Hazard Communication: SDS Sheets and Logs

The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) is now aligned with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). This update to the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) will provide a common and coherent approach to classifying chemicals and communicating hazard information on labels and safety data sheets. This update will also help reduce trade barriers and result in productivity improvements for American businesses that regularly handle, store, and use hazardous chemicals while providing cost savings for American businesses that periodically update safety data sheets and labels for chemicals covered under the hazard communication standard.

                 Hazard Communication Standard

In order to ensure chemical safety in the workplace, information about the identities and hazards of the chemicals must be available and understandable to workers. OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) requires the development and dissemination of such information:

Chemical manufacturers and importers are required to evaluate the hazards of the chemicals they produce or import, and prepare labels and safety data sheets to convey the hazard information to their downstream customers;

All employers with hazardous chemicals in their workplaces must have labels and safety data sheets for their exposed workers, and train them to handle the chemicals appropriately.

Major changes to the Hazard Communication Standard

Hazard classification: Provides specific criteria for classification of health and physical hazards, as well as classification of mixtures.

Labels: Chemical manufacturers and importers will be required to provide a label that includes a harmonized signal word, pictogram, and hazard statement for each hazard class and category. Precautionary statements must also be provided.

Safety Data Sheets: Will now have a specified 16-section format.

Information and training: Employers are required to train workers on the new labels elements and safety data sheets format to facilitate recognition and understanding.                                                                                                                                                  E Light Electric Services, Inc. gives access to all our employees to SDS sheets on elightinformation.com.  Go to elightinformation.com and select the Safety Data Sheets page. You can then search for your chemical or item and open the Safety Data Sheet. You can access this from you ipad, smartphone or laptop. 

 Each project will have a log only of the hazardous material on site in the office for construction.  This log will tell you the chemicals that are present, the amount of them and where they are stored. You can then use elightinformation.com to find the SDS for that chemical. It is critical that superintendents, safety managers, and project managers consistently keep the SDS Log updated. 

E Light requires this log to reviewed and updated weekly.