If your business uses, ships, stores, or manufactures chemicals — even something as common as paint, cleaning supplies, or compressed gases — then OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) affects you.

In recent years, though, the HCS changed. But why was it revised? What does it mean for you? And what steps should you take next?

The Problem Before the Update: Miscommunication

Before the revisions, hazard communication across industries was a bit of a mess. Labels were inconsistent. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) came in all shapes and formats. One manufacturer might list a substance as “irritating to skin,” another as “may cause redness,” and a third might not mention skin effects at all — even when talking about the same chemical.

This patchwork approach led to confusion. Workers misunderstood hazards. Employers struggled to train new hires. And if you were doing business internationally? Good luck. You needed a whole separate system to meet the chemical safety laws in other countries.

Enter GHS: A Global Language for Hazards

In response to this chaos, the United Nations developed what’s called the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). The goal? To create one universal language for chemical hazards — no matter where you are in the world.

Think of it as the metric system for safety labels.

By adopting GHS, OSHA sought to:

• Standardize chemical classification.
• Ensure every label and SDS looks and reads the same.
• Improve worker understanding, especially in fast-paced or multilingual work environments.
• Simplify compliance for companies operating across borders.

OSHA revisions to the Hazard Communication Standard aren’t just change for change’s sake. They are designed to fix a real problem.

Changes to the Hazard Communication Standard

Here’s what you need to know about the most important HCS revisions:

1. Labels are Now Standardized

Every label must now include:

• Pictograms (small images showing hazard types).
• Signal words like “Danger” or “Warning.”
• Hazard statements (standardized language like “Causes serious eye damage”).
• Precautionary statements (instructions for safe use, storage, and response).
• Supplier contact information.

No more guesswork. If two products carry the same hazard, they’ll now say so in the same way.

2. SDS Format is Uniform

The old “Material Safety Data Sheet” (MSDS) gave way to the new Safety Data Sheet (SDS), which follows a strict 16-section format — same across all products, industries, and companies.

That means less training time, fewer errors, and faster emergency response when time matters most.

3. Hazard Classification is Tighter

Instead of vague guidelines, manufacturers now follow specific criteria for how to classify physical and health hazards. That leads to more accurate information and less legal exposure for your business if something goes wrong.

Why This Matters to You as a Business Owner

As a business owner, you’re already juggling staffing, compliance, cash flow, and customers. So, what’s in it for you? Why should HCS revisions matter?

1. Reduced Legal Risk

When OSHA updates a standard, enforcement isn’t far behind. If your workplace isn’t in compliance, citations and fines can pile up fast. Worse, if a worker is injured and your SDS or labeling is outdated or unclear, liability increases dramatically.
The revised HCS gives you a clearly defined roadmap. If you follow it, you’ve got a solid legal defense and a safer workplace.

2. Better Worker Protection = Fewer Accidents

Clear, uniform information means workers know what they’re handling. That means fewer burns, rashes, respiratory issues, or chemical spills — things that hurt productivity and morale.

3. Simplified Training

Training employees on the new system is easier than you might expect. Once you know the layout — what the pictograms mean, what to look for on an SDS — you can train anyone on any chemical. That helps with onboarding, safety culture, and your peace of mind.

4. A Competitive Advantage

If you deal with vendors, contractors, or customers who care about safety and professionalism, being GHS-compliant shows you’re running a tight ship. It’s one more signal that you’re trustworthy — and that matters in bids, partnerships, and reputation.

What You Should Do About HCS Changes

Compliance isn’t complicated if you approach it step by step.

Here’s how:

1. Audit Your Inventory

List every chemical your business uses or stores, even cleaners or maintenance supplies. Check their labels and SDSs. Are they GHS-compliant?
If you see outdated formats, request updated SDSs from your suppliers. This is their responsibility, but it’s your liability.

2. Update Your Training Program

Anyone who works with or near hazardous chemicals must be trained on:

• The new labeling system.
• How to read an SDS.
• Where to find chemical information in your workplace.

Document the training. It’s your best protection in an inspection or incident.

3. Replace Outdated Labels

If you create secondary containers (like pouring a cleaning agent into a spray bottle), those need proper labels too. OSHA allows a simplified version as long as the label communicates the core hazard, but now’s a good time to update everything to GHS standards.

4. Keep Your SDS Library Current

Gone are the days of flipping through 3-ring binders with barely legible photocopies. Today, you can use digital SDS management tools — or at least keep a central file that’s easy to access and updated regularly.

HCS Compliance Isn’t Optional

No one starts a business to become an expert in chemical safety law. But understanding the “why” behind OSHA’s changes helps you lead better, train smarter, and protect what you’ve built.

Why was The OSHA Hazard Communication Standard revised?

Here’s the bottom line:

The Hazard Communication Standard was revised to make hazard information accurate, consistent, and understandable — so your workers are safer and your business is protected.

Take the time now to align your practices. It’s a small investment compared to the cost of an incident or an inspection you weren’t ready for.

And if you’re ever unsure, don’t guess. Partner with a FACS expert to get on the right track. Call FACS at (888) 711-9998 or contact us online here: https://facs.com/contact-us/.