Pennsylvania Hazard Communication : What you need to know

· Rules. Pennsylvania is not a "state-plan" state, which means its occupational safety and health program has not been approved by federal OSHA. Therefore, in the private sector (private businesses and nonprofit organizations), the federal law preempts state laws regarding safety and health. For further details, see the national section HAZARD COMMUNICATION STANDARD.

Public sector (state and local government offices and operations) workplaces must follow state hazard communication rules, which have adopted rules that mirror federal requirements and several provisions that are stricter than federal rules.

· Administration and enforcement. OSHA administers and enforces safety and health requirements in private sector workplaces. DLI administers and enforces all safety and health requirements in public sector workplaces.

Public sector employers must provide training for new employees within 120 days of hire, and at least annual training of employees exposed to hazardous chemicals in the workplace. Training and education should include information on the contents of MSDSs, the locations of hazardous substances, their properties, chemical, trade, and common names, exposure symptoms and effects, flammability, explosivity, and reactivity, emergency treatment, personal protective equipment, proper conditions for safe use, and emergency procedures for accidents.

Written records of the names of employees who were trained and the dates of training must be kept, and they must be available on request to DLI during an inspection.

DLI will provide help in developing an education and training program for employers.