After the GHS deadline on June 1st, the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS/ HazCom) will require labels to include pictograms, a signal word, hazard and precautionary statements, the product identifier, and supplier identification. As we all know, managing your SDSs and labels can be a daunting task, which is why it is suggested to update your SDSs and labels on a regular basis. So how frequent should you update your labels?
By the HCS standard, chemicals that are currently being imported must be updated by the manufacturer within six months of becoming aware of the new information. This includes any modification to the composition of the chemical/mixture that may change the hazard identifications of the SDS (e.g. pictograms, hazard statements, chronic health and effects). On the other hand, if the chemical is not yet being imported, the chemical manufacturer, importer, distributor, or employer must add the chemical information to the label before it is shipped.
Any significant information that has the potential to alter the hazard identifications must be reported and updated in the label. To ensure compliance, all parties should verify the distributed labels and ensure that the labels are as accurate and up-to-date.
