OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard Update Impacts First Responders

A major update to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA’s) Hazard Communication Standard will take effect on Friday, July 19.

Based on the precept that chemicals in the workplace should carry clear labels and easy-to-understand information about their hazards, OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard provides a standardized approach to workplace hazard communications associated with exposure to hazardous chemicals. This update will improve the amount and quality of information on labels, safety data sheets and small packaging, allowing workers and first responders to react more quickly in an emergency.

Visit OSHA.gov/hazcom for an overview of these changes, the full text of the final rule, and answers to frequently asked questions about how these changes will impact workers and first responders.