Hazard Communication Standard by ICSDS.Com Helps Employers Assure Better Safety at Workplaces

OSHA introduced GHS into its Hazard Communication Standard in 2012 with the objective of assuring that employees and employers are better informed about the nature of chemicals they handle. MSDS need to be updated to the GHS SDS formats. This could be perceived as a chore but, in the end, it leads to uniformity and easy communication. The result is reduced injuries and risks at workplaces.

The accent is on employee training that will improve hazard communication and make them informed so as to read, interpret and understand data sheets as well as safety labels. Employers benefit by applying safety leadership methods such as a plan to reduce accidents at workplaces and motivate employees to take to the new system; support the change and engage staff in the program; ensure employees become proficient and be proactive in adjusting methods to the new hazard communication standards.

Helping employers achieve their objective is the hazard communication standards by icsds.com effort. MSDS need to be updated to SDS or entirely new SDS and labels need to be developed should a chemical have been reclassified. Data sheets need to be prepared in the 16 section format that gives out vital safety information while safeguarding trade secrets. 

At the same time emphasis is placed on preparing labels the right way with the right choice of symbols and warning words that give precise information at a glance. This part is supported by professional training conducted in-house by experts of ICSDS to ensure all employees who are connected in some way or the other with the hazardous chemicals become thoroughly familiar with the data sheets and labels.  This is necessary because the old data sheets focused on hazard definitions that were not detailed. The new HazCom goes into more details about physical, health and environmental hazards with specifics on severity of impacts of the chemicals according to their classification and sub-classification.

The changes may also call for testing based on hazard assessment in which case too ICSDS proves helpful with its professional team of knowledgeable experts providing assistance to help manufacturers do it right and comply with regulations while taking care of safety of employees. This goes hand in hand with product composition reviews and assessment of all raw materials.

As can be seen, updating old MSDS to new SDS may appear straightforward and simple, which it is in many cases. It is only where new information is available and where chemicals have been reclassified that a new SDS needs to be prepared with relevant labels and training programs. In this area ICSDS excels and helps manufacturers/distributors overcome the compliance barrier. Training conducted side by side helps employees re-evaluate a product and take precautions. Transforming printed data sheets to electronic formats is part of the process that gives users easy access even while they are on the shop floor, something they may not find easy to do with paper documents. ICSDS can claim with pride that its involvement has helped save lives and prevent injuries at workplaces.