OSHA’s Updated HazCom Rule: What It Means for the Industrial Gas Industry

Handling hazardous chemicals has always been high-stakes. But with OSHA’s 2024 updates to the Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom), staying compliant just became even more critical. These updates not only target compliance but also redefine how the gas industry must classify, label, and handle its materials.

For many businesses, navigating these regulatory changes feels overwhelming. This article will break down how the updated HazCom rule affects the gas industry, what’s changed, and how to meet the requirements efficiently. If your business handles compressed gases, aerosols, or hazardous chemicals, this is your roadmap to compliance.

How the HazCom Update Specifically Impacts the Gas Industry

The 2024 updates to OSHA's HazCom Standard introduce significant changes for industries handling hazardous materials, but their impact on the gas industry is particularly pronounced. These changes go beyond routine compliance adjustments, affecting core operations in manufacturing, shipping, and safety practices.

New Hazard Classifications

The inclusion of "chemicals under pressure" as a hazard class reflects the growing recognition of the unique risks associated with compressed gases. This classification encompasses a wide range of gases commonly used in industrial and commercial applications, from oxygen cylinders in healthcare to propane tanks in manufacturing.

Gases under pressure can pose significant risks if mishandled, such as explosions, leaks, or injuries during transportation. Classifying them more explicitly allows for targeted safety measures and clearer communication of hazards.

The reclassification of aerosols adds another layer of complexity. By distinguishing between flammable and nonflammable aerosols, OSHA acknowledges the diverse risks posed by different products, from spray lubricants to pressurized cleaning agents.

For example, a company producing cleaning aerosols will now need to identify whether their products fall into the flammable or nonflammable category, updating SDSs and labels accordingly. This reclassification requires more precise data analysis and hazard assessment.

Adjustments to flammable gas categories bring pyrophoric and unstable gases into scope. These changes necessitate updated hazard communication and additional safety precautions for storage and handling. Businesses that previously treated pyrophoric gases as a separate hazard now face the challenge of integrating these substances into their existing flammable gas management systems.

There are several other classifications that have been added as well, see our blog for more information.

Labeling and SDS Adjustments

Labeling changes under the updated HazCom rule are particularly relevant for the gas industry, where small containers are the norm. Cylinders and cartridges often have limited space for hazard communication, making the streamlined labeling provisions for containers under 100 milliliters a welcome adjustment.

While the reduced labeling requirements ease compliance for small containers, they don’t eliminate the need for accurate, accessible hazard information. Companies must check that this information is readily available through SDSs or accompanying documentation.

The mandated 16-section SDS format also aligns with global standards, improving consistency. For the gas industry, this means revising existing SDSs to include the expanded details required under the new framework.

Clearer and more detailed SDSs enhance safety during incidents. First responders can quickly identify the risks posed by specific gases, such as asphyxiation or flammability, allowing for faster and more effective intervention.

To learn more, visit CHEMTREC’s blog about SDS Updates to OSHA’s HCS.

Compliance Demands for Gas Manufacturers and Shippers

The gas industry operates within a complex regulatory landscape, with products often crossing state or national borders. The updated HazCom rule intensifies these challenges by requiring alignment with both OSHA and the Department of Transportation (DOT) Standards.

• Alignment Issues: DOT’s existing pictogram system and OSHA’s updated hazard classifications sometimes overlap, creating potential inconsistencies. For instance, a compressed gas cylinder may need labels that satisfy both DOT shipping requirements and OSHA’s workplace hazard standards.
• Cross-Border Challenges: For companies shipping hazardous gases internationally, compliance now includes adapting to global standards while maintaining alignment with U.S. regulations. This adds layers of documentation and increases the risk of delays or fines.

Additionally, the updated rule places greater emphasis on continuous hazard communication. Labels must be revised within six months of discovering new hazard information, requiring businesses to establish monitoring systems for updates to their product data.

Industry Application

These changes go beyond simple regulatory updates, they call for a fundamental shift in how the gas industry approaches safety and compliance. For instance, a gas distributor managing both industrial and medical gases might need to overhaul hundreds of SDSs while simultaneously training staff to identify and understand new hazard categories.

Similarly, manufacturers of aerosols will need to reevaluate their supply chains to check their products are accurately classified under the updated aerosol definitions. Taking a proactive approach to these adjustments allows businesses to meet compliance deadlines while improving workplace safety and operational efficiency. Achieving this, however, requires the support of a trusted partner with the expertise to navigate these complex changes.

How CHEMTREC Can Help the Gas Industry Stay Compliant

Navigating OSHA’s updated HazCom rule can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to disrupt your operations or weigh down your team. CHEMTREC’s tailored services are designed to simplify compliance while maintaining safety, efficiency, and peace of mind. Here’s how we can support your business every step of the way:

1. Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Management

Managing SDSs can be complex, but we make it seamless. Our experts craft SDSs that meet the latest HazCom Standards, focusing accuracy and compliance. With our centralized platform, you can easily update, access, and share these critical documents, saving time and reducing the risk of errors that could lead to penalties or safety issues.

2. Emergency Response and Incident Reporting

When emergencies happen, having a trusted partner is critical. CHEMTREC’s 24/7 emergency response team is always ready to assist, providing trusted guidance during hazardous material incidents. From offering real-time support to generating detailed, compliant reports, including 5800.1 regulatory reporting, we help protect your workforce and mitigate risks.

3. Comprehensive Training Programs

Compliance starts with knowledge. Our training programs are relevant and useful for the gas industry, equipping your team with the skills they need to handle hazardous materials safely and confidently. Whether it’s understanding new labeling requirements or navigating updated hazard classifications, our practical, hands-on modules empower your workforce to meet the new standards.

4. Customized Consulting Solutions

Every business faces unique challenges, which is why we don’t offer one-size-fits-all solutions. Our consulting experts collaborate with you to create compliance strategies that align with your operations. By addressing potential bottlenecks and streamlining workflows, we help you reduce costs and achieve sustainable compliance.

Partnering with CHEMTREC is more than meeting regulations, it’s about building a foundation for a safer, more efficient operation. The stakes are high, and deadlines are fast approaching. Don’t wait for non-compliance to become an issue. Take the first step toward confident, streamlined operations today. Contact CHEMTREC now and let us help you stay compliant, safe, and ahead of the curve.