Anthony LaFaziaCEO, Atlantic Training · CEO at Atlantic Training | EdTech & Safety Compliance Leader

Is Your Business Ready for the November 2026 HazCom Deadline?

4 Sept 2026 · 2 min

Watch on YouTube

1:42

In this concise informational video, the speaker alerts employers who handle hazardous chemicals to an upcoming OSHA Hazard Communication (HazCom) deadline of November 20, 2026 for pure substances. The message outlines the background that manufacturers and distributors already faced a May deadline to update labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for pure substances, and now employers must meet three compliance requirements by the November deadline: (1) update workplace container labels to the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) format, (2) revise the written HazCom program to reflect the revised standard, and (3) provide employee training covering the updated hazard classifications. The speaker clarifies that the deadline applies only to pure substances (single chemical compounds such as acetone or ammonia); workplaces dealing only with mixtures (paints, adhesives, cleaning products) have a later deadline of May 19, 2028. Listeners are advised to check their SDS or OSHA’s HazCom website to determine which deadline applies. To aid compliance, a free HazCom GHS Employer Compliance Guide is offered, detailing how to confirm the applicable deadline and address labeling, program, and training requirements. The overarching goal emphasized is ensuring employee safety and avoiding last‑minute scrambling.

Chapters

There's a new OSHA deadline coming you should be aware of if you work with hazardous chemicals. November 20th, 2026. Less than 3 months away. And if your workplace handles pure hazardous substances, there are 3 specific things you're required to have in place by then. Here's some context first. Back in May, chemical manufacturers and distributors had their own deadline to update labels and Safety Data Sheets for pure substances. So if you haven't checked what's been coming in from your suppliers lately, That's worth a look. Now it's the employer's turn, and 3 things will be required. Your workplace container labels need to reflect the updated GHS format. Your written HazCom program needs to reflect the revised standard. And your employee training needs to cover the updated hazard classifications. One important distinction before you panic: this deadline applies to pure substances— single chemical compounds like acetone or ammonia. If your workplace only handles mixtures, like paints, adhesives, or certain cleaning products, Your deadline is actually May 19th, 2028, not November. Not sure which applies to you? Check your Safety Data Sheets or visit osha.gov/hazcom. 3 requirements, 2 possible deadlines, and a chemical inventory to sort through. That's not something you want to piece together at the last minute. That's why we built a free guide that lays it all out. It shows you how to confirm which deadline applies to you and how to tackle labeling, your written program, and training. All in one place. Download the free HazCom GHS Employer Compliance Guide and see exactly where your team stands before November 20th. Because the goal never changes— everyone goes home safe.