In March 2025, the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) was revised to correct regulatory errors noted from the previous revisions; however, HCS remains largely unchanged from the final rule published in May 2024. At that time the standard was updated to align with the 7th revision of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS).
The 2024 published revisions include for example:
- Labels for small chemical containers: Updates include special labeling provisions for 3 ml and 100 ml containers when there was not labeling space all of the GHS required information.
- Labels on bulk chemical shipments: labels are to be placed on the immediate container (as is currently required) or transmitted with shipping papers or bills electronically, as long as the information is available in the Receiving area on receipt of shipment.
- Trade Secret information on SDS: Added a mandatory use of prescribed concentration ranges for clear communication of hazards without revealing trade secrets.
- New physical hazard categories and concerns: 3 new hazard categories: unstable gases, pyrophoric gases, and nonflammable aerosols. Also, any hazards associated with a change in the chemical’s physical form or resulting from a reaction.
- Updated health hazard information: Updates include, but are not limited to, the Skin corrosion/irritation and Serious eye damage/eye irritation chapters, with non-animal test methods from Rev. 8 added to skin corrosion/irritation to promote use of alternative methods.
OSHA believes this update to the HCS will improve worker protections by clarifying existing regulatory requirements, incorporating new hazard classes and categories, and improving and streamlining precautionary statements. In addition, updates that increase alignment with key trading partners will facilitate international trade.
The rule was effective on 19 July 2024. Based on feedback, OSHA extended the transitional period for the required SDS updates. The update allows a transitional period of 18 months for substances (19 January 2026) and three years for mixtures (19 July 2027).