As we discussed last week, the 7th Edition of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) has quite the change as it relates to flammable gases. We now know there are three (3) Categories of flammable Gases: 1A, 1B, and 2. The 1B is the new one and was in put in place to manage the new flammable refrigerants that are replacing the Ozone Depleting refrigerants. I have updated the GHS flowchart with US metrics so we can see how the new Category 1B Flammable Gases will play out in our workplaces:
NOTE: As I said last week, OSHA has it on their agenda for this year to update the GHS HazCom standard (1910.1200) but we do not know which sections will be updated or if they will even adopt this new Category. I do know the pressure is being applied and has been since these new refrigerants came on board. When OSHA announces their intent this month or soon after we will get a much better idea as to what they want to revise in the current HAZCOM standard.