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North Central Indiana Association of Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors GRADUATION & Member Meeting 2018 Apprenticeship Graduation Tuesday, June 12, 2018 Matterhorn Conference Center 2041 Cassopolis Street Elkhart, IN 46514 6:00 PM Social Hour – Cash Bar 7:00 PM – Polish Style Dinner $20.00 Commencement Speaker Randy Lynch, IPHCC President Please RSVP – 574-941-4473 by Friday, June 1, 2018 Or email phcc@phcc-ncia.com OSHA'S NEW SYSTEM OF CLASSIFICATION AND LABELING OF CHEMICALS Don't forget that, as part of OSHA's efforts to bring the United States into alignment with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals, a new HazCom standard is requiring employers, among others, to be in compliance with all modified labeling and the new Safety Data Sheets (SDS) by June 1, 2015. Among the changes is the conversion of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) to the GHS-aligned Safety Data Sheets (SDS). However, the EPA has established an exemption for employers that essentially delays full compliance until June 1, 2016. Here are the requirements: By June 1, 2015, chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors, and employers must be in compliance with all the modified labeling and SDS provisions of this new standard. EPA has granted employers an exception to this part of the rule that affects employers like p-h-c business owners: All employers must update any alternative workplace labeling, update the hazard communication program (including the Safety Data Sheets), and provide additional employee training for newly identified physical or health hazards no later than June 1, 2016. Note: During this transition period (June 1, 2015 – June 1, 2016), employers may comply with the new federal law using either MSDS or SDS. More information: OSHA Fact Sheet – Hazard Communication Standard Final Rule From MSDS to SDS – GHS Brings Big Changes to Safety Data Sheets What's changing: For years, contractors, as employers, have been required to provide information and training to employees regarding the safe handling of chemicals in the workplace. Key to this safety program has been maintaining a compilation of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and training employees on label recognition. Some contractors keep MSDS records only on the products they use; others use generic MSDS "books," requiring them to verify every product in use is contained in the book but also resulting in unnecessary documents for products not in use, or possibly exposing a contractor to liability for products in use but lacking documentation. As part of the new standard, this long-standing program is transitioning to the new, globally harmonized SDS instead of the multi-format MSDS. The changes are designed to simplify communication regarding hazardous materials and promote international consistency. In short, the name is being simplified, and the format is being standardized for ease of training and notification of hazards. What you should have done already and how PHCC's Educational Foundation can help: By Dec. 1, 2013, employers should have trained employees on how to read, interpret, and use SDS and chemical labels. This HazCom training course (required by OSHA) is still available through the PHCC Educational Foundation's Virtual University. The training includes learning new label elements (i.e., pictograms, hazard statements, precautionary statements, and signal words) and the SDS format. Click here to register for the course, which is 30 minutes in length and costs $20 per person. PHCC members save 10 percent by entering the code mem10 at checkout. (Note: Course registration is for individuals only; no group broadcasts, per OSHA requirements.) Since full compliance for employers does not take effect until June 1, 2016, you still have time. If you're not fully prepared for these changes, take steps now to get ready! |
Contact InformationPHCC-NCIA
P.O. Box 474 Plymouth, IN 46563 Telephone: (574) 941-4473 FAX: (574) 914-4907 Email: phcc@phcc-ncia.com PHCC Links
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