by Brianna Crandall — June 3, 2015—The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration just announced that it will continue in partnership with its Canadian counterpart Health Canada in order to align U.S. and Canadian regulatory approaches regarding labeling and classification requirements for workplace chemicals through the Regulatory Cooperation Council.
The goal of the partnership is to implement a system allowing the use of one label and one safety data sheet that would be acceptable in both countries, reducing inconsistencies and providing concise information to protect workers exposed to hazardous chemicals, whether by handling, storage or use, without reducing current protections.
OSHA and Health Canada signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2013 to promote ongoing collaboration on implementing the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling (GHS) in their respective jurisdictions.
OSHA aligned its Hazard Communication Standard with the GHS in March 2012 to provide a common, understandable approach to classifying chemicals and communicating hazard information on labels and safety data sheets. Canada published a similar regulation in February 2015.
OSHA’s Hazard Communication Web page includes links to the agency’s revised Hazard Communication Standard and guidance materials such as frequently asked questions, fact sheets and Quick Cards.
