Top Tips for New Hazard Communication Requirements

CINCINNATI, Jun 05, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- In recognition of National Safety Month, Cintas Corporation , a leader in first aid and safety products, today released its top tips for businesses impacted by the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) requirements for chemical classification and labeling. The new system will require millions of businesses and employees nationwide to be retrained on hazard communication.

"Hazardous chemical information needs to be communicated to any employee who is exposed to or works with chemicals--even bleach," said John Amann, Vice President, First Aid & Safety, Cintas. "With GHS affecting over 5 million businesses, it is important that all employees are trained and understand the upcoming changes to chemical safety so businesses can keep workers safe and maintain OSHA compliance."

The top tips for transitioning to GHS include:

1. Update your written safety program: Anytime a safety standard is created or updated, written programs must be changed to include guidelines for complying with the regulation. Update your written program to incorporate GHS in all of your current hazard communication protocols.
2. Begin training now: According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the adoption of GHS has the potential to prevent nearly 600 injuries and illnesses annually. To be proactive in preventing accidents, employees must be properly trained on new chemical labeling and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) formats. Businesses that make an effort to train well before the deadline will have knowledgeable, prepared employees, thereby limiting injuries, medical costs and potential OSHA fines.
3. Ensure workers understand new pictograms: Nine new pictograms for chemical labels will provide visual warnings for carcinogens, skin or eye irritants, flammable products and more. Clarify what each pictogram represents and demonstrate the types of personal protective equipment (PPE) workers should wear for different hazards.
4. Familiarize employees with new labels: New labels will now have a signal word, the product identifier, supplier identification, and hazard and precautionary statements. These detailed labels include critical warnings so it is important to teach employees to thoroughly read them before using the chemical.
5. Explain new Safety Data Sheet (SDS) formats: SDSs, formally Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs), are informational guides for determining chemical handling and storage, necessary PPE and exposure action plans. These will now follow a standardized format and contain more extensive chemical information. Reference OSHA to understand the new layout and keep your SDS binders in an accessible place so employees can reference them at anytime.
6. Engage employees using blended training formats: When used in conjunction, instructor-led, DVD and online training engage all learning types. Lessons should combine visual and auditory instruction with group activities and handouts to encourage retention of GHS material.
7. Keep training records on file: To prevent OSHA fines, it is necessary to document all of the training conducted within your facility. Have employees sign training logs after they have completed GHS training and demonstrated an understanding of the concepts.

"Because hazardous materials present severe risks to workers, complying with GHS guidelines is essential for maintaining a safe work environment," added Amann. "Businesses that begin preparing now will find the transition much easier than workplaces that wait until the last minute."

To help businesses prepare, Cintas is offering a free on-site, no obligation consultation valued from $400-1000 to determine what aspects of current hazard communication programs need to be updated. To receive a free on-site consultation or for more information about GHS-related solutions from Cintas, please call 877-973-2811. For more information on first-aid and safety programs from Cintas, please visit www.cintas.com/firstaid .

About Cintas Corporation

Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Cintas Corporation provides highly specialized services to businesses of all types. Cintas designs, manufactures and implements corporate identity uniform programs, and provides entrance mats, restroom supplies, promotional products, first aid and safety products, fire protection services and document management services to approximately 900,000 businesses. Cintas is a publicly held company traded over the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol CTAS and is a component of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index.

SOURCE: Cintas Corporation