OSHA Sets Nov. 20, 2026 HazCom Compliance Deadline for Employers

The Nov. 20, 2026 deadline is the next major compliance date in OSHA’s revised Hazard Communication Standard, according to Safety+Health Magazine. The standard went into effect on July 19, 2024 and contains staggered compliance dates in Paragraph (j) of 1910.1200 stretching into 2028.

Reclassification Requirements for Manufacturers

Chemical manufacturers and importers evaluating substances had until May 19, 2026 to reclassify aerosols, desensitized explosives and flammable gases under new criteria in Appendix B to 1910.1200. They were required to make corresponding revisions to Safety Data Sheets and shipped container labels and comply with all other modified provisions. Employers who use these substances should have started receiving updated SDSs and shipped container labels from their suppliers, according to Safety+Health Magazine.

Employer Actions Required by November Deadline

The Nov. 20, 2026 deadline applies to substances. By that date employers who use substances that are aerosols, desensitized explosives or flammable gases must update any alternative in-house labeling when there are hazard classification changes. They must also update their HazCom training program and provide additional employee training for any newly identified physical, health or other hazards covered by 1910.1200.

The hazards of aerosols, desensitized explosives and flammable gases are not changing. Only the way they are classified under criteria in 1910.1200 Appendix B is affected.

SDS Update and Maintenance Rules

Chemical manufacturers or importers must provide an updated SDS downstream with the next shipment of the chemical and when requested by a distributor or employer. Employers must maintain the most recently received SDS for all covered hazardous chemicals. When an updated SDS for a chemical is received, it must replace the previous version.

OSHA states in CPL 02-02-079 that the HazCom Standard does not require employers to contact manufacturers, importers or distributors to obtain new SDSs of products for which they currently have SDSs. However, if they do, the manufacturer or importer must provide it. In the preamble to the final HazCom rule, OSHA notes that because the updated standard contains only limited revisions of the hazard classification rules, the agency does not anticipate that most employers will need to complete these additional requirements, according to Safety+Health Magazine.