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The Definitive Guide to Globally Harmonized System (GHS) Labeling

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What Does GHS Stand For?

Ghs training, 2019 changes: ghs revision 8, signal words, ghs pictograms, hazard statement, precautionary statement, safety data sheets, additional ghs labeling facts:.

The Globally Harmonized System, also known as GHS, is a standard that has been adopted by companies, governments, universities and other institutions around the world. Recently aligned with OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard, the newly combined GHS and HCS system is focused on creating a consistent way of classifying chemical hazards. The improvements made to these standards also aim to reduce trade barriers to those who deal with these substances regularly.

This guide is not meant to replace any official training courses or compliance manuals. Instead, it will help give more of a high-level overview of what GHS is and its necessary compliance requirements.

The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals  was initially created by the United Nations in 1992 to improve workplace safety. Since implementing this standard globally, miscommunications that often result in serious accidents have been much easier to avoid. Part of this is due to the fact that costly and error ridden re-labeling efforts are no longer needed when countries create and transport hazardous chemicals from one place to the next with this consistent labeling standard.

For most companies, GHS became important back on March 26, 2012 when OSHA published their final rule that revised the old Hazard Communication Standard to be in line with GHS. The update impacted millions of workers throughout a wide range of different workplaces on subjects such as the classification of hazards, GHS labeling requirements, safety data sheets, and employee training. 

GHS and OSHA Standards

Today, GHS compliance is necessary for all facilities to avoid fines or other penalties from OSHA. OSHA requires every company that deals with hazardous chemicals to have a hazard communication program in place. This communication program includes several steps that build an effective and safe environment for employees, those include:

• Learning about the relevant standards
• Implementing a written hazard communication program
• Following GHS label requirements
• Maintaining SDSs
• Training employees
• Periodically reassessing the hazard communication program

Just like any other improvement strategy, if the employees don't understand or follow it, then it will be virtually useless. With this in mind, developing a good training program to help ensure everyone is on the same page is essential.

If onsite training is an option, make sure to use a reliable manual or GHS guide to ensure all the most important topics are covered. Once the bulk of training is completed for new hires the next step is to keep GHS standards on everyone’s minds. The following are some ideas on how this can be done:

• Follow up classes - Offering annual 'refresher' classes will help keep the information fresh.
• Updated handouts - Whenever there is an update to the GHS standards or how the facility uses them, make sure detailed explanations are given to employees.
• GHS posters - Putting up GHS posters throughout the facility is a great way to have constant visual reminders for those working in the area.

In July of 2019, the 8th revised edition of GHS was published . These new changes include:

• The classification criteria for aerosols. Under the new edition, aerosols will be classified in three categories for their hazard class. They are determined based on their flammable properties, heat of combustion, and applicable test results.
• A new hazard category. It is now possible to identify and classify chemicals under pressure, Information on criteria, as well as corresponding signal words, pictograms, and hazard statements, are provided.
• New labeling examples for sets or kits. There are now examples for set/kit labeling for situations in which there is not enough space to relate the required information.
• New precautionary pictograms. This edition includes two new pictograms developed by AISE and JSDA. The pictograms convey the meaning of precautionary statement P102: “Keep out of reach of children.”
• Other hazards not previously classified. An altered Annex 11 provides advice on dust explosion hazards. It covers potential factors, identification, mitigation, prevention, communication, and risk assessment.
• New skin corrosion/irritation classification. The new revision now includes detailed instructions on how to use in vitro/ex vivo test data to analyze whether a substance or mixture causes skin irritation and corrosion.

GHS Labeling Requirements

OSHA’s GHS labeling requirements are now an extension of their Hazard Communication Program requirements since they have been aligned to promote continuity between SDSs and other companies labeling efforts. These requirements consist of four primary parts:

• The signal word
• GHS pictogram(s)
• The hazard statement
• The precautionary statement

Aside from these four components, which are explained in the following sections, the label must also include the product identifier and the supplier’s information.

Signal words help people immediately gauge the level of risk associated with a hazardous chemical in a labeled container. There are two approved GHS signal words that are used today, however, only one signal word should be used per label:

• “Danger” should be used when the hazardous chemical being labeled can cause an immediate serious risk such as death or chronic health problems.
• “Warning” should be used when the hazardous chemical requires a prolonged exposure to result in health issues.

There are nine pictograms that have been officially approved by GHS. Most companies today will employ all nine of these pictograms in their GHS labeling strategies .

• Health Hazard – Use for chemicals that can cause cancer, mutations, reproductive issues, developmental issues, etc.
• Flame – Use for flammable solids, liquids or gasses.
• Exclamation Mark – Use for chemicals that can cause damage to skin, eyes, or result in other mild irritations.
• Gas Cylinder – Use for any gasses that are contained under pressure. 
• Corrosion – Use for chemicals that cause burns or damage metal due to its corrosive properties.
• Exploding Bomb – Use for any substance or mixture that can cause an explosion, whether it needs an ignitor to explode or not.
• Flame over Circle – Use for oxidizing chemicals.
• Environment - Use for aquatic toxins that harm fish, water-based animals, plants, and other life.
• Skull & Crossbones – Use for poisons, whether the poison can cause harm via eating, skin exposure, inhalation or any other method.

The proper use of GHS hazard statements is not only important for remaining in compliance with OSHA requirements, but also for keeping everyone safe. The following are categories of codes that can be used in a hazard statement . Each of the three categories have multiple specific codes within that must be chosen based on the chemical’s properties:

• Physical Hazards – Use for chemical hazards that cause a physical hazard such as a fire, explosion, or other issues.
• H200-H208: Unstable Explosives
• H221-H228: Flammable Gas/Vapor/Liquid/Solid
• H230-H232: Sensitive to Air Exposure
• H240-H252: Heating May Cause Fire
• H260-H261: Unstable in the Prescence of Water
• H270 - H272:Oxidizer
• H280 - H281: Gas Containment Issues
• H290: Corrosive to Metals
• Health Hazards – Use for chemical hazards that cause a health problem when consumed, inhaled, exposed to skin, or in other situations.
• H300-H305: Harmful if Swallowed
• H310-H320: Causes skin and eye issues
• H330-H336: Harmful if Inhaled
• H340 - H341: Genetic Defects
• H350-H351: May Cause Cancer
• H360-H362: Fertility
• H370 - H373: Organ Damage
• Environmental Hazards – Use for chemical hazards that cause negative aquatic environmental issues.
• H400-H401: Toxic to Aquatic Life
• H402: Harmful to Aquatic Life
• H410-H413: Toxic/Harmful to Aquatic Life with Long-Lasting Effects
• H420: Ozone Destruction
• H433: Harmful to Terrestrial Vertebrates

Precautionary statements provide readers with information regarding what steps need to be taken in the event of an exposure and to minimize exposure of hazardous chemicals. There are five different types of precautionary statements that can be used on a GHS label and within SDSs, they and their “P” code formats are as follows:

• General – Code P1xx, example “Read label before use”
• Prevention – Code P2xx, example “Obtain special instruction before use”
• Response – Code P3xx, example “IF SWALLOWED:”
• Storage – Code P4xx, example “Store locked up”
• Disposal – Code P5xx, example “Dispose of contents/container to…”

Safety data sheets, also known as SDSs, are used to communicate specific hazards related to chemical products. Similar to the Globally Harmonized System labeling requirements, there are a variety of specific standards to follow for all safety data sheets.

There are multiple sections that should be used when creating a safety data sheet. The following are the 16 sections that must be included:

• Identification
• Hazard Information
• Composition of Ingredients
• First Aid Information
• Fire Fighting Information
• Accidental Release Information
• Handling and Storage Information
• Exposure Control Information
• Physical and Chemical Properties
• Stability and Reactivity Information
• Toxicological Information
• Ecological Information
• Disposal Information
• Transport Information
• Regulatory Information
• Other Information

GHS Compliance

The first thing to note when it comes to GHS compliance is that it’s not an international law. Many people hear that it was developed by the United Nations and think that there may be some sort of UN enforcement, but that is not the case. The UN largely created the standards and made them available to people and governments around the world. They do not, however, have any requirements or enforcement power related to whether or not any country or company follows their standards.

The simple reason why GHS is followed is because it is considered to be the best practice method for labeling hazardous chemicals. OSHA and other standard setting bodies encourage companies to follow these GHS standards to help keep their employees as safe as possible.

• The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) is a system that provides standardized criteria for classifying and communicating chemical hazards on labels and safety data sheets. It was adopted by the United Nations in 2002 and is now implemented in many countries around the world. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Globally_Harmonized_System_of_Classification_and_Labelling_of_Chemicals
• The GHS labels include four elements: a signal word (either “danger” or “warning”), a pictogram (a symbol that conveys the type of hazard), a hazard statement (a phrase that describes the nature and degree of the hazard), and a precautionary statement (a phrase that gives advice on how to prevent or minimize the adverse effects of the hazard). Source: https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-04/documents/session-4f-ghs-fact-sheet.pdf
• In 2012, OSHA revised its Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to align with the GHS. This update required chemical manufacturers and importers to reclassify their chemicals and update their labels and safety data sheets by June 1, 2015. Employers were also required to train their workers on the new label elements and safety data sheet format by December 1, 2013. Source: https://www.osha.gov/hazcom/global
• The benefits of aligning the HCS with the GHS include improved protection of workers and the environment, enhanced consistency and quality of information, reduced trade barriers and costs, and increased productivity and efficiency. Source: https://usbioclean.com/hcs-ghs-frequently-asked-questions/
• The GHS is not a static system, but a dynamic one that is regularly updated and revised to reflect new scientific data and best practices. The most recent revision of the GHS is the ninth edition, published in 2020. Source: https://unece.org/about-ghs

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Globally Harmonized System (GHS)

On this page, what is the globally harmonized system (ghs), why was ghs developed, what is the scope of ghs, what are some key terms in the ghs vocabulary, how is ghs organized , what are the classes within the health hazard group, what are the classes within the physical hazard group, what are the classes within the environmental hazard group, where can i get information on the ghs criteria for the different hazard classes, is the adoption of ghs mandatory for all countries around the globe/world, how is ghs adopted by a country, when a country decides to adopt ghs, must all ghs elements be adopted, who enforces ghs , where can i get more information.

GHS stands for the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals.

It is a system of hazard communication for chemical hazards that can be adopted by countries around the world. GHS was developed by a United Nations (UN) international team of hazard communication experts. They established the following two major standardized elements:

1. rules for classifying the hazards of chemical products (i.e., substances, materials, or mixtures)

• format for safety data sheets (SDSs),
• content for label and SDSs with
• hazard and precautionary statements
• signal word

GHS was developed because many different countries had different systems for classification and labelling of chemical products. In addition, several different systems can exist even within the same country.

While existing systems were similar in many respects, their differences were significant enough to result in different hazard classifications, labels, or SDS for the same product.  For example, one country may classify a product as carcinogenic while another country will not. 

This situation has been expensive for governments to regulate and enforce, costly for companies who have to comply with many different systems, and confusing for workers who need to understand the hazards of a chemical in order to work safely.

As more and more countries adopt the principles of GHS, the benefits include:

• Promoting regulatory efficiency.
• Facilitating trade.
• Easing compliance.
• Reducing costs.
• Providing improved, consistent hazard information.
• Encouraging the safe transport, handling and use of chemicals.
• Promoting better emergency response to chemical incidents.
• Reducing the need for animal testing.

GHS covers all hazardous chemicals products, such as those used for the following purposes:

• industrial chemicals
• consumer chemical products
• agricultural chemicals
• pharmaceuticals
• SDS – Safety Data Sheet. The GHS SDS has 16 sections in a set order, and minimum information is prescribed.
• Labels - With the GHS, certain information will appear on the label. Standardized elements such as chemical identify, hazard statements, signal words and symbols will appear on the label according to the classification of that chemical or mixture. Precautionary statements may also be required, if adopted by your regulatory authority.
• Hazard group – While not given a formal definition, GHS divides hazards into three major groups – health, physical and environmental.
• Class – Class is the term used to describe the different types of hazards. For example, Gases under Pressure is an example of a class in the physical hazards group.
• Category – Category is the name used to describe the sub-sections of classes. For example, Self-Reactive Chemicals have 7 categories. Each category has rules or criteria to determine what chemicals are assigned to that category. Categories are assigned numbers (or letters) with category 1 (or A) being the most hazardous.
• Hazard Statement – For each category of a class, a standardized statement is used to describe the hazard. For example, the hazard statement for chemicals which meet the criteria for the class Self-heating substances and mixtures, Category 1 is Self-heating; may catch fire. This hazard statement would appear both on the label and on the SDS.
• Precautionary Statement – These statements are standardized phrases that describe the recommended steps to be taken to minimize or prevent adverse effects from exposure to or resulting from improper handling or storage of a hazardous product.
• Signal word – There are two signal words used by the GHS – Danger and Warning. These signal words are used to communicate the level of hazard on both the label and the SDS. The appropriate signal word to use is set out by the classification system. For example, the signal word for Self-heating substances and mixtures, Category 1 is Danger while Warning is used for the less serious Category 2. There are categories where no signal word is used.
• Pictogram – Pictogram refers to the GHS symbol on the label and SDS. Not all categories have a pictogram associated with them.

GHS consists of three major hazard groups :

• Physical hazards.
• Health hazards.
• Environmental hazards.

Within each of these hazard groups there are classes and categories.

Criteria for classifying chemicals have been developed for the following health hazard classes:

• Acute toxicity.
• Skin corrosion/irritation.
• Serious eye damage/eye irritation.
• Respiratory or skin sensitization.
• Germ cell mutagenicity.
• Carcinogenicity.
• Reproductive toxicity.
• Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure.
• Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure.
• Aspiration hazard.

Criteria for classifying chemicals have been developed for the following physical hazard classes:

• Explosives.
• Flammable gases.
• Oxidizing gases.
• Gases under pressure.
• Flammable liquids.
• Flammable solids.
• Self-reactive substances and mixtures.
• Pyrophoric liquids.
• Pyrophoric solids.
• Self-heating substances and mixtures.
• Substances and mixtures which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases.
• Oxidizing liquids.
• Oxidizing solids.
• Organic peroxides.
• Corrosive to metals.

Criteria for classifying chemicals have been developed for the following environmental hazard classes:

• Hazardous to the aquatic environment (acute and chronic).
• Hazardous to the ozone layer.

The GHS criteria are specified in the publication known as the  Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS ) from the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) (this publication is often referred to as the “purple book”.)  The first edition of this book was published in 2003. Since then, the GHS book has been revised every two years as needed and as experience is gained in its implementation. All editions are available in multiple languages and can be accessed for free at the UNECE website .

When checking the criteria for a particular hazard class and or a category, make sure that you are viewing the revised edition of the GHS purple book that corresponds to the version that was adopted by your country.

No. The GHS is a 'non-binding' system of hazard communication. However, as mentioned above, there are many benefits when it is voluntarily adopted by countries around the globe.

It is up to the country’s authorities to decide how GHS will be adopted in their legislation.  For example, Canada adopted the GHS by revising the existing WHMIS legislation.

No. When a country adopts GHS, the country has freedom to:

• Select one or more of the hazard classes
• Select the categories it will adopt for a particular hazard class

The key is that when a GHS hazard class is adopted by a country, the country must adopt that hazard class as specified by GHS.  This adoption will help make sure that each country has the same classification criteria as each other.  For example, if a country adopts the flammable hazard class and only the Category 1 level, the criteria for Category 1 will be the same for all the countries that adopted this Category.

In situations where the country had regulations concerning hazard classes that are not included in GHS, the country is free to include or create legislation to maintain desired levels of protection.

The UNECE publishes information about the status of implementation of GHS by country . Examples include:

Canada adopted GHS in February 2015 by amending the federal Hazardous Product Act (HPA) and the publication of a new regulation titled Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR) under the HPA which is commonly referred to as the federal Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System 2015 (WHMIS 2015) legislation.  Provincial and territorial jurisdictions also updated their related legislation.  Note that the amendment of the HPA and implementation of the new HPR is based on the fifth revised edition (Rev 5). Amendments are expected from time to time to keep WHMIS in alignment with current GHS recommendations. WHMIS 2015 regulatory updates can be monitored by checking:

• Canada’s National WHMIS Portal ( www.whmis.org )
• WHMIS News – Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System – Health Canada
• Forward Regulatory Plan 2021-2023: Regulations Amending the Hazardous Products Regulations (GHS, Seventh Revised Edition) and Order Amending Schedule 2 to the Hazardous Products Act

United States (USA)

United States adopted the GHS elements from the 3rd revised edition of the GHS purple book in their Hazardous Communication Standard (HCS) in 2012. This standard is commonly referred to as HCS 2012 and is currently in full force. OSHA is conducting rulemaking to harmonize the HCS to the latest edition of the GHS and to codify a number of enforcement policies that have been issued since the 2012 standard. In their “OSHA Trade Release”, OSHA announced that they are issuing a proposed rule to update the HCS 2012 with the 7th revised edition of the GHS purple book. Check regulatory updates at:

• OSHA Trade Release   https://www.osha.gov/news/newsreleases/trade/02052021

Information and resources for the current US HCS 2012 standard is available at:

• Hazard communication https://www.osha.gov/hazcom

GHS implementation: EU and European Economic Area

https://unece.org/transport/documents/2021/01/ghs-implementation-eu-and-european-economic-area

Other Countries

Information on the status of  GHS implementation  in other countries is available at the UNECE website: GHS implementation: Implementation by country https://unece.org/transport/documents/2021/01/ghs-implementation-implementation-country

There is no global organization (e.g., UN, WHO, etc.) that enforces GHS for different countries. Once a country adopts GHS elements (e.g., hazard classes) in its own legislation (e.g., WHMIS), they are enforced by the country’s own authorities.

For example, in Canada when a supplier’s WHMIS label or SDS are incorrect, Health Canada will enforce the federal WHMIS legislation. Meanwhile, provincial or territorial health and safety authorities enforce their jurisdiction’s WHMIS legislation.

Information from across Canada is available on the website WHMIS.org .

Health Canada also offers an email news service to announce information about WHMIS.

• Fact sheet last revised: 2021-08-25

GHS Hazard Statement List

GHS hazard statement means a standard phrase assigned to a hazard class and category to describe the nature and severity of a chemical hazard. Each hazard statement is designated a code, starting with the letter H and followed by 3 digits.

• H2xx : Physical hazards;
• H3xx : Health hazards;
• H4xx : Environmental hazards.

It shall be noted that the H code is used for reference purpose only. It is the actual phrase which should appear on labels and safety data sheets.

Note : If you wish to quickly search a hazard statement and signal word based on GHS hazard classification and H code, please go to our free hazard statement and signal word finder.

• Hazard statement and signal word finder

List of GHS Hazard Statements and H Codes

H200: Unstable explosive

H201: Explosive; mass explosion hazard

H202: Explosive; severe projection hazard

H203: Explosive; fire, blast or projection hazard

H204: Fire or projection hazard

H205: May mass explode in fire

H206: Fire, blast or projection hazard; increased risk of explosion if desensitizing agent is reduced

H207: Fire or projection hazard; increased risk of explosion if desensitizing agent is reduced

H208: Fire hazard; increased risk of explosion if desensitizing agent is reduced

H220: Extremely flammable gas

H221: Flammable gas

H222: Extremely flammable aerosol

H223: Flammable aerosol

H224: Extremely flammable liquid and vapour

H225: Highly flammable liquid and vapour

H226: Flammable liquid and vapour

H227: Combustible liquid

H228: Flammable solid

H229: Pressurized container: may burst if heated

H230: May react explosively even in the absence of air

H231: May react explosively even in the absence of air at elevated pressure and/or temperature

H232: May ignite spontaneously if exposed to air

H240: Heating may cause an explosion

H241: Heating may cause a fire or explosion

H242: Heating may cause a fire

H250: Catches fire spontaneously if exposed to air

H251: Self-heating; may catch fire

H252: Self-heating in large quantities; may catch fire

H260: In contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously

H261: In contact with water releases flammable gas

H270: May cause or intensify fire; oxidizer

H271: May cause fire or explosion; strong oxidizer

H272: May intensify fire; oxidizer

H280: Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated

H281: Contains refrigerated gas; may cause cryogenic burns or injury

H290: May be corrosive to metals

H300: Fatal if swallowed

H301: Toxic if swallowed

H302: Harmful if swallowed

H303: May be harmful if swallowed

H304: May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways

H305: May be harmful if swallowed and enters airways

H310: Fatal in contact with skin

H311: Toxic in contact with skin

H312: Harmful in contact with skin

H313: May be harmful in contact with skin

H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage

H315: Causes skin irritation

H316: Causes mild skin irritation

H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction

H318: Causes serious eye damage

H319: Causes serious eye irritation

H320: Causes eye irritation

H330: Fatal if inhaled

H331: Toxic if inhaled

H332: Harmful if inhaled

H333: May be harmful if inhaled

H334: May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled

H335: May cause respiratory irritation

H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness

H340: May cause genetic defects

H341: Suspected of causing genetic defects

H350: May cause cancer

H351: Suspected of causing cancer

H360: May damage fertility or the unborn child

H361: Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child

H361d: Suspected of damaging the unborn child

H362: May cause harm to breast-fed children

H370: Causes damage to organs

H371: May cause damage to organs

H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure

H373: May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure

H400: Very toxic to aquatic life

H401: Toxic to aquatic life

H402: Harmful to aquatic life

H410: Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects

H411: Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects

H412: Harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects

H413: May cause long-lasting harmful effects to aquatic life

H420: Harms public health and the environment by destroying ozone in the upper atmosphere

How to Determine GHS Hazard Statements for A Chemical?

You have to determine the hazard class and hazard category of a chemical first. Once the classification of a chemical has been determined, signal word, hazard pictograms, hazard statements and precautionary statements will be assigned (see example below for flammable liquids).

EU Supplementary Hazard Statements List

It shall be noted that EU CLP regulation has kept many additional hazard statements which cannot be found in GHS. Those hazard statements can be found below:

EUH001: Explosive when dry.

EUH006: Explosive with or without contact with air.

EUH014: Reacts violently with water.

EUH018: In use, may form flammable/explosive vapour-air mixture.

EUH019: May form explosive peroxides.

EUH044: Risk of explosion if heated under confinement.

EUH029: Contact with water liberates toxic gas.

EUH031: Contact with acids liberates toxic gas.

EUH032: Contact with acids liberates very toxic gas.

EUH066: Repeated exposure may cause skin dryness or cracking.

EUH070: Toxic by eye contact.

EUH071: Corrosive to the respiratory tract.

EUH059: Hazardous to the ozone layer.

EUH201: Contains lead. Should not be used on surfaces liable to be chewed or sucked by children.

EUH201A: Warning! Contains lead.

EUH202: Cyanoacrylate. Danger. Bonds skin and eyes in seconds. Keep out of the reach of children.

EUH203: Contains chromium (VI). May produce an allergic reaction.

EUH204: Contains isocyanates. May produce an allergic reaction.

EUH205: Contains epoxy constituents. May produce an allergic reaction.

EUH206: Warning! Do not use together with other products. May release dangerous gases (chlorine)

EUH207: Warning! Contains cadmium. Dangerous fumes are formed during use. See information supplied by the manufacturer. Comply with the safety instructions.

EUH208: Contains (name of sensitising substance). May produce an allergic reaction.

EUH209: Can become highly flammable in use.

EUH209A: Can become flammable in use.

EUH210: Safety data sheet available on request.

EUH401: To avoid risks to human health and the environment, comply with the instructions for use.

Hazard Statements List - EU Translations

Click here to download hazard statements list in various EU languages.

Advanced GHS Topics

• Global GHS Implementation
• GHS Precedence Rules for Pictogram, Signal Word and Hazard Statement
• GHS Classification of Mixture
• GHS Bridging Principles
• GHS Cut-off value/concentration Limit
• Global GHS Label Size Requirement
• Global GHS Label Requirement for Small Containers
• GHS and Pesticides
• GHS Classification List
• GHS and Confidential Business Info
• Comparing GHS Builing Blocks in EU, USA, China and Japan
• Correlations between TDG and GHS
• When Shou You Update Your SDSs

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Customer service, hazard statements.

Safety data sheet knowledge base – Hazard statements

Hazard and Precautionary statements are codified using a unique alphanumerical code which consists of one letter and three numbers, as follows:

• the letter “H” (for “hazard statement”) or “P” (for “precautionary statement”). Please note that hazard statements carried through from DSD and DPD, but which are not included in the GHS are codified as “EUH”;
• a digit designating the type of hazard, e.g. ”2” for physical hazards; and
• two numbers corresponding to the sequential numbering of hazards such as explosivity (codes from 200 to 210), flammability (codes from 220 to 230), etc.

Your labels must also bear the relevant hazard statements describing the nature and severity of the hazards of your substance or mixture (CLP Article 21).

The hazard statements relevant for each specific hazard classification are set out in the tables contained in parts 2 to 5 of Annex I to CLP. If a substance classification is harmonised and included in Part 3 of Annex VI to CLP, the corresponding hazard statement relevant for this classification must be used on the label, together with any other hazard statement for a non-harmonised classification.

Annex III to CLP lists the correct wording of the hazard statements as they should appear on the labels. The hazard statements of one language must be grouped together with the precautionary statements of the same language on the label .

The revised list of hazard statements contains the new or modified statements, highlighted in red, that, according to the Commission Regulation (EU) No 2019/521, are applicable from 17 October 2020.

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Downloading the list of applicable hazard statements. In force from 17 October 2020.

In force from 17 October 2020

H200 – Unstable explosives.

H201 – Explosive; mass explosion hazard.

H202 – Explosive, severe projection hazard.

H203 – Explosive; fire, blast or projection hazard.

H204 – Fire or projection hazard.

H205 – May mass explode in fire.

H206 – Fire, blast or projection hazard; increased risk of explosion if desensitising agent is reduced.

H207 – Fire or projection hazard; increased risk of explosion if desensitising agent is reduced.

H208 – Fire hazard; increased risk of explosion if desensitising agent is reduced.

H220 – Extremely flammable gas.

H221 – Flammable gas.

H222 – Extremely flammable aerosol.

H223 – Flammable aerosol.

H224 – Extremely flammable liquid and vapour.

H225 – Highly flammable liquid and vapour.

H226 – Flammable liquid and vapour.

H228 – Flammable solid.

H229 – Pressurised container: May burst if heated.

H230 – May react explosively even in the absence of air.

H231 – May react explosively even in the absence of air at elevated pressure and/or temperature.

H232 – May ignite spontaneously if exposed to air.

H240 – Heating may cause an explosion.

H241 – Heating may cause a fire or explosion.

H242 – Heating may cause a fire.

H250 – Catches fire spontaneously if exposed to air.

H251 – Self-heating: may catch fire.

H252 – Self-heating in large quantities; may catch fire.

H260 – In contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously.

H261 – In contact with water releases flammable gases.

H270 – May cause or intensify fire; oxidiser.

H271 – May cause fire or explosion; strong oxidiser.

H272 – May intensify fire; oxidiser.

H280 – Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated.

H281 – Contains refrigerated gas; may cause cryogenic burns or injury.

H290 – May be corrosive to metals.

H300 – Fatal if swallowed.

H301 – Toxic if swallowed.

H302 – Harmful if swallowed.

H304 – May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways.

H310 – Fatal in contact with skin.

H311 – Toxic in contact with skin.

H312 – Harmful in contact with skin.

H314 – Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.

H315 – Causes skin irritation.

H317 – May cause an allergic skin reaction.

H318 – Causes serious eye damage.

H319 – Causes serious eye irritation.

H330 – Fatal if inhaled.

H331 – Toxic if inhaled.

H332 – Harmful if inhaled.

H334 – May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled.

H335 – May cause respiratory irritation.

H336 – May cause drowsiness or dizziness.

H340 – May cause genetic defects <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard >.

H341 – Suspected of causing genetic defects <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>.

H350 – May cause cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>.

H350i – May cause cancer by inhalation.

H351 – Suspected of causing cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>.

H360 – May damage fertility or the unborn child <state specific effect if known > <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>.

H360F – May damage fertility.

H360D – May damage the unborn child.

H360FD – May damage fertility. May damage the unborn child.

H360Fd – May damage fertility. Suspected of damaging the unborn child.

H360Df – May damage the unborn child. Suspected of damaging fertility.

H361 – Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child <state specific effect if known> <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>.

H361f – Suspected of damaging fertility.

H361d – Suspected of damaging the unborn child.

H361fd – Suspected of damaging fertility. Suspected of damaging the unborn child.

H362 – May cause harm to breast-fed children.

H370 – Causes damage to organs <or state all organs affected, if known> <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>.

H371 – May cause damage to organs <or state all organs affected, if known> <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>.

H372 – Causes damage to organs <or state all organs affected, if known> through prolonged or repeated exposure <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>.

H373 – May cause damage to organs <or state all organs affected, if known> through prolonged or repeated exposure <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>.

H300 + H310 – Fatal if swallowed or in contact with skin.

H300 + H330 – Fatal if swallowed or if inhaled.

H310 + H330 – Fatal in contact with skin or if inhaled.

H300 + H310 + H330 – Fatal if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled.

H301 + H311 – Toxic if swallowed or in contact with skin.

H301 + H331 – Toxic if swallowed or if inhaled.

H311 + H331 – Toxic in contact with skin or if inhaled.

H301 + H311 + H331 – Toxic if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled.

H302 + H312 – Harmful if swallowed or in contact with skin.

H302 + H332 – Harmful if swallowed or if inhaled.

H312 + H332 – Harmful in contact with skin or if inhaled.

H302 + H312 + H332 – Harmful if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled.

H400 – Very toxic to aquatic life.

H410 – Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.

H411 – Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.

H412 – Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects.

H413 – May cause long lasting harmful effects to aquatic life.

H420 – Harms public health and the environment by destroying ozone in the upper atmosphere.

EUH 014 – Reacts violently with water.

EUH 018 – In use may form flammable/explosive vapour- air mixture.

EUH 019 – May form explosive peroxides.

EUH 044 – Risk of explosion if heated under confinement.

EUH 029 – Contact with water liberates toxic gas.

EUH 031 – Contact with acids liberates toxic gas.

EUH 032 – Contact with acids liberates very toxic gas.

EUH 066 – Repeated exposure may cause skin dryness or cracking.

EUH 070 – Toxic by eye contact.

EUH 071 – Corrosive to the respiratory tract.

EUH 201/ 201A – Contains lead. Should not be used on surfaces liable to be chewed or sucked by children. Warning! Contains lead.

EUH 202 – Cyanoacrylate. Danger. Bonds skin and eyes in seconds. Keep out of the reach of children.

EUH 203 – Contains chromium (VI). May produce an allergic reaction.

EUH 204 – Contains isocyanates. May produce an allergic reaction.

EUH 205 – Contains epoxy constituents. May produce an allergic reaction.

EUH 206 – Warning! Do not use together with other products. May release dangerous gases (chlorine).

EUH 207 – Warning! Contains cadmium. Dangerous fumes are formed during use. See information supplied by the manufacturer. Comply with the safety instructions.

EUH 208 – Contains <name of sensitising substance>. May produce an allergic reaction.

EUH 209/ 209A – Can become highly flammable in use. Can become flammable in use.

EUH 210 – Safety data sheet available on request.

EUH 211 – Warning! Hazardous respirable droplets may be formed when sprayed. Do not breathe spray or mist.

EUH 212 – Warning! Hazardous respirable dust may be formed when used. Do not breathe dust

EUH 401 – To avoid risks to human health and the environment, comply with the instructions for use.

Downloading the list of applicable hazard statements

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Recommended article(s) 

• Label elements of the safety data sheet
• CLP labelling in practice
• Hazard pictogram
• P statements

Tags: CLP labelling , safety data sheet , safety data sheet knowledge base

Hazard and Precautionary Statements

Hazard statements, precautionary statements, pictograms and hazard codes.

There are 72 individual and 17 combined Hazard statements - these are assigned a unique alphanumerical code which consists of one letter and three numbers as follows:

• the letter "H" (for "hazard statement");
• "2" for physical hazards
• "3" for health hazards
• "4" for environmental hazards
• two numbers corresponding to the sequential numbering of hazards arising from the intrinsic properties of the substance or mixture, such as explosive properties (codes from 200 to 210), flammability (codes from 220 to 230), etc.

Hazard Statement Chart

There are 116 individual and 33 combined Precautionary statements – these are assigned a unique alphanumerical code which consists of one letter and three numbers as follows:

• the letter "P" (for "precautionary statement");
• "1" for general precautionary statements
• "2" for prevention precautionary statements
• "3" for response precautionary statements
• "4" for storage precautionary statements
• "5" for disposal precautionary statements
• two numbers (corresponding to the sequential numbering of precautionary statements)

Precautionary Statement Chart

Compared to the current EU system the most noticeable change are the pictograms (formerly: hazard symbols). While the most of the GHS pictograms have an equivalent in the old system, the pictograms GHS 04, GHS 07 and GHS 08 are completely new.

The GHS System is built on 16 physical, 10 health and 3 environmental hazard classes and comprises the following communication elements:

9 Pictograms Chart

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OSHA Hazard Communication Standard and Program

September 9, 2017

Resource : blog industry : industrial tags : vector ehs management.

When the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) was published by OSHA in 1983, it represented a decade of painstaking, but vital, rulemaking activity.

More than thirty years have elapsed since the rule was published. And yet, HCS remains one of the most important and relevant US occupational safety and health standards. The Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) , last updated in 2012 for GHS alignment , applies to a wide spectrum of workplaces and industries, and is considered one of the crown jewels in OSHA’s mission to protect workers on the job.

Convergence Training is a training solutions provider with a long history of creating safety and health training solutions.

Click the links to learn more about our training management solutions, safety and health eLearning course libraries, and custom training solutions.

Download our FREE Guide to Effective Safety Training

Background of the Hazard Communication Standard

The HCS is also called the Right-to-Know Law, as the intent of the Standard was to ensure workers had the legal right to know about chemical hazards in their workplaces. Prior to the HCS, employees often worked with chemical substances without information on how to avoid health and safety hazards. Lacking this knowledge, employees frequently had serious acute chemically-related injuries, and were unaware of long-term effects, such as cancer-causing chemical products, found on the job.

The law was a breakthrough in workplace safety, as it required chemical manufacturers and employers to relay chemical hazard information to employees. Apart from minor amendments through the years, there were no major revisions to the HCS. But, in 2012, OSHA made changes to modify the HCS to align with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).

The GHS-aligned HCS (or HazCom 2012) does not impact the framework or scope of the “old” HCS, but it does help ensure consistency in conveying chemical information to workers. OSHA has stated about the alignment with GHS, “The Standard that gave workers the right to know, now gives them the right to understand.”

The GHS update allows for a more streamlined and consistent language in communicating hazards, which really does give workers and employers a better opportunity to understand chemical hazards. And as it builds upon the existing HazCom framework, the transition has been fairly easily for employers.

What is the Hazard Communication Framework?

Under the HazCom standard, a multi-pronged approach is used to convey chemical information to workers.

These include hazard information from chemical manufacturers, a written Hazard Communication program, safety data sheets, and Hazard Communication training for employees, each of which is described more closely below.

Hazard Information from Chemical Manufacturers

Chemical manufacturers and importers of chemicals have requirements under the HCS to examine their products for hazards and then provide information on those hazards. Previously these entities were required to evaluate the hazards of their products, but often that was a fuzzy and confusing process, with no governing or clear methodology for evaluation.

Now, under provisions of the newly aligned HazCom 2012, chemical manufacturers must classify health and physical chemical hazards according to the GHS criteria set forth in the Standard ( Appendices A and B of 1910.1200 ).

Then they must convey the hazard information downstream to those that purchase or use their chemical substances. Manufacturers and importers of these products provide this hazard information via labels on product containers and through safety data sheets.

This sample from our online Hazard Communication training course explains the different parts of an SDS.

Under HazCom 2012, these manufacturer’s labels and safety data sheets now follow a consistent format, which is composed of various pictograms, signal words and precautionary statements to identify hazards, as well as uniform language and format.

Written Hazard Communication Program

Employers have several responsibilities to relay chemical hazards to workers under the HCS, among these requirements is a Written Hazard Communication Program. (Note: A binder stuffed full of nothing but safety data sheets is not sufficient to meet the obligations of this part of the Standard. The Written Hazard Communication Program is far more than that.)

Detailed explanations can be found in 1910.1200(e) . But in general, the program consists of policies which describe how the employer will meet the requirements of the Hazard Communication Standard. An inventory list of the chemicals found in the workplace should be included in the written program, along with policies that cover the methods the employer will use to meet employee training, secondary container labeling, and other obligations under the Standard.

In addition, non-routine tasks that expose employees to chemical hazards, and the ways employers will use to inform employees of those hazards, is to be included in the written program.

If you have a multi-employer workplace, such as employees of a construction contractor working at your company, and there is a chance that those other employees may be exposed to your chemical hazards, you’ll need to cover that in the HCS written program. How will you provide those other employees information about your company’s chemical hazards and access to your safety data sheets? And what precautions do they need to take under normal working conditions and foreseeable emergencies when working at your company? These should be answered in your HCS written program.

And finally, like written programs for other standards, the HCS written program should be available to employees upon request, as well as available to OSHA, if they come calling. (In fact, it is usually one of the first programs OSHA asks for if they perform an inspection.)

Safety Data Sheets

Prior to the HazCom 2012, these were called, “material safety data sheets” or MSDS. To be sure, MSDS contained ample chemical information on fire, spill and first aid response, as well as the hazards of the chemical and necessary PPE, but they were not uniform in language or construction. It was often very challenging to read MSDSs and rapidly grasp any vital hazard information—especially during a chemical emergency.

The provisions of the HazCom 2012 alignment require these to be uniform, in a neatly and easily decipherable 16-section format , which uses consistent language. For example, hazard information is clearly laid out in Section 2, which is quickly found by anyone examining the document.

With the 2013 HazCom alignment, OSHA changed the name of these to, “Safety Data Sheets” or SDS. (That is probably the most confusing part of the entire Standard update, as many of us still want to say, “MSDS.”)

As noted earlier, SDS are created by chemical manufacturers, but employers must keep a copy for each hazardous chemical in the workplace. According to the Standard, employees must have access to these at any time throughout their shift. If you opt to keep your SDS digitally, the standard allows for that--as long as all employees can obtain them without any barriers, such as passwords on computers preventing access.

OSHA is very straightforward about this requirement, stating, “The employer shall maintain in the workplace copies of the required safety data sheets for each hazardous chemical, and shall ensure that they are readily accessible during each work shift to employees when they are in their work area(s).

Hazard Communication Training

The HazCom Standard requires the employers provide “effective information and training” on hazardous chemicals in their work area. Employers have a significant responsibility in this regard, as Hazard Communication training is one of the primary methods to keep workers safe during the use, handling and storage of chemicals.

If employees aren’t properly made aware of the workplace chemical hazards, disastrous consequences can occur. Your HazCom training, therefore, should be very thorough.

OSHA has a rather comprehensive list pertaining to HCS training requirements, which include:

• Requirements and purpose of the Hazard Communication Standard.
• Operations in the employees’ work areas where hazardous chemicals are present.
• Location, purpose and availability of the Written Hazard Communication Program, as well as the list of hazardous chemicals, and SDS.
• How to detect releases or presence of hazardous chemicals in the work area (such as odor, appearance of fumes or mist).
• The physical and health hazards of chemicals found in the workplace, including hazard classifications, and associated pictograms, signal words, and terminology.
• Measures employees can use to protect from chemical hazards, such as PPE, ventilation, administrative or engineering controls, etc.
• Details and explanation of labels on shipped containers, workplace labeling and SDS.

HCS training is to be given to workers at the time of their initial assignment, and if new chemical hazards are found in the workplace that were not addressed in previous training. Retraining is also given when a worker has exposure to new chemical hazards through a change in job duties or work area.

The Hazard Communication Standard was built with an excellent foundation through providing information and training to workers. Now enhanced by the 2012 alignment with the GHS, the ease and function of the Standard have been increased. Understanding the Standard and its updates, is vital to putting this into practice in your workplace.

As you can see from the list above, comprehensive training is necessary to meet the requirements of the Standard, as well as protect your workers from chemical hazards.

This online hazard communication training course is a good addition to your employee HazCom training program.

In addition to everything written above, you may also find these Haz-Com related articles helpful:

• GHS Label Requirements, Symbols, and Classifications
• Who Has Hazard Communication Duties on the Job?

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GHS Classification (Rev.10, 2023) Summary

• UNECE GHS (Rev.10, 2023)
• UNECE GHS (Rev.9, 2021)
• UNECE GHS (Rev.8, 2019)
• UNECE GHS (Rev.7, 2017)
• UNECE GHS (Rev.6, 2015)

- Hazard Class Pictograms

- GHS Hazard Statements

- Precautionary Statements

Hazard Class Pictograms ☝

Note: All pictograms are shown in svg format in the page. The corresponding gif images are also available, e.g. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/images/ghs/GHS08.gif .

GHS Hazard Statements ☝

Precautionary statements ☝, general precautionary statements.

P101: If medical advice is needed, have product container or label at hand. P102: Keep out of reach of children. P103: Read carefully and follow all instructions.

Prevention Precautionary Statements

P201: ( Obsolete ) Obtain special instructions before use. P202: ( Obsolete ) Do not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood. P203: Obtain, read and follow all safety instructions before use. P210: Keep away from heat, hot surface, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking. P211: Do not spray on an open flame or other ignition source. P212: Avoid heating under confinement or reduction of the desensitized agent. P220: Keep away from clothing and other combustible materials. P221: ( Obsolete ) Take any precaution to avoid mixing with combustibles/... P222: Do not allow contact with air. P223: Do not allow contact with water. P230: Keep wetted with ... P231: Handle and store contents under inert gas/... P232: Protect from moisture. P233: Keep container tightly closed. P234: Keep only in original container. P235: Keep cool. P236: Keep only in original packaging; Division .. in the transport configuraion. P240: Ground/bond container and receiving equipment. P241: Use explosion-proof [electrical/ventilating/lighting/.../] equipment. P242: Use only non-sparking tools. P243: Take precautionary measures against static discharge. P244: Keep valves and fittings free from oil and grease. P250: Do not subject to grinding/shock/friction/... P251: Do not pierce or burn, even after use. P260: Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors/spray. P261: Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors/spray. P262: Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. P263: Avoid contact during pregnancy/while nursing. P264: Wash hands [and ...] thoroughly after handling. P265: Do not touch eyes. P270: Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. P271: Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. P272: Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace. P273: Avoid release to the environment. P280: Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection/hearing protection/... P281: ( Obsolete )Use personal protective equipment as required. P282: Wear cold insulating glovesand either face shield or eye protection. P283: Wear fire resistant or flame retardant clothing. P284: [In case of inadequate ventilation] Wear respiratory protection. P285: ( Obsolete ) In case of inadequate ventilation wear respiratory protection. P231+P232: Handle and store contents under inert gas/... Protect from moisture. P264+P265: Wash hands [and ...] thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes. P235+P410: ( Obsolete ) Keep cool. Protect from sunlight.

Response Precautionary Statements

P301: IF SWALLOWED: P302: IF ON SKIN: P303: IF ON SKIN (or hair): P304: IF INHALED: P305: IF IN EYES: P306: IF ON CLOTHING: P307: ( Obsolete ) IF exposed: P308: IF exposed or concerned: P309: ( Obsolete ) IF exposed or if you feel unwell P310: ( Obsolete ) Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician. P311: ( Obsolete ) Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/... P312: ( Obsolete ) Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/... if you feel unwell. P313: ( Obsolete ) Get medical advice/attention. P314: ( Obsolete ) Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell. P315: ( Obsolete ) Get immediate medical advice/attention. P316: Get emergency medical help immediately. P317: Get emergency medical help. P318: if exposed or concerned, get medical advice. P319: Get medical help if you feel unwell. P320: Specific treatment is urgent (see ... on this label). P321: Specific treatment (see ... on this label). P322: ( Obsolete ) Specific measures (see ...on this label). P330: Rinse mouth. P331: Do NOT induce vomiting. P332: IF SKIN irritation occurs: P333: If skin irritation or rash occurs: P334: Immerse in cool water [or wrap in wet bandages]. P335: Brush off loose particles from skin. P336: Thaw frosted parts with lukewarm water. Do not rub affected area. P337: If eye irritation persists: P338: Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. P340: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P341: ( Obsolete ) If breathing is difficult, remove victim to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing. P342: If experiencing respiratory symptoms: P350: ( Obsolete ) Gently wash with plenty of soap and water. P351: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. P352: Wash with plenty of water/... P353: Rinse skin with water [or shower]. P354: Immediately rinse with water for several minutes. P360: Rinse immediately contaminated clothing and skin with plenty of water before removing clothes. P361: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. P362: Take off contaminated clothing. P363: Wash contaminated clothing before reuse. P364: And wash it before reuse. P370: In case of fire: P371: In case of major fire and large quantities: P372: Explosion risk. P373: DO NOT fight fire when fire reaches explosives. P374: ( Obsolete ) Fight fire with normal precautions from a reasonable distance. P375: Fight fire remotely due to the risk of explorsion. P376: Stop leak if safe to do so. P377: Leaking gas fire: Do not extinguish, unless leak can be stopped safely. P378: Use ... to extinguish. P380: Evacuate area. P381: In case of leakage, eliminate all ignition sources. P390: Absorb spillage to prevent material damage. P391: Collect spillage. P301+P310: ( Obsolete ) IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CENTER/doctor/... P301+P312: ( Obsolete ) IF SWALLOWED: call a POISON CENTER/doctor/... IF you feel unwell. P301+P316: IF SWALLOWED: Get emergency medical help immediately. P301+P317: IF SWALLOWED: Get medical help. P301+P330+P331: IF SWALLOWED: Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. P302+P317: IF ON SKIN: Get medical help. P302+P334: IF ON SKIN: Immerse in cool water or wrap in wet bandages. P302+P335+P334: Brush off loose particles from skin. Immerse in cool water [or wrap in wet bandages]. P302+P350: ( Obsolete ) IF ON SKIN: Gently wash with plenty of soap and water. P302+P352: IF ON SKIN: wash with plenty of water/... P302+P361+P354: IF ON SKIN: Take off Immediately all contaminated clothing. Immediately rinse with water for several minutes. P303+P361+P353: IF ON SKIN (or hair): Take off Immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse SKIN with water [or shower]. P304+P312: ( Obsolete ) IF INHALED: Call a POISON CENTER/doctor/... if you feel unwell. P304+P317: IF INHALED: Get medical help. P304+P340: IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P304+P341: ( Obsolete ) IF INHALED: If breathing is difficult, remove victim to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing. P305+P351+P338: IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do - continue rinsing. P305+P354+P338: IF IN EYES: Immediately rinse with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. P306+P360: IF ON CLOTHING: Rinse Immediately contaminated CLOTHING and SKIN with plenty of water before removing clothes. P308+P316: IF exposed or concerned: Get emergency medical help immediately. P307+P311: ( Obsolete ) IF exposed: call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician. P308+P311: ( Obsolete ) IF exposed or concerned: Call a POISON CENTER/doctor/... P308+P313: ( Obsolete ) IF exposed or concerned: Get medical advice/attention. P309+P311: ( Obsolete ) IF exposed or if you feel unwell: call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician. P332+P313: ( Obsolete ) IF SKIN irritation occurs: Get medical advice/attention. P332+P317: If skin irritation occurs: Get medical help. P333+P317: If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical help. P336+P317: Immediately thaw frosted parts with lukewarm water. Do not rub affected area. Get medical help. P337+P317: If eye irritation persists: Get medical help. P342+P316: If experiencing respiratory symptoms: Get emergence medical help immediately. P333+P313: ( Obsolete ) IF SKIN irritation or rash occurs: Get medical advice/attention. P335+P334: ( Obsolete ) Brush off loose particles from skin. Immerse in cool water/wrap in wet bandages. P337+P313: ( Obsolete ) IF eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. P342+P311: ( Obsolete ) IF experiencing respiratory symptoms: Call a POISON CENTER/doctor/... P361+P364: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P362+P364: Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P370+P376: in case of fire: Stop leak if safe to do so. P370+P378: In case of fire: Use ... to extinguish. P370+P380: ( Obsolete ) In case of fire: Evacuate area. P370+P380+P375: In case of fire: Evacuate area. Fight fire remotely due to the risk of explosion. P371+P380+P375: In case of major fire and large quantities: Evacuate area. Fight fire remotely due to the risk of explosion. P370+P372+P380+P373: In case of fire: Explosion risk. Evacuate area. DO NOT fight fire when fire reaches explosives. P370+P380+P375[+P378]: In case of fire: Evacuate area. Fight fire remotely due to the risk of explosion. [Use...to extinguish].]

Storage Precautionary Statements

P401: Store in accordance with ... P402: Store in a dry place. P403: Store in a well-ventilated place. P404: Store in a closed container. P405: Store locked up. P406: Store in corrosive resistant/... container with a resistant inner liner. P407: Maintain air gap between stacks or pallets. P410: Protect from sunlight. P411: Store at temperatures not exceeding ... °C/...°F. P412: Do not expose to temperatures exceeding 50 °C/ 122 °F. P413: Store bulk masses greater than ... kg/...lbs at temperatures not exceeding ... °C/...°F. P420: Store separately. P422: ( Obsolete ) Store contents under ... P402+P404: Store in a dry place. Store in a closed container. P403+P233: Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. P403+P235: Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool. P410+P403: Protect from sunlight. Store in a well-ventilated place. P410+P412: Protect from sunlight. Do not expose to temperatures exceeding 50 °C/122°F. P411+P235: ( Obsolete ) Store at temperatures not exceeding ... °C/...°F. Keep cool.

Disposal Precautionary Statements

P501: Dispose of contents/container to ... P502: Refer to manufacturer or supplier for information on recovery or recycling P503: Refer to manufacturer/supplier... for information on disposal/recovery/recycling.

• What You Need to Know About OSHA’s Updated Hazard Communication (Chemical Right-to-Know) Standard

On May 20, 2024, OSHA published a significant revision to the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) in an effort to better align the HCS with the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification, primarily Revision 7 (GHS).  This final rule also seeks to clarify ambiguities left unresolved by the last set of revisions to the HCS and to improve alignment with other federal agencies and international trading partners.

In making these changes, OSHA has created a host of new regulatory hurdles for chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors, and downstream users.  The final rule becomes effective July 20, 2024, but offers a grace period during which the regulated community may comply with the final rule or the prior version of the HCS.

This Client Alert begins with an overview of the biggest impacts the final rule will have on the regulated community and the timeline for coming into compliance with the new and changed requirements, provides a detailed discussion of what the final rule says and means, explores significant changes between the language of the proposed rule and what was actually adopted in the final rule, and explores tips and strategies for compliance.

Implications for the Regulated Community

The final rule impacts nearly every aspect of hazard communication – from chemical classification to the content of Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) – and everything in between.  The most critical changes include the following:

Manufacturers/Importers

Manufacturers/Importers will be the most affected by OSHA’s updates to the HCS.  Manufacturers will need to review their chemical classifications and assess whether any of OSHA’s changes made to the HCS criteria, detailed below, will require changes to their chemical labels and/or SDSs.  OSHA does not expect that the amended HCS will result in any major changes in overall coverage under the standard, nor would OSHA expect any changes in the classification of the health hazards of existing chemicals.  However, there may be some shifts in classification for some of the physical hazards associated with aerosols, chemicals under pressure, and desensitized explosives.

Manufacturers/Importers will also need to review their labels to ensure that the required information has been updated according to the new Appendix C in the standard, which includes some impactful updates to the mandatory precautionary statements.

Finally, Manufacturers/Importers must review the SDSs for all of their hazardous chemicals and ensure they follow the updated requirements.

Distributors

OSHA anticipates that Distributors will continue to rely on the SDSs and labels provided by the manufacturer.  Should a Distributor relabel and replace the manufacturers’ or importers’ names with their own name, they must comply with all the same HCS requirements as the Manufacturers/Importers.

Notably, OSHA has not provided a separate compliance date for Distributors, as it had done in the prior update to the HCS in 2012.  This is because OSHA updated (f)(11), which provides an option for Distributors to either change the labels on the containers that are already packaged for shipment or to maintain the old labels and provide the downstream users with the updated labels.

Downstream Users / Employers

Employers, as necessary, will need to update their workplace labels, hazard communication program, and training if there are new hazards or new hazardous chemicals introduced into the workplace.

The Latest Changes to OSHA’s HazCom Standard

OSHA made numerous changes to the HCS in this new final rule.  Below is a detailed description of the revisions to the standard:

Paragraph (c) – Definitions

OSHA updated and added several new definitions.  OSHA has added definitions related to classifications, including definitions for a chemical’s physical state ( i.e. , gas, liquid, or solid).  The agency finally added a definition for combustible dust, albeit a generic one.  OSHA also added several new definitions related to new or updated requirements for labeling.  These definitions include “immediate outer package” which is incorporated into provisions for small container labeling at (f)(12), “Released for shipment,” which is incorporated into the updates to (f)(11) (Label Updates), and “Bulk Shipment,” which is incorporated into the updates to (f)(5) (Transportation).  Notably, the definition of “Bulk Shipment” under the HCS is designed to be narrower than DOT’s definition of bulk packaging ( see 49 CFR 171.8).

Paragraph (d) – Classification

OSHA updated (d)(1) which articulates the requirements for chemical manufacturers and importers for the classification of chemicals.  In the proposed rule, OSHA made two changes in an attempt to clarify that classification applies to chemicals under normal conditions of use and to foreseeable emergencies including changes in the chemicals’ physical form.  OSHA claims that this change was intended to reiterate the scope language under (b)(2) and to alleviate confusion about whether hazards created by chemical reactions that occur during normal conditions of use must be considered during classification and whether this information should be placed on the label and/or the SDS.  OSHA received volumes of comments on this change, both supportive and critical.  OSHA determined that the proposed language lacked the clarity needed and updated the language to better articulate the clarification.  In the final rule, OSHA revised (d)(1) by (1) removing the reference to “normal conditions of use and foreseeable emergencies” and replacing it with the term “intrinsic properties” and (2) breaking down (d)(1) into (d)(1)(i) and (d)(1)(ii) to differentiate the chemical hazards as shipped (including changes in physical form) and chemical reaction products (known or reasonably anticipated).  OSHA believes that this addresses the concerns of most commenters and provides the necessary guidance on the information that needs to be on the label and the SDS.

To better align the HCS with GHS, OSHA also updated a number of chemical hazard classes and added one additional hazard class.  See the discussion below on the updates to the Appendices.

Paragraph (e) – Written Hazard Communication Program

No changes under this paragraph other than correcting a reference in (e)(4).

Paragraph (f) – Labeling

OSHA made a number of changes to the labeling requirements.  The first change under (f)(1) is that OSHA specifies that hazards identified under (d)(1)(ii) need only be disclosed on the SDS.  OSHA has also specified that the responsible party’s address and telephone number need to be a U.S. address and telephone number.

OSHA relocated all requirements for transportation to (f)(5).  OSHA moved C.2.3.3 to (f)(5)(iii) and updated the language to indicate that when a DOT pictogram (or placard) is on the container then the pictogram for the same hazard is not required.  Previously OSHA specified under C.2.3.3 that the GHS pictogram “shall not appear,” but with updates to DOT regulations, the GHS pictogram is now allowed.  OSHA also codified under (f)(5)(ii) OSHA’s long-standing relief for labeling of chemical containers where the container is the mode of transportation.  Under these new requirements, the label for bulk shipments must be on either the immediate container (the mode of transportation) or with the shipping papers, bills of lading, or electronic means (under the agreement of the receiving entity).

OSHA provides relief for updating labels when a container has already been released for shipment at (f)(11).  When a manufacturer is required to update labels (after they become aware of any significant information regarding the hazards of a chemical), they are required to update the label within six months.  However, OSHA is permitting manufacturers who have already packaged and labeled the containers for shipment to continue to use the older labels already on the containers, so long as they also provide the updated label for each individual container shipped.

Finally, OSHA has added a new subparagraph (f)(12) – small container labeling.  This provision indicates how manufacturers/importers or distributors can label small containers if they cannot feasibly fit the full label information on the label (this includes demonstrating that the use of fold-out, pullout, or tags is not a feasible option).  OSHA has listed the required information that must be on the label for an immediate container that has a capacity of 100 ml or less, as well as the information needed on the immediate outer package.  OSHA further provides a special consideration for containers with a capacity of 3 ml or less.

Paragraph (g) – Safety Data Sheets

OSHA only made minor editorial changes in paragraph (g).  The changes affecting the SDSs were codified in Appendix D (see below).

Paragraph (i) – Trade Secrets

OSHA made some substantial changes in this paragraph.  First, it amended the standard to allow manufacturers/importers to claim trade secrets not only for the exact percentage of an ingredient but also for a concentration range.  However, OSHA has put some constraints on this use of trade secrets for the concentration or concentration range.  If the manufacturer/importer is claiming the concentration or concentration range as a trade secret, then they must use prescribed ranges.  These ranges are the same ranges used by Health Canada.  This provides relief for manufacturers/importers whose products are sold in both countries.

Appendix A, Health Hazards

While OSHA made some significant changes to several of the health hazard classes, OSHA does not expect major (if any) changes in the classification of existing chemicals.  These changes fell into a few buckets.

In the first bucket, to maintain alignment with the GHS, OSHA updated the health hazard definitions.  The definitions were modified to be more general and neutral with respect to test guidelines.  In the second bucket, OSHA updated the hazard class for skin corrosion/irradiation to reflect GHS Revision 8 as this updated the criteria to better reflect the advances of non-animal testing.  As indicated above, OSHA does not expect manufacturers/importers to do any retesting, and the classification of existing chemicals is expected to remain unchanged.  OSHA also updated the guidance on the consideration of acid/alkaline reserve for extreme pHs (< 2 or > 11.5) under the hazard class Serious eye damage.  In the last bucket, OSHA made general updates to align with GHS Revision 7.  Most notably, OSHA updated the acute toxicity hazard class to include clarification on the use of data from human experience, generally updated the serious eye damage/eye irritation hazard class, and provided extensive clarification on how to classify chemicals corrosive to the respiratory tract.

Appendix B, Physical Hazards

OSHA made some extensive changes to several physical-hazard hazard classes.  Here, OSHA does expect that there may be some changes in the classification of hazards but does not expect new hazardous chemicals to be identified.  The agency states that these changes are mostly a realignment of hazards to improve the communication of these hazards.  The main changes can be found in flammable gases, aerosols, oxidizing solids, and a new hazard category — desensitized explosive.

Flammable Gases – OSHA has aligned with Revision 7 and has updated the chapter to include pyrophoric gases and chemically unstable gases.  Additionally, OSHA has added a new subcategory, subcategory 1B which meets the criteria of subcategory 1A but has a lower flammability limit or a low fundamental burning velocity.

Aerosols (formerly Flammable Aerosols) – OSHA has updated the chapter to align with Revision 7 and has added non-flammable aerosols as category 3.  OSHA declined to use the criteria as presented in Revision 8 for non-flammable aerosols since there appeared to be an inconsistency between categories 2 and 3.  However, OSHA did adopt Revision 8’s criteria for “chemicals under pressure” into the aerosol.

Oxidizing Solids – OSHA updated the oxidizing solids hazard class to include the new testing criteria.  Though indicated that data from either the old test (test O.1) or the new test (test O.3) can be used in classification.

Desensitized Explosives – This is a new hazard class that includes chemicals with explosive properties that have been suppressed.

Appendix C, Allocation of Label Elements

OSHA updated the instructions in Appendix C.1-C.3 to provide additional guidance on how to apply the label elements to the label.  Some of the notable changes include that OSHA will allow the use of the exclamation point for Hazard Not Otherwise Classified to align with Canada’s requirement for these hazards.  OSHA has also clarified that a pictogram should appear once on the label.  The agency further explained that minor textual variations in precautionary statements are permitted as long as the message is not diluted or compromised.  Finally, OSHA has provided guidance on the use of medical statements where multiple medical statements have been triggered.

OSHA updated C.4, the series of tables for the label requirements by hazard class and category.  These tables were updated to reflect the changes in Appendix A and B, clarify acceptable statements for corrosion to the respiratory tract, and update precautionary statements to maintain alignment with Revision 7.

Appendix D, Safety Data Sheets

OSHA has amended the minimum requirements for an SDS to align with Revision 7, reflect the changes in (d)(1), and clarify implementation concerns from the 2012 update of the HCS.  OSHA has updated the instructions to clarify that each section must contain all specified information, but the preparer has flexibility on how it is presented.  The following are updates by section of the SDS:

• Sec. 1 (Identification) – OSHA has indicated that the address and telephone number must be in the U.S.
• Sec. 2 (Hazard Identification) – OSHA has updated section 2 to mirror the changes in (d)(1) indicating that both (d)(1)(i) and (d)(1)(ii) must be included.
• Sec. 3 (Composition) – OSHA has specified that a unique identifier for each ingredient must be included, though this can be claimed as a trade secret. OSHA has also updated the instructions for the trade secrets to mirror the update in paragraph (i).
• Sec. 8 (Exposure Control/Personal Protection) – OSHA has clarified that OSHA PEL, ACGIH TLV, or other exposure limits must be included for ingredients or constituents listed in section 3.
• Sec. 9 (Physical and Chemical Properties) – OSHA has updated the list of chemical properties to align with Revision 7. OSHA has acknowledged that there may be instances where the classification under the HCS and classification for storage purposes may differ when the boiling point is calculated under 29 CFR 1910.106.  OSHA has provided guidance on how this should be presented on the SDS.
• Sec. 10 (Stability and Reactivity) – Clarifying that hazards associated with foreseeable emergencies should be included in section 10.
• Sec. 11 (Toxicological Information) – Updated to align with Revision 7.

Changes from the Proposal to the Final Rule

OSHA made changes throughout the standard between the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking version we saw many months ago and the version published in the Federal Register on May 20, 2024, and states that many of them were intended only to correct outdated references.  However, several changes were significant.

As discussed above, OSHA clarified (d)(1), determining that the language in the proposed rule lacked the clarity needed, and updated the language to better articulate the agency’s intent.  In the final rule, OSHA changed the language adopted at (d)(1).  First, it removed the reference to “normal conditions of use and foreseeable emergencies” and instead replaced it with the term “intrinsic properties.”  Next, it further broke down (d)(1) into (d)(1)(i) and (d)(1)(ii) to differentiate the chemical hazards as shipped (including changes in physical form) and chemical reaction products (known or reasonably anticipated).  OSHA also made some corresponding changes throughout the standard to clarify whether (d)(1)(i) and/or (d)(ii) apply.

For labeling, in (f)(1), OSHA also removed the proposed requirement to add the date that the chemical container was released for shipment and clarified in (f)(11) that the labeling relief for containers already released for shipment is voluntary and manufacturers, importers, and distributors can relabel these containers.

Under trade secrets, OSHA amended (i)(1) to allow ranges narrower than the prescribed ranges.

OSHA increased the proposed compliance deadlines for substances by six months and mixtures by one year.  OSHA also amended the final rule to give downstream users more time to update their workplace programs (workplace labels, written communication program, and training), where necessary.  OSHA will also allow for the regulated community to comply with either the final rule or the previous version during the transition period.

In Appendix A, OSHA made two significant changes to the proposal.  First, OSHA opted to finalize the alternative to use revision 8 for A.2 Skin corrosion/irritation to better articulate the use of non-animal test methods.  OSHA has also added several notes to better articulate how to classify chemicals as “corrosive to the respiratory tract.”  Corresponding notes were added to Appendix C.

In Appendix B, OSHA opted to finalize the alternative of adding a new subcategory in B.3 “Chemicals Under Pressure” introduced in Revision 8.  OSHA also added the label elements for “Chemicals Under Pressure” in C.4.16 of Appendix C.

Implementation Timing

OSHA has established a phased set of deadlines for compliance with the final rule, as follows:

Top 3 Compliance Strategies for the Updated HazCom Standard

Although the final rule provides a brief grace period for coming into compliance with its new and changed requirements, given the breadth and complexity of the new requirements, especially around chemical labeling, the regulated community should begin compliance efforts right away.  Here are our top three tips and strategies for coming into compliance with the GHS final rule:

• Pick your team: Every aspect of your hazard communication program needs to be reassessed and likely updated.  Designate and train a team knowledgeable about the chemicals you manufacture, distribute, or use to become subject matter experts on the changes brought by the new Final HCS .  That team can coordinate with experienced OSHA counsel to bring your organization into compliance with the new HCS requirements.
• Evaluate your chemicals and your program: Compliance with the updated HCS may require, depending on your business, a reanalysis of your chemical classifications, labels, SDSs, a written hazard communication program, and training .  The compliance dates for the new and changed requirements may seem far off now, but when you consider the number of elements that must be addressed, there is not a lot of runway.  Get started on those analyses as soon as possible.
• Evaluate open legal issues : As your team works to analyze your chemicals and program, consult with experienced OSHA counsel to help with the new legal questions created or left unanswered by the new final rule.  For example, OSHA expects manufacturers to classify chemicals, in part, based on known or reasonably anticipated downstream uses of the chemical.  But what does OSHA consider known or reasonably anticipated?  The new final rule seeks to better align U.S. hazard communication with those of our international trade partners, but there are still country-to-country differences, and the revised HCS is far less stringent than the EU’s chemical regulations.  How are manufacturers and importers to navigate these remaining differences?  These are just a couple of examples of legal minefields posed by the rule.  A trusted legal advisor can help navigate such issues.

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France to lift state of emergency in efforts to allow political dialogue in riot-hit New Caledonia

Associated Press

PARIS – French President Emmanuel Macron decided Monday to lift the state of emergency in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia in a move meant to allow political dialogue following the unrest that left seven people dead and a trail of destruction, his office said.

The president's office said in a statement the state of emergency won’t be extended “for the moment” and will therefore end Monday at 8 p.m. in Paris, which is 5 a.m. Tuesday in New Caledonia.

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The decision aims at “enabling meetings of the various components” of pro-independence movement FLNKS, the Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front, and allow elected officials and other local leaders "in a position to call” for lifting the barricades to go there and meet with protesters, the statement said.

Macron repeatedly pushed for the removal of protesters’ barricades with leaders on both sides of New Caledonia’s bitter divide — Indigenous Kanaks, who want independence, and the pro-Paris leaders, who do not.

In the statement, he insisted it is "the necessary condition for the opening of concrete and serious negotiations.”

Macron's move comes after he traveled Thursday to New Caledonia .

The statement said 480 additional gendarmes are to arrive on the archipelago “in the next few hours,” putting security reinforcements at more than 3,500. The seven people killed in shootings include two gendarmes.

The state of emergency had been imposed by Paris on May 15 for at least 12 days to boost police powers. The emergency measures give authorities greater powers to tackle the violence, including the possibility of house detention for people deemed a threat to public order and expanded powers to conduct searches, seize weapons and restrict movements, with possible jail time for violators.

This month’s unrest erupted as the French legislature in Paris debated amending the French constitution to make changes to voter lists in New Caledonia.

The leader of a pro-independence party in New Caledonia on Saturday called on supporters to “remain mobilized” across the French Pacific archipelago and “maintain resistance” against the Paris government’s efforts to impose electoral reforms that the Indigenous Kanak people fear would further marginalize them.

Christian Tein, the leader of the pro-independence party known as The Field Action Coordination Unit, addressed supporters and protesters in a video message posted on social media.

In a separate statement, the Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front called on Macron to withdraw the electoral reform bill if France wants to “end the crisis.”

New Caledonia became French in 1853 under Emperor Napoleon III, Napoleon’s nephew and heir. It became an overseas territory after World War II, with French citizenship granted to all Kanaks in 1957.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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FY 2024 Pre-Disaster Mitigation Congressionally Directed Spending

Available Funding

Eligibility

Requirements

Project List

More Resources

On March 23, 2024, President Biden signed into law Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 , authorizing funding for FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance Pre-Disaster Mitigation grant program.

About the Program

The  Pre-Disaster Mitigation grant program  makes federal funds available to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments to plan for and implement sustainable cost-effective measures. These mitigation efforts are designed to reduce the risk to individuals and property from future natural hazards, while also reducing reliance on federal funding from future disasters. This funding is offered in addition to funds provided through other FEMA grant programs for projects that will support growing mitigation needs nationwide.

Communities and Tribal Nations with projects identified for funding must submit an application for their grants in accordance with the Fiscal Year 2024 Pre-Disaster Mitigation Congressionally Directed Spending funding opportunities published on Grants.gov .

View the FY24 NOFO

View the FY24 "Congressionally Directed Spending" Fact Sheet

For FY 2024, the total amount of funds that are being made available to 110 congressionally directed projects will be $190,568,289 .

A non-federal cost share is required for all subapplications funded through the Pre-Disaster Mitigation grant program. The non-federal cost share may consist of cash, donated or third-party in-kind services, materials, or any combination thereof. The cost share information is as follows:

• Generally, the cost share is 75% federal and 25% non-federal cost share.
• Small impoverished communities are defined as having 3,000 or fewer individuals identified by the applicant that is economically disadvantaged, with residents having an average per capita annual income not exceeding 80% of the national per capita income.
• Federally recognized Tribal governments meeting the definition of a small, impoverished community that apply to FEMA directly as Applicants are eligible for a 90% federal cost share for their planning, project, and management costs subapplications.

Eligibility Requirements

Only states, territories, or federally recognized tribal governments identified by Congress in the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 and enumerated in the accompanying Joint Explanatory Statement for Division C are identified in this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and are eligible to apply.

Each state, territory or federally recognized tribal nation with a project identified in the Pre-Disaster Mitigation funding opportunity shall designate one agency to serve as the applicant for funding. Each applicant’s designated agency may submit only one Pre-Disaster Mitigation grant application to FEMA.

Local governments, including cities, townships, counties, special district governments, and tribal governments (including federally recognized tribes who choose to apply as subapplicants) that are identified in the funding opportunity are considered subapplicants and must submit subapplications to their state applicant agency. Any tribal government identified in the funding opportunity that chooses to apply as a subapplicant must submit its application through the appropriate state applicant agency. For more information, contact the appropriate State Hazard Mitigation Officer.

Applicants may apply for management costs of up to 10% of the total federal share of each project subaward to manage that specific project. If the applicant would like to apply for management costs, it must be deducted from the subrecipient’s joint explanatory statement amount, up to 10% per subapplication.

The recipient must report on the management costs per 2 Code of Federal Regulations 200 and the 2023 Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) Program and Policy Guide . Funding appropriated for one project may only be used for that project. Applicant requests for RMC must be submitted in a separate management costs subgrant application in FEMA’s grant application system. Management costs are 100%federally funded. 

When applying for Hazard Mitigation Assistance funding, all programmatic requirements must be met. FEMA has listed several requirements below as a quick reference, but it is encouraged to refer to the funding opportunity for a full list of all requirements.

Build America, Buy America Act Requirement

The Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA) requires all federal agencies, including FEMA, to ensure that all federal financial assistance for infrastructure projects meets the Buy America preference that all iron and steel, manufactured products, and construction materials used in that infrastructure are manufactured in the United States.

When necessary, recipients and subrecipients may apply for, and FEMA may grant, a waiver from these requirements. A waiver may be granted if FEMA determines that:

• Applying the domestic content procurement preference would be inconsistent with the public interest.
• The types of iron, steel, manufactured products, or construction materials are not produced in the United States in sufficient and reasonably available quantities or of a satisfactory quality.
• The inclusion of iron, steel, manufactured products, or construction materials produced in the United States will increase the cost of the overall project by more than 25%.

For FEMA awards, FEMA’s Interim Policy on BABAA requirements and information on the process for requesting a waiver from the Buy America preference requirements can be found on FEMA’s website at  “Buy America” Preference in FEMA Financial Assistance Programs for Infrastructure .

Hazard Mitigation Plan Requirement

All applicants and subapplicants must have a FEMA-approved Hazard Mitigation Plan by the application deadline and at the time of the obligation of funds, unless the subapplicant is applying for a planning subgrant.

The mitigation projects submitted with the application must be consistent with the goals and objectives identified in the existing FEMA-approved Hazard Mitigation Plan. Interested applicants and subapplicants should contact their State Hazard Mitigation Officer for guidance if they do not have a FEMA-approved Hazard Mitigation Plan.

FEMA may grant an exception to the local hazard mitigation plan requirement in extraordinary circumstances, when adequate justification is provided. This exception must be requested with the subapplication. If this exception is granted, a local hazard mitigation plan must be approved by FEMA within 12 months of the award of the project subgrant to that community.

Cost Effectiveness

All applicants and subapplicants applying for mitigation projects must demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of the mitigation project through a Benefit-Cost Analysis or other documentation. The Benefit-Cost Analysis is the method of estimating the future benefits of a project compared to its cost. FEMA has created a Benefit-Cost Analysis Toolkit that must be used to determine project cost-effectiveness. Please use the Benefit-Cost Analysis Toolkit found on the FEMA website.

FEMA is also leveraging an alternative cost-effectiveness method that will modify the threshold for mitigation projects to be cost-effective under limited conditions. This has long been identified as a challenge by stakeholders to applying for funding. Subapplicants may submit a cost-effectiveness narrative, rather than a Benefit-Cost Analysis, for projects costing less than $1 million. Please reference the program support material found on the FEMA website.

Technical Feasibility and Effectiveness Requirements

Mitigation projects must be both feasible and effective at mitigating the risks of the hazard(s) for which the project was designed. A project’s feasibility is demonstrated through conformance with accepted engineering practices, established codes, standards, modeling techniques, or best practices. Effective mitigation measures must provide a long-term or permanent solution to a risk from a natural hazard.

Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation Requirement

All mitigation projects must comply with all applicable Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and related Department of Homeland Security and FEMA instructions and directives. FEMA encourages the use of other supporting guidance that can be used to ensure all environmental requirements, including the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Job Aids.

Application Submission and Funding Deadlines

To apply for funding made available to these Congressionally Directed Spending projects through the Pre-Disaster Mitigation program, applicants must adhere to the following application submission and funding deadlines:

Application Opening: May 24, 2024

Eligible applicants must apply for funding using the Mitigation eGrants system on the FEMA Grants Portal:  https://portal.fema.gov .

Application Submission Deadline: June 28, 2024, 5 p.m. ET

Applicants experiencing technical problems outside of their control must notify FEMA prior to the application deadline and within 48 hours after the applicant becomes aware of the issue.

FEMA will not review applications that are received after the deadline or consider these late applications for funding.

The application review process begins following the application submission deadline. FEMA will review subapplications submitted by each applicant to ensure all eligibility requirements have been met and there is compliance with the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Guidance.

Application Funding Deadline: Aug. 30, 2024

Period of Performance (POP):

• Start Date: Date of the recipient's federal award
• End Date: 36 months from the start date of the recipient's federal award

Pre-Disaster Mitigation Congressionally Directed Spending Projects

For Fiscal Year 2024, the total amount of funds that are being made available to 110 congressionally directed projects is $190,568,289.

Communities and Tribal Nations with projects identified for funding must submit an application for their grants in accordance with the Fiscal Year 2024 Pre-Disaster Mitigation Congressionally Directed Spending Projects funding opportunities published on Grants.gov .

FY 2024 PDM Grant Program Project List

Additional resources.

In addition to the funding opportunity published on  Grants.gov , FEMA encourages the following additional resources be used for assistance in applying for funding:

• Pre-Disaster Mitigation webpage
• Hazard Mitigation Assistance Guidance
• Hazard Mitigation Assistance Job Aids

General Questions

For general questions about Pre-Disaster Mitigation Congressionally Directed Spending, please contact the appropriate  State Hazard Mitigation Officer  or  FEMA regional office .

The Hazard Mitigation Assistance helpline is also available by telephone at (866) 222-3580.

eGrants System Questions

You can visit the Mitigation eGrants (MT eGrants) System Resources for reference guides and job aids to help submit your application.

For assistance with using the eGrants system to manage your existing PDM grants, please email or call 855-228-3362.

Other Questions

If you require further assistance after navigating the resources above, please contact FEMA by email at  [email protected] .

Weather hazards threaten holiday weekend: Storms and strong currents could limit water fun

A line of strong thunderstorms will affect western Lenawee County and areas near Grand Rapids this evening, and along beaches, high waves and strong currents could affect Memorial Day swimmers, the National Weather Service said.

Doppler radar has tracked the thunderstorms along a line extending from 8 miles southwest of Hudson to Fayette to near Archbold, the weather service said. The storms were moving at 35 mph.

Cloud-to-ground lightning can occur with the storms, the weather service said. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek shelter inside a building or vehicle, the service said.

Wind in excess of 40 mph and pea-size hail were expected. Winds could topple tree limbs and unsecured items.

In Detroit, the threat of high winds and a severe storm prompted the evacuation at the Movement festival Sunday, according to the festival's X account. At 6:45 p.m., the crowd at Hart Plaza was asked to move to the nearest exits.

Movement wrote on X that it was actively monitoring the weather and told attendees to stay tuned for updates.

Areas affecting western Lenawee included in the weather statement include Adrian, Morenci, Addison, Springville and Manitou Beach-Devils Lake.

In the Grand Rapids area, northern Kent, southeast Newaygo and west Montcalm counties are affected.

Winds gusts are expected up to 50 mph.

A coastal hazard message has been issued for the area for Monday morning through evening for high waves, strong currents and dangerous swimming conditions for Memorial Day crowds. The weather service reported that "piers may be heavily swamped by waves." Strong currents can pull swimmers into deeper water.

Areas of concern include Mason, Oceans, Muskegon, Ottawa, Allegan and Van Buren counties.

In southeast Michigan, showers and thunderstorms were a threat Sunday evening, with some strong storms and heavy downpours, the weather service said. A marginal risk of severe thunderstorms existed from Interstate 69 south and a slight risk near the Michigan and Ohio border.

Isolated to scattered thunderstorms are possible Monday and Tuesday.

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• News Releases
• Department of Labor announces final rule updating the Hazard Communication Standard to better protect workers, first responders

OSHA National News Release

May 20, 2024

Department of Labor announces final rule updating the Hazard Communication Standard to better protect workers, first responders 

Improves quality of information on labels, safety data sheets; takes effect July 19, 2024

WASHINGTON – The Department of Labor today announced a final rule from its Occupational Safety and Health Administration that will update the current Hazard Communication Standard to better protect workers by improving the amount and quality of information on labels and safety data sheets and allow workers and first responders to react more quickly in an emergency. The updates take effect on July 19, 2024. 

Aligned primarily with the seventh revision of the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, the updated standard will require labels on small packaging to be more comprehensive and readable and makes changes to help ensure trade secrets no longer prevent workers and first responders from receiving critical hazard information on safety data sheets. 

Workers will also benefit from other changes in the updated standard, including a clearer hazard classification process to provide more complete and accurate hazard information on labels and safety data sheets; updated physical hazard classes to better inform users on safe handling of explosives, aerosols and chemicals under pressure; and updated precautionary statements on how to safely handle, store and dispose of hazardous chemicals. 

The final rule also addresses issues that arose since the implementation of the 2012 standard and improves alignment with other federal agencies and Canada.  

Established in 1983, the Hazard Communication Standard provides a standardized approach to workplace hazard communications associated with exposure to hazardous chemicals. OSHA updated the standard in 2012 to align with the third revision of the GHS to provide a common and coherent approach to classifying chemicals and communicating hazard information. 

Learn more about OSHA and hazard communication .

Watch a short video about the improved rule in English and Spanish on the department YouTube page .

Media Contact:

Patrick Malone, 202-997-3512, [email protected]

Release Number: 24-1010-NAT

Prosecutors seek to bar Trump in classified files case from statements endangering law enforcement

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal prosecutors on Friday asked the judge overseeing the  classified documents case against Donald Trump  to bar the former president from public statements that “pose a significant, imminent, and foreseeable danger to law enforcement agents” participating in the prosecution.

The request to U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon follows a distorted claim by Trump earlier this week that the FBI agents who  searched his Mar-a-Lago estate in August 2022  were “authorized to shoot me” and were “locked & loaded ready to take me out & put my family in danger.”

The presumptive Republican presidential nominee was referring to the  disclosure in a court document  that the FBI, during the search, followed a standard use-of-force policy that prohibits the use of deadly force except when the officer conducting the search has a reasonable belief that the “subject of such force poses an imminent danger of death or serious physical injury to the officer or to another person.”

The Justice Department policy is routine and meant to limit, rather than encourage, the use of force during searches. Prosecutors noted that the search of the Florida property was intentionally conducted when Trump and his family were out of state and was coordinated in advance with the U.S. Secret Service. No force was used.

Prosecutors on special counsel Jack Smith’s team said in court papers late Friday that Trump’s statements falsely suggesting that federal agents “were complicit in a plot to assassinate him” expose law enforcement — some of whom prosecutors noted will be called as witnesses at his trial — “to the risk of threats, violence, and harassment.”

“Trump’s repeated mischaracterization of these facts in widely distributed messages as an attempt to kill him, his family, and Secret Service agents has endangered law enforcement officers involved in the investigation and prosecution of this case and threatened the integrity of these proceedings,” prosecutors told Cannon, who was nominated to the bench by Trump.

“A restriction prohibiting future similar statements does not restrict legitimate speech,” they said.

Defense lawyers have objected to the government’s motion, prosecutors said. An attorney for Trump didn’t immediately respond to a message seeking comment Friday night.

Attorney General Merrick Garland earlier this week slammed Trump’s claim as “extremely dangerous.” Garland noted that the document Trump was referring to is a standard policy limiting the use of force that was even used in the  consensual search of President Joe Biden’s home  as part of an investigation into the Democrat’s handling of classified documents.

Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement Friday that Biden and “his hacks and thugs are obsessed with trying to deprive President Trump and all American voters of their First Amendment rights.

“Repeated attempts to silence President Trump during the presidential campaign are blatant attempts to interfere in the election. They are last ditch efforts of desperate Democrat radicals running a losing campaign for a failed president,” Cheung said.

Trump faces dozens of felony counts  accusing him of illegally hoarding  at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, classified documents that he took with him after he left the White House in 2021, and then obstructing the FBI’s efforts to get them back. He has pleaded not guilty and denied wrongdoing.

It’s one of four  criminal cases  Trump is confronting as he seeks to reclaim the White House, but outside of the ongoing New York  hush money prosecution , it’s not clear that any of the other three will reach trial before the election.

Trump has already had restrictions placed on his speech in two of the other cases over incendiary comments officials say threaten the integrity of the prosecutions.

In the New York case,  Trump has been fined  and  threatened with jail time  for repeatedly violating a gag order that bars him from making public statements about witnesses, jurors and some others connected to the matter.

He’s also subject to a  gag order in his federal criminal election interference case  in Washington. That order limits what he can say about witnesses, lawyers in the case and court staff, though an appeals court freed him to speak about special counsel Smith, who brought the case.

Associated Press reporter Alanna Durkin Richer contributed from Washington.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

FIRST ALERT WEATHER DAY: Severe weather continues

At least one dead due to storms

Power Outages reported across the region

Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival wraps with Queen Coronation

KSP investigating deadly hit and run

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