Occupational Safety and Health Administration

The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) is now aligned with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). This update to the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) will provide a common and coherent approach to classifying chemicals and communicating hazard information on labels and safety data sheets.

By December 1, 2013, Employers - Train employees on the new label elements and safety data sheet (SDS) format.

By June 1, 2015, Chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors and employers - Compliance with all modified provisions of this final rule, except the Distributor shall not ship containers labeled by the chemical manufacturer or importer unless it is a GHS label after December 1, 2015.

By June 1, 2016, Employers - Update alternative workplace labeling and hazard communication program as necessary, and provide additional employee training for newly identified physical or health hazards.

Chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors, and employers - Transition Period to the effective completion dates noted above - May comply with either 29 CFR 1910.1200 (the final standard), or the current standard, or both.

The GHS is also relevant to EPA regulations such as the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act, which relies on MSDSs.

This Guide describes the GHS.

Globally Harmonized System for Chemicals