The interval between initial action on the rule and its final promulgation led some state and local governments to formulate their own regulations. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania passed their own Worker and Community Right to Know Act in 1984 to make available to employees and to the general public the identity of chemical's used in the workplace, and to make information available as to the known or suspected health hazards posed by the use of or exposure to hazardous substances. The final phase of OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard went into effect April 25, 1988. All Employers Importers Distributors 4. A. Workplace chemicals to which employees are exposed either routinely or in a foreseeable emergency.
Chemicals are part of our lives.
Modern life would be impossible without chemicals. Plastics, drugs and miracle fibers are just a few of the things that use chemicals in their manufacture. But chemicals have to be treated with respect, too. Many can cause injury or illness if not handled properly. Materials Safety Data Sheets are information documents about chemicals, their hazards and required protective and emergency measures.