Deadline Fast Approaching for Compliance with OSHA's New Hazard Communication Standard

CARY, N.C., Oct. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Safety consulting firm Environmental Resource Center is offering training seminars and webcasts to help businesses and their workers understand and comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA's) newly revised Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). The HCS now aligns with the United Nations' Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) and requires employers to update employee hazcom training and implement the new label elements and safety data sheet format by December 1, 2013.

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The revised HCS, scheduled for full implementation in 2016, provides a common and coherent approach to classifying chemicals according to their health and physical hazards. It also standardizes labels and safety data sheets for all chemicals made in the United States and imported from abroad. The purpose of these changes is to simplify workers' safety training and improve their understanding of hazards.

Among the changes are several new hazards and the creation of different definitions for many of the hazard classes. The new standard requires chemical manufacturers and importers to provide a label that includes a signal word, pictogram and hazard statement for each hazard class and category. Safety data sheets will have to be in a 16-section format and comply with precise content requirements so that employers, workers, health professionals and emergency responders may access relevant information quickly and easily.

Environmental Resource Center's webcasts and seminars help attendees learn how the new standards differ from current requirements, how to implement the changes and the timetable for implementation. Participants will also learn OSHA's requirements for hazard determination, material safety data sheets and labels as well as recordkeeping requirements.

Webcasts (http://www.ercweb.com/classes/course.aspx?course=1063) have been scheduled from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm ET on the following dates in 2013:

• January 18
• March 22
• April 16
• June 25
• July 17
• August 14
• October 1
• December 12

The firm will also conduct one-day local seminars (http://www.ercweb.com/classes/course.aspx?course=1043) to train employee trainers on the following dates:

• November 8, 2012 - Atlanta, GA
• December 7, 2012 - Charlotte, NC
• January 23, 2013 - Cary, NC
• March 8, 2013 - Charlotte, NC
• March 21, 2013 - Indianapolis, IN
• May 2, 2013 - Atlanta, GA
• June 6, 2013 - Baltimore, MD
• June 28, 2013 - Irvine, CA
• October 3, 2013 - Cary, NC
• October 11, 2013 - Chicago, IL
• November 7, 2013 - Atlanta, GA

"All of our instructors have hands-on experience in meeting regulatory requirements for the new GHS OSHA Hazcom Standard," said Brian Karnofsky, Environmental Resource Center president. "We can help employees recognize and understand the new labels as well as give businesses the knowledge they'll need for revising hazard communication plans to meet the new standard."

Training seminars cost $399 and include lunch. Webcasts are $129 and require the latest version of Flash, a web browser and a phone. To register, visit http://www.ercweb.com/classes/index.aspx or call 1-800-537-2372. Employers can also contact Environmental Resource Center to schedule a customized webcast: http://www.ercweb.com/classes/course.aspx?course=1044.

About Environmental Resource Center

Environmental Resource Center is a full-service environmental, health, safety, and transportation consulting firm. Since 1981, the firm has served the needs of industry, academia, and federal and state government agencies by providing high-quality safety and environmental consulting services. Environmental Resource Center offers a variety of seminars and refresher webcasts, including required EPA hazardous waste management training and DOT hazardous materials training to help businesses effectively comply with EPA, DOT, IATA and OSHA regulations. Visit http://www.ercweb.com for more information.

Contact:

Alicia Knight
919-469-1585 x 230
[email protected]

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SOURCE Environmental Resource Center