Occupational Health Watch: February 2015

New Resources for Lead Hazard Communication

New lead warning signs and labels are now available to help employers comply with updated Cal/OSHA hazard communication requirements. The 2015 newsletter from the Occupational Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (OLPPP) alerts employers to the new requirements and offers the new OLPPP materials for free.

Updated Cal/OSHA standards (Title 8 CCR 1532.1, 5198, 5194) have changed how employers must warn their employees about lead hazards. Lead work area signs and labels for lead-contaminated clothing and equipment must now include specific language about central nervous system and reproductive health effects of lead. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) must also include new language. These changes are linked to the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), which standardizes hazard information for workers and employers. Employers must comply with the new labeling rules by June 2015 and the new signage rules by June 2016.

These changes come as Cal/OSHA is in the process of revising its lead standards to make them more protective. OLPPP has made health-based Recommendations for improving the Cal/OSHA Lead Standards. To follow the Cal/OSHA advisory meeting process, see Cal/OSHA: Occupational Lead Exposure - Updates.

To print, download, and get tips for using the new signs and labels, see Lead Warning Signs and Labels.

Resources

Print Signs & Labels

Order Signs

Improving Cal/OSHA Lead Standards

OLPPP homepage

Email Occupational Health Watch (OHW@cdph.ca.gov) with feedback or change of address.