OSHA recently published a long-awaited notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that would update its Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom) to align with Revision 7 of the UN’s Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS).
We’ve been talking about OSHA’s plan to realign the HazCom Standard with a more recent version of GHS Purple Book for some time. OSHA had indicated as early as Spring 2018 that updates to the HazCom Standard were a top regulatory priority for the Agency. Yet, a proposed rulemaking had been repeatedly delayed. The NPRM finally gets OSHA on a track to revise the HazCom Standard, and the proposed revisions are likely to have far-reaching impact throughout the chemical supply chain.
Here, we’ll take a look at the NPRM, focusing on the major proposed changes and the strategies businesses can take to prepare.
New Classifications for Aerosols, Desensitized Explosives, and Flammable Gases
The NPRM proposes several changes to the ways that certain chemicals are classified to align with the classification criteria of those chemicals in GHS Revision 7.
Aerosols:
OSHA is proposing to follow GHS Rev. 7 (UN GHS, 2017, Document ID 0060) by expanding the existing Flammable Aerosols hazard class (appendix B.3) to include non-flammable aerosols, as well as flammable aerosols. Non-flammable aerosols will now be under Category 3, while flammable aerosols will be under Category 1 or Category 2.
Under GHS Rev. 3 and the current HazCom Standard, Chapter 2.3 and appendix B.3, respectively, were titled “Flammable Aerosols.” Under GHS Rev. 3, the hazards characteristic to non-flammable aerosols were either not classified at all, or more likely, were classified in another health hazard class or physical hazard class (e.g., gases under pressure) (UN GHS, 2009, Document ID 0085). Flammable aerosols were likely to be classified as both flammable aerosols and gases under pressure.
OSHA maintains that most aerosols are classified as gases under pressure by GHS Rev. 3 (and accordingly under the existing HazCom Standard) because of the design criteria of the aerosols (ERG, 2015, Document ID 0163) under DOT regulations. Therefore, the proposed classification changes would have a significant impact on authoring of SDSs by aerosol manufacturers.
Desensitized Explosives:
OSHA is proposing to follow GHS Rev. 7 (UN GHS, 2017, Document ID 0060) by adding a new physical hazard class for desensitized explosives. There will be 4 categories (1,2,3, and 4) within this new hazard class.
Desensitized explosives are chemicals that are treated in such a way to stabilize the chemical or reduce or suppress its explosive properties. These types of chemicals can pose a hazard in the workplace when the stabilizer is removed, either as part of the normal work process or during storage of the chemical. Therefore, it is urgent that the hazards be identified and appropriately communicated.
OSHA states that even though desensitized explosives is a new hazard class, the explosion hazards were and are well-known, and should already be included in current hazard training. For example, if water or other wetting solution used to desensitize an explosive dries out, an explosion could occur. Regardless, OSHA maintains that the new classification will further improve workplace safety.
Flammable Gases:
OSHA is proposing to subdivide Category 1 of this hazard class into two subcategories (1A and 1B), and specify that pyrophoric gases and chemically unstable gases are to be classified as Category 1A. These proposed changes would provide more detailed information about flammable gas hazards, and corresponds to changes made in GHS Rev. 7 (UN GHS, 2017, Document ID 0060) since OSHA updated the HazCom Standard in 2012.
These proposed changes would give downstream users a better understanding of the severity of the hazards associated with flammable gases. Specifically, downstream users could use this information to take appropriate precautions under all conditions (i.e. transport, handling and use) or determine if an available substitute chemical is less hazardous.
Key Industries Affected:
Starting on page 49 of the proposed rule, there is a table showing some of the major industries (in terms of numbers of facilities and numbers of employees) that are affected by the proposed changes. These include:
- Chemical Manufacturing (and all subsectors);
- Oil and Gas Extraction;
- Petroleum & Coal Products Manufacturing;
- Plastics and Rubber Products Manufacturing
- Merchant Wholesalers (both durable and non-durable goods)
- Non-Metallic Mineral Product Manufacturing
In the NPRM, OSHA states that they based this identification of affected industries on review of the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes for sectors that manufacture products impacted by proposed changes to hazard classification.
OSHA then assessed statistical information on the affected industries including: the number of affected entities and establishments; the number of workers whose exposure to hazardous chemicals could result in injury, illness, or death (“affected relevant employees”); and the average revenues and profits for affected entities and establishments by six-digit NAICS industry. This information is summarized in tables within the proposed rule.
New Labeling Provisions for ‘Small’ and ‘Very-Small’ Containers
OSHA has received a great deal of feedback and questions from stakeholders on the challenges of implementing shipped container label requirements for small containers. Proposed changes in the NPRM are intended to address those implementation challenges.
Proposed paragraph (f)(12), which addresses labeling of small containers, would limit labeling requirements for chemical manufacturers, importers and distributors where they can demonstrate that it is not feasible to use pull-out labels, fold-back labels or tags to provide the full label information as required by paragraph (f)(1).
As proposed in paragraph (f)(12)(ii) of the NPRM, manufacturers, importers and distributors would be able to use an abbreviated label (requiring only the product identifier, pictogram(s), signal word, chemical manufacturer’s name and phone number and a statement that the full label information is provided on the immediate outer package) on containers with a volume capacity of 100 ml or less. This is the definition of “small containers” in the NPRM. This revision would simply codify codifies guidance OSHA had previously given in a 2013 letter of interpretation (LOI).
Paragraph (f)(12)(iii) further proposes that manufacturers, importers and distributors may indicate only the product identifier on containers with a volume capacity of 3 ml or less (referred to as “very small containers” in the NPRM) if they can demonstrate that a full label would interfere with the normal use of the container.
Stakeholder concerns over requirements and guidance for small labels had long been a question at OSHA & UN SCEGHS meetings. GHS Revision 7 alignment represents a new allowance not provided in any previous OSHA guidance, and responds to stakeholder feedback on the difficulty posed by labels on very small containers interfering with the normal use of those containers.
However, there’s an important caveat that applies to both “small” and “very small” containers. The NPRM states that manufacturers, importers and distributors who take advantage of either of the label allowances discussed above must provide the full label information required by paragraph (f)(1) for each chemical on the outer packaging containing the small immediate containers of the chemicals. Additionally, paragraph (f)(12)(iv)(B) of the NPRM proposes that manufacturers must include a statement on the outer packaging that the small container(s) inside must be stored in the immediate outer package bearing the complete label when not in use.
OSHA’s Preliminary Economic Analysis (PEA) included in Section VII of the Federal Register notice states that the allowance for small containers will result in little or no economic benefit, since they believe that affected manufacturers already were aware by now of the allowance given by the 2013 LOI, which would only be codified, not added to, by the NPRM. It’s a different story for the “very small containers” of 3 ml capacity or less. Because OSHA had not previously provided additional allowances for these containers, the proposal within the NPRM would result in a significant cost savings for affected chemical manufacturers. Based on OSHA’s analysis within the PEA, they maintain that the affected manufacturers would be concentrated in a few industry sectors like “Other Basic Chemical Manufacturing, Inorganic and Organic” (NAICS 325180 and 325199, respectively) and Pharmaceutical and Medical Manufacturing (NAICS 3254—encompassing 6-digit NAICS 325411, 325412, 325413, and 325414).
Updating Selected Hazard and Precautionary Statements for Clearer, More Precise Hazard Information
OSHA is proposing to revise several hazard and precautionary statements to align with GHS Rev. 7. OSHA is also proposing to add new paragraph C.2.4.7 to note that “precautionary statements may contain minor textual variations from the text prescribed elsewhere in appendix C (e.g., spelling variations, synonyms or other equivalent terms), as long as those variations assist in the communication of safety information without diluting or compromising the safety advice.” This proposed new paragraph would also provide that any variations must be used consistently throughout the label and SDS.
The proposed rule would also update Appendix C to allow pictograms for Hazards Not Otherwise Classified (HNOCs) on shipped container labels. The NPRM would define this hazard class as “HNOC (non-mandatory)” the class would be identified by the “exclamation point” pictogram.
OSHA had previously advised that manufacturers can use the exclamation mark pictogram for HNOCs (although they are not required to do so) in a 2016 joint guidance document with Health Canada (OSHA, 2016, Document ID 0103). The update in the NPRM codifies that allowance into the text of the HazCom Standard itself. The NPRM proposes to revise Figure C.1—Hazard Symbols and Classes to include “HNOC (non-mandatory)” as a hazard identified by the exclamation point pictogram so that should manufacturers opt to identify HNOCs, they can use Figure C.1 to correctly select the exclamation mark pictogram. This proposed change reflects OSHA’s agreement with Health Canada to permit the exclamation mark pictogram to be used for HNOCs, and would help the US to better align its shipped container labeling with Canada.
OSHA is also proposing to add a new paragraph, C.2.4.10, to further address cases where substances or mixtures may trigger multiple precautionary statements for medical responses. Consistent with GHS Rev. 7 (UN GHS, 2017, Documents ID 0060), OSHA is proposing principles for addressing situations where a substance or mixture is classified for a number of hazards and triggers multiple precautionary statements for medical responses (e.g., calling a poison center/doctor/…. and getting medical advice/attention). Proposed paragraph C.2.4.10 would provide for a system of prioritization for precautionary statements. Under proposed C.2.4.10(a), labels would usually need only include one precautionary statement reflecting the response at the highest level with the greatest urgency, combined with at least one route of exposure or symptom “IF” statement.
Updating Labeling Requirements for Packaged Containers “Released for Shipment”
OSHA is proposing to update paragraph (f)(11) to provide that chemicals that have been released for shipment and are awaiting future distribution need not be re-labeled to incorporate new significant information about hazards. However, the chemical manufacturer or importer would still have to provide the updated label for each individual container with each shipment. The purpose of this proposal is to account for the long distribution cycles of some products and the potential hazards workers could face in relabeling the immediate containers of hazardous chemicals (e.g., chemical exposures, ergonomic issues).
Labels for Bulk Shipments of Hazardous Chemicals
OSHA is proposing to add new paragraph (f)(5)(ii) to address the transport of bulk shipments of hazardous chemicals (e.g., in tanker trucks or rail cars). The proposed paragraph specifies that labels for bulk shipments of hazardous chemicals may either be on the immediate container, or may be transmitted with shipping papers, bills of lading or other technological or electronic means so that the information is immediately available in-print to workers receiving the shipment.
The proposed paragraph would also codify a policy first introduced by OSHA and the Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) in 2016 which clarified procedures for proper labeling of bulk chemicals in-transport (PHMSA, 2016, Document ID 0244).
Trade Secrets on SDSs
OSHA is proposing to allow manufacturers, importers and employers to withhold a chemical’s actual concentration or concentration range on SDSs as trade secret/confidential business information (CBI). When an ingredient’s actual concentration or concentration range is claimed as a trade secret, OSHA would require the SDS to specify a concentration range selected from a prescribed list of ranges. OSHA notes that these prescribed concentration ranges are identical to the ranges required by Canada’s Hazardous Product Regulations (HPR). This is consistent with continuing efforts by the US – Canada Regulatory Cooperation Council (RCC) to further align each country’s hazard communication systems and requirements.
SDS Section 2 – Hazard Identification
OSHA is proposing changes to section 2 of the SDS to require that hazards identified under normal conditions of use resulting from a chemical reaction must appear on the SDS, even though these hazards do not need to be listed on the label.
This proposed change represents stricter classification requirements than those that currently exist under HazCom. The proposed text clearly states that a chemical must be classified according to normal conditions of use and foreseeable emergencies, as well as hazards associated with a change in physical form or resulting from a reaction with other chemicals under normal conditions of use. According to the proposed rule, “known intermediates, by-products and decomposition products that are produced during normal conditions of use or in foreseeable emergencies must be addressed in the hazard classification.” As such, this will create new classification challenges for certain industry sectors, such as metal and alloy manufacturing where products regularly undergo chemical reactions under normal conditions of use.
Potential Changes Associated with GHS Revision 8
The proposed changes discussed so far are part of OSHA’s alignment of the HazCom Standard with GHS Revision 7 (or to address implementation issues with HazCom 2012).
In addition, OSHA is seeking comment on whether to include several specific provisions of GHS Revision 8, specifically:
- Appendix A: Revision to include expanded use of non-animal test methods for skin corrosion/irritation classification.
- Appendix B: Additional changes to classification of aerosols, including:
- Classification based on text in a table rather than decision logic
- New hazard category within aerosols class of “chemicals under pressure”
- Appendix C: Revision of medical precautionary statements to reduce ambiguity over actions to be taken (e.g. indicating when someone should call a poison control center instead of a medical professional)
OSHA will evaluate feedback from stakeholders on each of the above provisions from GHS Revision 8 and determine whether to incorporate them into the final rulemaking.
Frequency of Future GHS Updates to HazCom Standard
OSHA requests public comment on whether the agency should adopt a schedule for updates to the HazCom Standard (e.g., every four years or every two revisions of GHS) or wait until there are significant changes to GHS before initiating rulemaking.
OSHA observes that more frequently updating HazCom to align with newer revisions of the GHS may provide greater protection for workers and reduce uncertainty for manufacturers, distributors and employers.
Timeline for Transition to New Requirements
OSHA is proposing to implement the revised provisions over a two-year phase-in period. OSHA proposes that the revisions become effective 60 days after the publication date (paragraph (j)(1)) and that chemical manufacturers, importers and distributors evaluating substances comply with all modified provisions of HazCom no later than one year after the effective date (paragraph (j)(2)).
OSHA also proposes that chemical manufacturers, importers, and distributors evaluating mixtures comply with all modified provisions no later than two years after the effective date (paragraph (j)(3)).
The Big-Takeaways
This NPRM represents the first significant update to the HazCom Standard since OSHA aligned the standard with GHS Revision 3 back in 2012. Nothing will change immediately because OSHA follows a specific, time-intensive process for each rulemaking including publication of the NPRM, public comment period, and assessment of stakeholder feedback en route to developing a final rule. OSHA is accepting comments on the NPRM until April 19, 2021. OSHA will most likely not issue a final rule until late in 2021 at the earliest. That being said, changes are coming.
With modifications to existing hazard classifications and addition of new hazard classes, hazardous product manufacturers, importers and distributors in the US will need to re-evaluate the hazards of the products they sell or import into the country to ensure product hazards are classified according to GHS Revision 7 hazard classification criteria.
Therefore, many SDSs and shipped container labels will need to be re-authored to reflect changes in chemical hazard classification or information and ensure compliance with updated requirements. Specific industry sectors identified by OSHA within the NPRM including chemical manufacturing, oil and gas extraction, and plastics and rubber products manufacturing will be more significantly affected by these classification changes.
Downstream users will also need to be prepared to manage the influx of updated SDSs as they enter the workplace, and to revise their written HazCom Plans and HazCom training to account for new classifications and new hazard and precautionary statements.
No matter where you are in the chemical supply chain, there will be a lot of work needed to get up to speed with new HazCom requirements. With the right tools in place, you and your workforce will be better prepared.
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