Update to the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard

UPDATED: January 2026
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: July 18, 2024
Author: Angela Wheeler

Update to the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard

Regulatory Update: OSHA has extended Hazard Communication (HazCom) compliance deadlines by four months. See updated timelines below.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has updated the Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom) , aligning it with the 7th revision of the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). These changes took effect on July 19, 2024, and represent a significant advancement in workplace chemical safety and hazard communication.

Recent regulatory guidance has resulted in extended compliance deadlines, giving manufacturers and employers additional time to implement the new requirements while maintaining the same scope and level of compliance responsibility.

Regulatory Update: OSHA Extends HazCom Compliance Deadlines

OSHA has announced a four-month extension to each of the key Hazard Communication compliance deadlines. The agency cited the need for additional time to finalize guidance and to allow regulated entities to fully review, digest, and implement the updated requirements.

While the deadlines have shifted, organizations should note that the complexity and effort required for compliance remain unchanged, particularly for those managing large or diverse chemical inventories.

Revised Workplace Safety Measures & Chemical Handling Protocols

Key changes to the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard include:

• Enhanced Labels: Labels on small containers are now more readable and comprehensive, improving hazard awareness and usability for end-users.
• Improved Trade Secret Disclosure: Workers and first responders will receive critical hazard information on Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) through enhanced trade secret disclosure requirements.
• Clearer Hazard Classification: Revised classification processes provide more accurate and consistent hazard information on labels and SDSs.
• Revised Classification Criteria: Certain hazard categories—including aerosols, desensitized explosives, and flammable gases—have updated criteria to strengthen safety procedures.
• New Hazard Category: Chemicals Under Pressure has been introduced within the aerosols hazard class.
• Updated Precautionary Statements: Clearer guidance has been added for the handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous chemicals.
• Alignment with Federal Agencies and Canada: The standard now aligns more closely with other U.S. federal agencies and Canadian regulatory requirements.

Updated Compliance Deadlines for Manufacturers & Employers

OSHA has established a phased transition period. The deadlines below reflect the most recent four-month extensions.

Substances

• Manufacturers, Importers, and Distributors:
  Compliance deadline extended to May 19, 2026 (from January 19, 2026)
• Employers (workplace labeling, written programs, training):
  Deadline extended to November 20, 2026 (from July 20, 2026)

Mixtures

• Manufacturers, Importers, and Distributors:
  Compliance deadline extended to November 19, 2027 (from July 19, 2027)
• Employers (workplace labeling, written programs, training):
  Deadline extended to May 19, 2028 (from January 19, 2028)

Although these extensions provide additional time, updating hazard classifications, SDSs, container labels, and employee training programs can be resource-intensive.

What the Update Means for Our Clients

This revision affects chemical hazard classes and specific requirements related to chemical classification and SDS content.

• Manufacturers may need to reclassify products, update SDSs, and issue new container labels.
• Employers should review chemical inventories, accept updated SDSs, and communicate hazard changes through updated HazCom training and workplace hazard communication programs.

How Chemscape Safety Technologies Can Help

Chemscape helps simplify compliance with evolving OSHA regulations by ensuring your electronic SDS inventory remains accurate and up to date. We:

• Contact manufacturers at least every three years
• Notify you of outdated or updated SDSs
• Provide immediate access to new and revised SDSs as they are received

Chemscape also offers SDS and label authoring services for manufacturers and employers through Quantum SDS, along with HazCom training and written HazCom program support to help you meet OSHA’s updated requirements and maintain a safe workplace.

About the Author

Angela Wheeler, CIH, CSP, SDSRP, is a certified industrial hygienist and safety professional with more than 25 years of experience. Angela Wheeler is employed by Chemscape.

This guide is intended as general information and does not replace regulation or legal advice. Always consult the official OSHA website for complete and current requirements.