The final Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) was published May 20, 2024, and became effective July 19, 2024, to align the standard with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) Revision 7.
The changes mostly affected chemical labeling, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and strengthened worker protection by updating chemical classification criteria, requiring revised labels/SDS, and introducing new requirements for small containers, chemicals under pressure, and trade secrets.
Key Changes in HazCom 2024:
- Classification Updates: New hazard classes added for “desensitized explosives” and “chemicals under pressure”.
- Labeling Changes: Enhanced requirements for small containers (100 ml or less) and improved labeling for bulk shipments.
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Specific updates required for SDS information, including updated physical/chemical properties in Section 9.
The update aimed to ensure better information, particularly for products that may have been classified differently before, such as certain compressed gases and cleaning solvents.
OSHA Extended its 2026 Compliance Deadlines
The extension does not apply to every workplace or worker but is aimed at workplaces such as chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors, and employers. Also, on January 8, 2025, OSHA officially corrected several errors in the Standard which caused some confusion about chemical classification and errors in labeling and Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).
For Chemical Manufacturers, importers and distributors, two dates have been extended to comply with the HCS’s revisions for updating Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and container labeling:
- For Chemical Substances – the compliance date was extended from 1/19/26 to 5/19/2026
- For Chemical Mixtures – the compliance deadline was extended from 7/19/27 to 11/19/27
For Employers, two dates have been extended related to updating container labeling, workplace hazard communication programs, and employee training.
- For Chemical Substances – the compliance date was extended from 7/20/26 to 11/20/2026
- For Chemical Mixtures – the compliance deadline was extended from 1/19/28 to 5/19/28