ROCKVILLE, Md. — The Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) has revised its Model Hazard Communication Program to simplify compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) updated standard on hazard communication. Under the revised standard, contractors must comply with a new, globally harmonized system for hazard communication. This system replaces traditional chemical hazard classification and identification practices.

“MCAA is updating its model program immediately to give members time to learn about and implement the new compliance requirements before the Dec. 1, 2013, deadline,” said Pete Chaney, director of safety and health for MCAA.

According to the association, it’s likely that OSHA will place special emphasis on enforcing compliance with the revised standard.

“The revised Model Hazard Communication Program was designed specifically for mechanical industry contractors,” said Tom Skaggs, chairman of MCAA’s Safety and Health Committee and vice president of safety for the Murphy Co. in St. Louis. “It simplifies the process of complying with the revised OSHA standard, which is a real plus for busy contractors.”

The Model Hazard Communication Program and other publications are available for download from MCAA’s bookstore at www.mcaa.org/store.

Publication date: 8/20/2012