Request for Comments on Draft Hazard Communication Guidance Documents
OSHA is inviting comments on its Draft Guidance for Hazard Determination and Draft Model Training Program. These documents are designed to improve hazard communication by assisting manufacturers and importers of hazardous chemicals to properly evaluate the hazards of chemicals, and aid employers in providing effective training to employees. OSHA encourages interested parties to comment on all aspects of the draft guidance documents. Final versions of the documents will be prepared after review of comments. The documents are described as follows:
Guidance for Hazard Determination
OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) requires that manufacturers and importers of chemicals evaluate available scientific evidence in order to identify physical or health hazards associated with any chemical they manufacture or import. This process is referred to as hazard determination . The hazard determination provides the basis for the hazard information that is provided in MSDSs, on labels, and during worker training. The intent of this document is to provide guidance on the process involved, and to identify considerations to be taken into account in the conduct of hazard determinations. The draft document provides an introduction to hazard determination; an explanation of the hazard determination process; information on identifying chemicals in the workplace; and guidance on the collection, analysis, and documentation of data regarding chemical hazards. Appendices present a glossary of terms, additional sources of information, and lists of carcinogens.
Model Training Program for Hazard Communication
Employers are required by the HCS to provide training to employees who are exposed to hazardous chemicals. Training is needed to explain and reinforce the information presented on labels and MSDSs. This document is designed to assist employers in developing a training program that is tailored to the needs of their workplace, regardless of size or complexity. Following a brief overview, the document provides an introduction to chemical hazard communication training, including OSHA requirements and commonly encountered problems. This is followed by guidance on how training can be adapted to the needs of a workplace. General training elements that can serve as a basis for training are then presented. Appendices include lesson plans, slides, and quizzes, as well as a glossary and sources of additional information. OSHA would like to convey this information in a manner that will be most useful to those conducting training, and the Agency is particularly interested in comments regarding the length, format, and presentation of this document.
Procedures for Submitting Comments
Comments on these documents must be submitted by June 16, 2004. You may submit comments by (1) hard copy, (2) fax transmission (facsimile), or (3) electronically through the OSHA Web site.
Regular mail, express delivery, hand-delivery, and messenger service
You must submit three copies of your comments and attachments to the OSHA Docket Office, Docket No. H022J, Room N-2625, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210, telephone (202) 693-2350 (OSHA's TTY number is (877) 889-5627). The OSHA Docket Office and the Department of Labor hours of operation are 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., EST. Because of security-related problems there may be a significant delay in the receipt of comments by regular mail. Please contact the OSHA Docket Office at (202) 693-2350 (TTY (877) 889-5627) for information about security procedures concerning the delivery of materials by express delivery, hand delivery, and messenger service.
Facsimile
If your comments, including any attachments, are 10 pages or fewer, you may fax them to the OSHA Docket Office at (202) 693-1648. You must include the docket number of this document, Docket No. H022J, in your comments.
Electronic
You may submit comments through the Internet at http://ecomments.osha.gov. If you have additional materials, you must submit three copies of them to the OSHA Docket Office at the address above. The additional materials must clearly identify your electronic comments by name, date, subject and docket number so we can attach them to your comments.
All comments and submissions will be available for inspection and copying at the OSHA Docket Office at the above address. Comments and submissions will be posted on OSHA's Web site at http://www.osha.gov. OSHA cautions you about submitting personal information such as social security numbers, date of birth, etc. Contact the OSHA Docket Office at (202) 693-2350 (TTY (877) 889-5627) for information about materials not available through the OSHA Web site and for assistance in using the web site to locate docket submissions.
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