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Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
For more information call: (202) 219-8151
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is seeking
public comment until June 2 on how best to give workers and employers worldwide
the information they need to recognize and cope with chemical hazards.
Working with other federal agencies and several international
organizations, OSHA is part of a global effort to develop a new, unified hazard
communication system targeted for completion in the year 2000. The new system
would replace a current patchwork of conflicting and diverse national and
international requirements. Adopting a common format for placards, labels,
material safety data sheets and symbols would ensure that chemical users around
the world know what they are working with and how to protect themselves against
risks.
The universal approach also will enhance international trade since
companies could use one labeling system rather than contending with several
different ones for the U.S., the European Union, Canada and other countries.
Establishing a consistent worldwide system calls for compromise and likely will
require some changes in U.S. regulatory requirements for hazard classification
and labeling.
Under the auspices of agreements made during the 1992 United Nations
Conference on Environment and Development, international organizations are
focusing on three major issues: criteria for health and environmental hazards;
criteria for physical hazards; and components of a hazard communication system
(e.g., labels and materials safety data sheets).
Public input on the following issues is specifically solicited:
- Is chemical hazard information being received for chemicals
currently imported into the U.S. and is it understandable and sufficient to
meet OSHA requirements?
- Do U.S. firms have the information they need to meet foreign
labeling and hazard information requirements?
- What regulatory changes will be necessary to permit U.S.
participation in an international chemical hazard communication system?
- How much time will the U.S. need to phase-in changes?
- How should legitimate confidential business information be balanced
with the protection of those exposed to chemicals?
- What kind of problems and attendant costs are U.S. businesses
encountering in dealing with foreign suppliers and customers now?
Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
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