Posted: March 18, 2013

OSHA recently announced the availability of two new resources to help employers meet the initial December 1, 2013, compliance deadline for the training requirements of the revised OSHA Hazard Communication Standard. By that date, employers, including funeral service employers, must train workers on the new label requirements and safety data sheets.

In addition to a revised fact sheet, OSHA has also published a brief explaining the new labeling elements, identifying what goes on a label, and describing what pictograms are and how to use them. It provides manufacturers, importers, distributors and other employers with a step-by-step guide to create a label that meets the requirements of the revised standard. The deadline for adopting the new labels and pictogram's is June 1, 2015.

NFDA should download these documents and use them as reference and training materials for affected staff. Both documents are available free of charge from the Hazard Communication Standard page on OSHA's web site: www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom.

For more information on OSHA standards and compliance requirements, visit the NFDA website or call the NFDA OSHA Hotline for a complimentary consultation. The hotline can assist with nearly all inquiries. NFDA members can also call NFDA OSHA Counsel Edward M. Ranier with OSHA-related legal questions at 410-967-1812.