updated? A: Immediately. B: Within three months. C: Within six months. D: 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 does the can need? A: Full label. B: Pictogram only. C: No label. D: Label with SDS. 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 agreement first. B: Disclose immediately. C: Wait 30 days. D: Give only the range. B. Disclose immediately; paperwork can follow. Want to see where you stand on every CHST domain? com.

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