Rule filed December 30, 2025

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The Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) updated its rulemaking website

Rule filed December 30, 2025

For information on all L&I meetings and public hearings related to rulemaking, please visit our public participation calendar.

Division: Division of Occupational Safety & Health (DOSH)

Topic: Adoption (CR-103) – Hazard Communication

Brief Description: This rulemaking updated Chapter 296-901 WAC, Globally harmonized system for hazard communication. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) updated their Hazard Communication Standard in 29 CFR 1910.1200. This update was made to better protect workers by improving the amount and quality of information on labels and safety data sheets. Having better information will allow workers and first responders to react more quickly in the event of an emergency. The adopted rule amendments include, among other things:

  • Updates are consistent with the provisions of the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS).
  • Scope of rule now includes other hazards rather than strictly physical or health hazards.
  • Added definitions for “bulk shipment”, “combustible dust”, “gas”, “immediate outer package”, “liquid”, “physician or other licensed health care professional (PLHCP)”, “released for shipment”, and “solid”.
  • The hazard classification must now include any hazards associated with the chemical’s intrinsic properties.
  • Updated requirements for labels on shipped containers to apply to distributors.
  • Updated labeling requirements for bulk shipments of hazardous chemicals.
  • Updated requirements for safety data sheets.
  • Updated trade secrets section to allow for either the specific identification of a hazardous chemical, and/or the exact percentage (concentration) or concentration range of the substance in a mixture.
  • Updated appendices and related tables to meet OSHA requirements.

Effective date: February 1, 2026

Additional information about this rulemaking:
CR-103 Adoption
Adoption Language
Washington State Department of Labor & Industries · 7273 Linderson Way SW · Tumwater WA 98501