CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan -- All Marine Corps personnel are required to complete training, covering new chemical labeling elements and material safety data sheets, by Dec. 1 in accordance with OSHA guidelines.
The Federal Registrar published an updated Hazard Communication Standard on behalf of the Occupational Health and Safety Administration March 26 to synchronize U.S. safety efforts with international standards.
The Marine Corps Installations Pacific Installation Safety Office developed online training with a 15-question test in English and Japanese to teach Marines, sailors and employees about the transition to the updated HCS.
The HCS is now aligned with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals adopted by the United Nations to provide a universal identification system for hazardous chemicals.
“Everyone working around hazardous chemicals and other toxic substances has a right to know of possible dangers and how to protect themselves,” said Dr. David Michaels, the assistant secretary of labor for the OSHA, during an online video address following the publication of the standard. “Ensuring that everyone knows the potential risk … has always been at the heart of the OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard.”
A revised labeling system makes up one of the core changes to the standard.
“The new labels alert people to potential hazards and provide important details on how to handle chemicals safely,” said Michaels. “They tell you not only what you need to know … but also what you need to do in a way that everyone can clearly and easily understand.”
The hazard classification system was updated to provide specific criteria to address health and physical hazards, as well as classification of chemical mixtures, according to OSHA.
Bilateral operations are expected to be streamlined as communication barriers surrounding chemical safety procedures are reduced or eliminated by the universal labeling and classification system.
“We are updating (the HCS) to meet the needs of our changing world,” said Michaels. “Today we live and work in a global environment. Varying, and sometimes conflicting, national and international requirements can create confusion among those who need important, clear, concise information to protect themselves as quickly as possible.
“Under the new standard, instead of having a variety of different safety data sheets and labels, the hazard warnings will now be the same regardless of who produces it or where it is produced and, even more importantly, the message is the same regardless of who sees it,” added Michaels.
OSHA plans to have compliance with all modified provisions by June 2015, according to its website.
“With this new system, workers in the United States … and eventually workers worldwide … will have the same, simple, concise information they need to understand how to prevent injuries and illnesses … and save lives,” said Michaels. “Nothing could be more important than that.”
Supervisors can obtain a CD copy of training for personnel that do not have access to the Intranet by contacting Mr. Aaron Davis, the compliance supervisor with the MCIPAC Installation Safety Office, at 645-2087.
MCIPAC personnel looking for more information on the updated standard and training requirements may contact the Installation Safety Office at 645-3806. As each U.S. governmental organization is implementing the training differently, be sure to contact your organization’s safety representative.