Abstract
Executive Summary: This regulatory update outlines OSHA's revised Hazard Communication Standard published on May 20, 2024, with staggered compliance dates ranging from 18 to 42 months after publication. The changes primarily affect manufacturers and distributors, who must now provide Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) with their first shipments and updates. For dental practices, the standard applies to products containing 1% hazardous ingredients or 0.1% carcinogens, such as disinfectants, medications, amalgam, and adhesives. Key changes include new definitions for liquids, solids, and physical hazards, updated labeling requirements for small containers (≤100 ml), and improved accessibility requirements for SDSs. Manufacturers must now provide concentration ranges instead of claiming complete trade secrets, and pictograms may only appear once per label. The article emphasizes the importance of maintaining current SDSs, understanding pictogram meanings, and ensuring employee familiarity with hazard labels. Electronic SDS storage is allowed, but it must remain accessible during power outages, prompting many practices to keep printed copies on hand.
Recommended Citation
Cosey, Jennifer
(2025)
"Be Aware of these Hazard Communication Standard Changes,"
The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association: Vol. 107:
No.
6, Article 10.
Available at:
https://commons.ada.org/journalmichigandentalassociation/vol107/iss6/10
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