ROCKVILLE, Md. — The Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) announced that it has revised itsModel Hazard Communication Programto simplify compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA’s) 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.

The association said 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 – safety for the Murphy Company. “It simplifies the process of complying with the revised OSHA standard, which is a real plus for busy contractors.”

The Model Hazard Communication Program is available for download from MCAA’s Bookstore at www.mcaa.org/store. MCAA members may download the publication at no charge. The cost for non-members is $54.

Publication date: 8/13/2012