OSHA News

OSHA renews its Alliance with the Society for Chemical Hazard Communication

(March 31, 2008)-- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently renewed its Alliance with the Society for Chemical Hazard Communication (SCHC) which aims to address hazard communication and Material Safety Data Sheets in the workplace, as well as produce and prevent exposure to chemical hazards.

"Our Alliance has made positive strides to increase awareness about chemical hazards and developing preventive measures to reduce exposure," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Edwin G. Foulke, Jr. "I am pleased that this renewed Alliance with SCHC will broaden these efforts as we focus on protecting the safety and health of men and women in the workplace."

Alliance representatives will further their efforts to distribute information about the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. SCHC representatives continue to serve on the editorial boards for OSHA's Safety and Health Topics pages to include Hazard Communication and Making the Business Case for Safety and Health. With input from OSHA, SCHC also developed Info Sheet #1 Pictograms and Info Sheet #2 Flammable (Combustible Liquids). Info Sheet #1 offers information on pictograms that are required under the GHS. Info Sheet #2 provides information on various flammability classifications and the GHS criteria for flammable liquids.

Additionally, representatives of the Alliance spoke at conferences and meetings such as the SCHC 2007 Fall Meeting and the National Safety Council Annual Congress & Expo to promote information on hazard communication awareness.

"In renewing our Alliance, the Society for Chemical Hazard Communication (SCHC) is looking forward to working with OSHA to increase awareness and understanding of the impact of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) on hazard communication," said Michele Sullivan, chair of the SCHC Board. "This is a time of change and growth for hazard communication and the Alliance provides an opportunity for a collaborative effort."

SCHC promotes the improvement of the business of hazard communication for chemicals. It also provides guidance and technical expertise to private, nonprofit groups and government on improving hazard communication for chemicals.

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