This news article, One business, two regulatory worlds: Handling DOT and GHS regulations, is brought to you by Ajot.com.
The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) deadlines that went into effect on June 1 and December 1, 2015, respectively, have had a significant impact on U.S. chemical manufacturers and distributors.
By now, all chemicals being shipped by manufacturers and distributors should meet the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) GHS requirements, as well as the packaging, marking and labeling requirements for hazardous materials transported in commerce (e.g., 49 CFR Parts 171-180, IATA, IMO, etc.).
The transport regulations help protect against accidents while hazardous materials are in transit – short-term, high-level hazards, and generally come from US 49 CFR Parts 100-185, based on the United Nations’ Model Regulations. These are not affected by the new GHS-based HCS regulations.
The HCS is defined by OSHA in US 29 CFR 1910.1200 and adapted from the United Nation’s GHS. It applies primarily to containers used in the workplace by employees, although packages shipped in commerce may require treatment depending on their consignee. These regulations set more stringent criteria and allow fewer exceptions, since they help protect people who work with hazardous materials (often stored in large quantities) day in and day out.
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