Last year, OSHA revised its hazard communication (HazCom) standard to align with the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS).

By December 2013, employers must have trained their workers on the new label elements and required format. In a fact sheet describing the changes, OSHA addresses the elements that must be included in the training:

• Product identifier: explains how the hazardous chemical is identified.
• Signal word: indicates the level of severity and alerts the reader to a potential hazard on the label.
• Pictogram: must be in the shape of a square, set at a point, and include a black hazard symbol on a white background with a visible red frame.
• Hazard statements: describe the nature of the hazards of a chemical and, where appropriate, the degree of hazard.
• Precautionary statement: provides recommended measures to minimize or prevent adverse effects.
• Name, address, and phone number of the chemical manufacturer, distributor, or importer.

Training must also cover elements like the new standardized label formatting and how to use the labels.