GHS alignment: OSHA extends comment period on proposed updates to hazcom regs
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Washington — OSHA has extended until May 19 the comment period on a proposed rule that would update the agency’s regulations on hazard communication to align with the seventh version of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals.
According to a notice published in the April 12 Federal Register, the extension allows stakeholders more time to review the proposal and collect information and data necessary for comment. OSHA published the proposed rule in the Feb. 16 Federal Register, with the initial comment period slated to end April 19.
The Hazard Communication Standard (1910.1200) currently is linked to the third version of GHS, an action that took place in 2012. The United Nations updated the GHS for an eighth time in 2019.
In a prepublished version of the proposed rule, OSHA noted its work on updating the standard started before the UN’s update. Additionally, the United States’ major trading partners – including Canada, Australia, New Zealand and those in Europe – “are all preparing to align” with the seventh version.
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