Deadline June 1 to update safety training, labeling, and chemical handling protocols to comply with GHS.

2016 is the year when employers – cleaning business owners (CBOs) – come into their portion of the new international system for classifying, labeling, and handling chemicals at the office and at each job site.

The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals has been adopted by and implement in Canada, the United States, the European Union, China, Australia, and Japan.

By June 1, 2016, cleaning business owners – and others to whom this also applies – must be able to pass an OSHA safety audit by

  • producing an up-to-date SDS (formerly MSDS) manual both at the company headquarters and at each job site where work is performed
  • producing all custom chemical labeling using the GHS requirements
  • demonstrating initial and ongoing training for all techs to read and apply GHS label elements correctly and in compliance with OSHA regulations

This makes 2016 a great year to complete an audit of your safety systems, policies, procedures, and training to ensure you are in compliance and can pass an OSHA audit.