Chemistry council meets with White House on hazcom

Washington – OSHA’s revision of its Hazard Communication Standard provides many benefits, but the agency should consider modifications for its final rule that more closely conform the standard to the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals, the American Chemistry Council said (.pdf file).

ACC expressed its concerns during a Jan. 20 meeting convened by the White House’s Office of Management and Budget. OMB’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs received OSHA’s final hazcom standard for review Oct. 25, a process that typically takes about 90 days but was recently extended.

Although AAC said the rule would bring long-term cost savings and increase consistency of in-country regulations, the organization recommended OSHA extend the period for full compliance with the changes from three years to five, and consider a two-year phase-in period for mixtures.

OMB also has been meeting with other organizations on the new rule. A day earlier, OMB met with the American Forest and Paper Association. To date, OMB has convened a total of five meetings on the rule, which is scheduled to see final action in February.