In recognition of National Safety Month, Cintas
Corporation (NASDAQ: CTAS), 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.
