Washington State's Hazard Communication (GHS) Rule, 296-901 WAC, Became Effective April 15, 2013

Hazard communication rules were developed to make sure information about inherently hazardous chemicals is provided to employers and ultimately to employees so they become informed about chemical hazards found in the workplace. These rules apply if you:

• Have employees with potential for exposure to hazardous chemicals at work.
• Distribute hazardous chemicals to employers.
• Manufacture (produce) or import hazardous chemicals.

Washington's rules will be phased in.  Training materials will be available as they are completed by the state Department of Labor & Industries.

Contact Julie Martin for more information.

The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals has already been incorporated into federal OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard. As a result, you may see new labels on shipped containers of chemicals that display the GHS pictograms and information. Also, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) are starting to be phased out and replaced by newly required Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).  Although content details on labels and SDSs are affected by the GHS, many of the current requirements are not changing. For example, requirements to distribute SDSs, label workplace containers, and train employees will remain the same.
To learn more about GHS in Washington State, read Questions and Answers: Hazard Communication Standard.