EPA Updates EPCRA Rules to Align with OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard

One of the most important changes is the adoption of OSHA’s current definitions for hazard category, health hazard, and physical hazard. Using the same terminology across both OSHA and EPA regulations should make hazard classification and chemical reporting more consistent and easier for employers to manage.

MSDS References Replaced with SDS

The EPA is also officially retiring the outdated term Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). When OSHA adopted the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) in 2012, it replaced MSDS with Safety Data Sheet (SDS). EPA initially recognized both terms to ease the transition, but with SDS now firmly established as the industry standard, all references to MSDS will be removed from EPCRA regulations. The definition of an SDS has also been updated to match OSHA’s current Hazard Communication Standard.

Combustible Dust and EPCRA Reporting

Another notable decision involves combustible dust. Although OSHA added a formal definition for combustible dust in its 2024 HazCom update, EPA chose not to add that definition to its own regulations. Instead, the agency determined that combustible dust is already covered because EPCRA references OSHA’s definition of a hazardous chemical. As a result, facilities that manage combustible dust hazards should not expect any significant change in how those materials are addressed under EPCRA.

What Employers Should Do Now

While these revisions do not create major new compliance obligations, they reinforce the importance of maintaining current hazard communication practices. Organizations should review their chemical inventories, verify that Safety Data Sheets are up to date, and prepare to use the revised hazard classifications when completing future Tier II reports.

Overall, these updates represent another step toward greater consistency between OSHA workplace safety requirements and EPA environmental reporting regulations, helping simplify compliance for employers while maintaining clear communication about hazardous chemicals.