Big changes are coming for regulated chemical labels.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) officially adopted a ruling that changes its Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to match the guidelines of the Globally Harmonized System (GHS).
This new labeling system sets out to reduce confusion, create a standard process and educate users.
Current Compliant Labels
In 1994, OSHA mandated that containers with hazardous chemicals must be labeled w
ith a product identifier and hazard statements appropriate for each hazardous chemical.
For years Weber customers were able to use blank thermal-transfer labels or direct-thermal labels to print this product and hazard information.
Other companies ordered pre-printed color labels using the Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS) boxes and then imprinted specific safety information on-site. They were able to variably-imprint their individual products' Health, Flammability, Reactivity and Personal Protection ratings.
But starting in 2015, those elements alone will no longer be compliant with OSHA. Manufacturers will be able to continue to use the HMIS information on their labels, but they also will be required to include more specific elements that are in the GHS guidelines.
