OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HCS or HazCom) requires manufacturers to label every hazardous chemical container--drum, can, cylinder, box, barrel, etc.--with key information on the substance it contains. HazCom also states that worker training must include an explanation of the labeling system and of how to use the information it contains because the labels are usually the employee's first point of contact with a hazardous substance.

OSHA has adopted amendments to the HazCom rule effective May 25, 2012 that include new Globally Harmonized System, or GHS, requirements for the content and design of chemical labels.

By December 1, 2013, employers must train their employees how to read and interpret the new chemical labels. Many employers will go through a phase-in period where both pre-GHS and GHS-compliant labels will be present in the workplace. During the phase-in period, employers may train their employees how to read and interpret the pre-GHS labels, or GHS-compliant labels, or both at the same time.

By December 1, 2015, all shipments of hazardous chemical containers must include a GHS-compliant label. More on GHS-compliant training requirements ...