OSHA has adopted the Global Harmonized System and revised the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to reflect the changes. The Final Rule was published in the Federal Register on March 26, 2012. The Effective Date of the final rule is 60 days after the date of publication.
Employers – What to Do and When?
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OSHA Says Don’t Wait Too Long to Re-Train
The deadlines outlined in the new Hazard Communication Standard may seem far away, but OSHA is requiring that companies train their employees in the new labeling requirements and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) format sooner than later – and no later than December 1, 2013. This is because manufacturers throughout the world are implementing the Global Harmonized System (GHS) and workplaces in the U.S. may begin to receive chemicals with labels and SDSs that are consistent with the GHS before full implementation of the New Hazard Communication Standard. It is important that employees are familiar with the new labels so they can understand the warnings, recognize the hazards and effectively protect themselves. Ohio EPA issued the new Industrial Storm Water General Permit (OHR000005) on December 15, 2011. The effective date of the new permit was January 1, 2012.
Existing facilities were required to submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) within 90 days of receiving Ohio’s written instruction to re-notify, and are required to update their Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan within 180 days of the effective date of the permit. New facilities must submit the NOI within 180 days of commencing operations and must complete their SWPPP prior to submitting the NOI. On November 30, 2011, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a new National Emphasis Program (NEP) for chemical facilities. This instruction (Directive Number CPL 03-00-014) expands the PSM-Covered Chemical Plants NEP to all facilities Nationwide.The purpose of the program is to reduce or eliminate workplace hazards and to protect workers from catastrophic releases of highly hazardous chemicals. The NEP identifies two categories of facilities: facilities likely to have ammonia used for refrigeration and all other facilities.
Are you ready? If you need assistance determining whether you are required to implement a PSM and/or RMP prevention program, or need help developoing your program, contact Vicki Schneider at SRM at (614) 505-1209. |
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