Keeping workers safe around hazardous chemicals is paramount. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) plays a vital role in ensuring proper handling and communication of chemical dangers through the Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom). This standard recently underwent a significant revision, and here's a breakdown of everything you need to understand.

Also read: Complete Labeling Requirements For Home Cleaning Products in 2024

How does OSHA currently regulate chemical products?

OSHA employs a comprehensive strategy to regulate worker exposure to chemical hazards and toxic substances. Here's a breakdown of the key methods:

1. Worker education and training

• This is the foundation of chemical safety in the workplace. The HCS ensures workers have the right to know about the dangers they encounter.
• Employers are required to develop and implement a Hazard Communication Program that includes
  • Labels: Chemical manufacturers and importers must provide labels on containers with information on the identity of the chemical and its hazards.
  • Safety data sheets (SDSs): Detailed documents containing hazard information, safe handling procedures, and first-aid measures must be readily available to workers.
  • Training: Workers must receive comprehensive training on how to identify and handle hazardous chemicals safely, including information on labels, SDSs, and specific procedures relevant to their jobs.

2. Allowable airborne concentrations

• OSHA establishes limits on the amount of any hazardous chemical that a worker can be exposed to in the air over a specific period. These limits are known as Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs).
• OSHA Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs): These are enforceable limits that set the maximum allowable airborne concentration of a hazardous substance. Most PELs are 8-hour time-weighted averages (TWAs), but there are also Ceiling and Peak limits for certain chemicals.
• It's important to note that some PELs may be outdated, and OSHA references additional resources like:some text
  • California/OSHA PELs
  • National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Recommended Exposure Limits (RELs)
  • ACGIH® Threshold Limit Values (TLVs®)

3. Engineering and work practice controls

• OSHA prioritizes eliminating or minimizing exposure at the source through engineering controls (e.g., ventilation systems) and work practice controls (e.g., designated smoking areas).
• Respiratory protection is considered a last resort and should only be used when engineering or work practice controls are infeasible or while they are being implemented.

4. Additional resources and information

• OSHA provides a wealth of information on its website, including Safety and Health Topic webpages for specific chemicals, the OSHA Occupational Chemical Database, and links to resources from other government agencies like NIOSH and EPA.

How did OSHA previously regulate chemical products?

The existing HazCom standard, established in 1983, mandated that employers have a "right to know" about the chemicals their workers encounter. This involved chemical manufacturers and importers providing hazard information on labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDSs). However, the format for this information wasn't standardized across different countries, potentially creating confusion for workers and hindering clear communication of risks.

What does the final rule say?

OSHA's final rule brings the HazCom Standard into alignment with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). This international system ensures a consistent approach to classifying chemicals, their hazard pictograms, and the information conveyed on labels and SDSs.

Here's a closer look at the key changes mandated by the updated standard:

• Standardized labels: Labels will now feature a uniform design with specific pictograms, signal words, hazard statements, and precautionary statements. These pictograms and statements will be readily understandable regardless of language or location, ensuring workers can easily grasp the dangers associated with a chemical.
• Revised hazard classification criteria: The criteria for classifying specific health and physical hazards have been revised to reflect current scientific understanding. This ensures that hazard information on labels and SDSs accurately reflects the potential dangers a chemical poses.
• New labeling provisions for small containers: The rule introduces new labeling requirements specifically for small containers of chemicals. These provisions ensure that critical hazard information remains clear and accessible even on limited label space.
• Updated SDS content and format: The content and format of Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) have also been revamped to align with the GHS. This ensures consistency and simplifies the process for workers and employers accessing crucial safety information.

Timeline for compliance with OSHA's final rule 

The new rule will impact major chemical manufacturers like Dow Inc., The Chemours Co., and DuPont de Nemours Inc. who will need to comply with the revised standard. The overall goal is to improve worker protection and align US regulations with international standards set by the UN.

While some industry groups expressed concerns about the initial proposals, OSHA has addressed some of these. Notably, the final rule removes a provision that could have held manufacturers liable for hazards arising from misuse of chemicals after purchase.

Here's a breakdown of the compliance deadlines:

• Chemical manufacturers and distributors:some text
  • Substances: January 19, 2026
  • Mixtures: July 19, 2027
• Employers using the chemicals:some text
  • Substances: July 20, 2026
  • Mixtures: January 19, 2028

The rule also covers requirements for explaining product dangers to customers and shipping companies. This includes providing safety data sheets, warning labels on shipping containers, and ensuring worker training on safe handling practices.

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How to streamline compliance with Artwork Flow

Leveraging Docs and ComplyAI

The revised OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom) brings new labeling requirements for chemical products. While navigating these regulations can seem complex, Artwork Flow software offers a powerful suite of tools to streamline compliance. Here's how Artwork Flow, specifically its Docs and ComplyAI features, can simplify the process:

1. Automated label generation with Artwork Flow Docs:

• Reduced errors: Manually creating labels is prone to mistakes. Artwork Flow Docs allows you to store and refer to all your label copy in one centralized space. This will ensure consistent and accurate labeling across all your chemical products, eliminating the risk of errors and potential fines.
• Increased efficiency: Docs eliminate the need to recreate labels from scratch. With a few clicks, you can populate pre-designed templates with product information, pulling data from internal databases or spreadsheets. This saves significant time and effort compared to manual label creation.
• Centralized management: Docs acts as a central hub for all your label templates and drafts. This simplifies version control and ensures everyone involved in the labeling process has access to the latest versions.

2. Intelligent compliance with ComplyAI:

• Automated hazard identification: ComplyAI integrates seamlessly with Artwork Flow Docs. You can select any text or image within your label draft and leverage ComplyAI's AI capabilities.
• ComplyAI scans the text and image against its extensive database of regulations and hazard classifications. This can automatically identify potential hazards associated with your chemical product and suggest the appropriate GHS pictograms, hazard statements, and precautionary statements to include on the label.
• Reduced research time: ComplyAI eliminates the need for manual research into complex regulations. This saves valuable time for your team and ensures your labels are compliant with the latest HazCom standards.
• Minimized risk of non-compliance: By leveraging ComplyAI's expertise in hazard identification, you significantly reduce the risk of missing crucial information on your labels. This helps you avoid potential fines and product recalls.

Combined workflow:

Picture this streamlined process:

1. Start with all your product information on Artwork Flow Docs.
2. Select relevant text or image content within the label.
3. Utilize ComplyAI to automatically identify the mandated warnings.
4. Review and finalize the label with confidence, knowing it adheres to HazCom regulations.

Artwork Flow Docs and ComplyAI work together to create a powerful and efficient system for managing chemical product labeling. This integrated approach not only saves time and resources but also minimizes the risk of non-compliance, protecting your workers and your business.

Beyond the basics

Artwork Flow goes beyond just simplifying chemical product labeling compliance with Docs and ComplyAI. It serves as a comprehensive hub designed to empower businesses across various industries by streamlining and optimizing creative workflows. Here's a deeper dive into some of its core functionalities:

1. Workflow automation: Orchestrating a seamless process

Managing the creation and approval of marketing materials can be a time-consuming and error-prone process. Artwork Flow's workflow automation feature tackles this challenge by offering:

• Customizable workflows: Craft workflows tailored to your specific needs. Define clear steps for each project stage, assign tasks to designated team members, and set deadlines for approvals. This ensures a smooth and efficient flow of work, from initial concept to final sign-off.
• Automated routing: Eliminate bottlenecks and delays. Artwork Flow can automatically route tasks to designated reviewers based on pre-defined rules. This ensures the right people are involved at the right stage, preventing projects from getting stalled while waiting for the necessary approvals.
• Real-time visibility: Gain complete transparency into project progress. Track the status of each project in real-time, identify any potential roadblocks before they cause delays, and take corrective action as needed. This fosters better collaboration and accountability within your team.

2. Label management: Beyond compliance

While Artwork Flow excels at maintaining compliant chemical labels through Docs and ComplyAI, its label management system offers a broader range of functionalities:

• Centralized label library: Store all your labels in a single, secure location. Eliminate the need for searching through emails or shared drives to find the latest version of a label. This promotes organization and simplifies access for authorized personnel.
• Version control: Artwork Flow meticulously tracks all changes made to labels, ensuring you always have access to previous versions if needed. This is crucial for maintaining a clear audit trail and demonstrating compliance with regulations, especially in industries with strict labeling requirements.
• Streamlined printing: Generate high-quality labels for various printing processes directly from Artwork Flow. Eliminate the need for manual formatting and reduce the risk of errors during printing. This translates to significant time savings and reduces the potential for wasted materials due to printing errors.

3. Expanding your creative toolkit

Artwork Flow offers a variety of additional features designed to enhance your creative workflow beyond core label management and automation functionalities:

• Digital asset management: Store and manage all your digital assets, such as images, logos, and marketing materials, within a centralized location. This ensures easy access and version control for all your creative resources, eliminating the frustration of searching for misplaced files.
• Proofing tools: Collaborate effectively with colleagues and external partners using Artwork Flow's built-in proofing tools. Annotate designs directly on the platform, provide feedback, and track changes in a centralized location. This streamlines the feedback and approval process, leading to faster turnaround times.
• Regulatory compliance management: Beyond chemical labels, Artwork Flow can help manage compliance with other relevant regulations for your industry. This can save you time and ensure your marketing materials are legally compliant, reducing the risk of penalties or product recalls.

By leveraging the comprehensive suite of features offered by Artwork Flow, businesses can achieve significant improvements in several key areas:

• Enhanced workflow efficiency: Streamline the entire creative process, from concept development to final approval, with automated tasks and clear communication channels.
• Consistent brand identity: Ensure brand consistency across all marketing materials by managing and controlling access to digital assets within a centralized platform.
• Reduced errors and delays: Eliminate the risk of errors associated with manual processes and delays caused by inefficient communication.
• Simplified compliance management: Manage compliance with various regulations efficiently, freeing up valuable resources to focus on core business activities.

Artwork Flow serves as a powerful hub for businesses of all sizes, empowering them to streamline creative workflows, strengthen brand consistency, and achieve regulatory compliance with greater ease.

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Conclusion

Artwork Flow simplifies chemical labeling with Docs and ComplyAI, ensuring compliance and saving you time. Plus, it streamlines your entire creative process, boosting efficiency. Ready to ditch the hassle? Try the Artwork Flow demo today and see how they can empower your business.

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