Tips for GHS Requirements

In honor of June National Safety Month, Cintas offers tips for businesses affected by GHS requirements.

1.      Update your written safety program: Refine your written program to incorporate GHS in all of your current hazard communication protocols.

2.      Begin training now: Employees must be properly trained on new chemical labeling and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) formats. Businesses that train well before the deadline will have knowledgeable, prepared employees, thereby limiting injuries, medical costs and potential OSHA fines.

3.      Ensure workers understand new pictograms: Nine new pictograms for chemical labels will be required for use. Clarify what each pictogram represents and demonstrate the types of PPE workers should wear for different hazards.

4.      Familiarize employees with new labels: New labels will now have a signal word, the product identifier, supplier identification, and hazard and precautionary statements. Teach employees how to thoroughly read them before using the chemical.

5.      Explain new SDS formats: SDSs are informational guides for determining chemical handling and storage, necessary PPE and exposure action plans. These will now follow a standardized format and contain more extensive chemical information. Reference OSHA to understand the new layout and keep your SDS binders in an accessible place so employees can reference them.

6.      Engage employees using blended training formats: When used in conjunction, instructor-led, DVD and online training engage all learning types. Lessons should combine visual and auditory instruction with group activities and handouts to encourage retention of GHS material.

7.      Keep training records on file: To prevent OSHA fines, it is necessary to document all of the training conducted within your facility. Have employees sign training logs after they have completed GHS training and demonstrated an understanding of the concepts.

Overall, the new system will require businesses and employees nationwide to be retrained on hazard communication. “Hazardous chemical information needs to be communicated to any employee who is exposed to or works with chemicals – even bleach,” says John Amann, VP, First Aid & Safety at Cintas. “Businesses that begin preparing now will find the transition much easier than workplaces that wait until the last minute.”

To view completion dates and requirements, click here.