The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) and the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) have released a hazard communication compliance guide for consideration and use by grain handling, feed, ingredient and processing facilities.

With a June 1 implementation deadline approaching for compliance with major elements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration\'s recently revised Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), the associations created the document to ensure the industry is prepared for updated compliance requirements.

For more information, download the free, nearly 50-page document.

\"With a deadline around the corner, it was important that we develop a document to guide our industry through the impending changes,\" said NGFA President Randy Gordon. \"Information from the document can be taken and customized by facility managers to develop a hazard communication program tailored for their specific facilities - whether they be grain handling, feed, ingredient or processing facilities.\"

The primary implication of the new standard is that shipped raw grains and oilseeds, as well as some feeds and ingredients, now must comply with OSHA\'s requirement to issue a revised safety data sheet (SDS), formerly known as a material safety data sheet. For this reason, the guide provides sample SDS language, explains labeling requirements, summarizes the changes, and answers frequently asked questions on:
• Combustible dust;
• SDS and labeling requirements;
• Transportation;
• Bulk or bagged feed sold to feed dealers of farms; and
• EPA requirements.
\"This guide was designed for our members - and those in our industry - to fully prepare for the challenges of implementing OSHA\'s new communication standard,\" said AFIA President and CEO Joel G. Newman. \"We understand the pace of progress has changed, and AFIA will continue to work with other industry leaders to ensure up-to-date resources are always available.\"

AFIA and NGFA developed the documents in conjunction with the Corn Refiners Association and the North American Millers Association.

Additional Information
NGFA and AFIA, along with Grain Journal, recently hosted a free webinar to ensure the industry is prepared for compliance with the HCS. Industry experts Jess McCluer, NGFA director of safety and regulatory affairs, Christian Richter, president and CEO of The Policy Group and AFIA consultant, and Dr. Henry Turlington, AFIA director of quality and manufacturing regulatory affairs, highlighted recent changes and provided answers to the members\' most frequently asked questions.

For more information, see the recorded webinar.