MSHA has issued guidance to mine operators that those who meet OSHA's Hazard Communication standard (HCS) will be in compliance with MSHA's HazCom standard as well.
“We recognize that many mines already receive safety data sheets and labels for hazardous chemicals that are developed in accordance with OSHA’s revised standard," says MSHA's Joseph Main. "We also recognize that mine operators may be required to develop safety data sheets and labels compliant with OSHA’s standard in order to transport, import or export hazardous chemicals because of the transition to the global classification and labeling system."
"This compatibility is a win-win: it reduces the burden of maintaining two separate systems for identifying hazardous chemicals and communication of hazards while providing at least the same protections to miners as MSHA’s existing HazCom standard," says Main. "A single system will also promote consistency with other industries and federal agencies with respect to identification and communication of hazards."
The agency has also produced a PowerPoint presentation on the subject, available here.
A Blog From the American Society of Safety Engineers