On March 20, 2012, the United States Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) revised the Hazard Communication Standard, aligning it with the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. As part of the rolling implementation plan, employers were required to train employees by December 1, 2013 on the new label elements and safety data sheets (SDSs) format to facilitate recognition and understanding. Full implementation of the revised standard will be completed in 2016.
As part of the gradual implementation of the GHS program, the following items still need to be completed by the dates indicated below:
- Chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors and employers are required be compliant with the SDSs and labels by June 1, 2015.
- Employers are required to update alternate workplace labeling and the hazard communication program as necessary, and provide additional employee training for newly identified physical or health hazards by June 1, 2016.
The Chief Executive Office, Risk Management Branch, Loss Control and Prevention Section developed a training module that is available through the Los Angeles County Learning Net.
To register for the training on the Learning Net, follow the steps outlined below:
- Log onto the Learning Net website at: learningnet.lacounty.gov/Saba/Web/Main
- Under “Knowledge Center,” click on the “Catalog” hyperlink.
- Under “Learning Academy,” click the “Risk Management” hyperlink.
- Search for the name “Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for Classification and Labeling” and click the “Launch” hyperlink.
In the event a department has employees that cannot complete the training via the Learning Net, the department may access the PowerPoint version of the training materials by visiting the Risk Management Branch’s Intranet site, at:
If you have any questions regarding this update, please contact Roberto Chavez, Chief of Loss Control and Prevention, at (213) 351-6433 or rchavez@ceo.lacounty.gov.