Huntsman Polyurethanes Implements Globally Harmonized System of Chemical Classification and Labeling New OSHA-Mandated System to Begin Ahead of Schedule in the United States

October 2, 2014

 

The Woodlands, Texas – Today, Huntsman Corporation’s (NYSE: HUN) Polyurethanes division in the Americas region began implementing the use of Globally Harmonized System (GHS) safety data sheets and labels for products sent to customers, distributors and tollers in the United States.

This implementation complies with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA rule 29 CFR 1910.1200 (2012)) Hazard Communication Standard, which goes into effect on June 1, 2015. As part of the GHS implementation, Huntsman is now using the GHS-mandated safety data sheets and product labels that feature pictograms.

The GHS classification and labeling of chemicals is a worldwide initiative by the United Nations to promote standard criteria for classifying chemicals according to their health, physical and environmental hazards. GHS is designed to deliver consistent criteria for chemical classification and labeling on a global level, including:

  • Defining health, physical and environmental hazards of chemicals;
  • Creating classification processes that use available data on chemicals for comparison with the defined hazard criteria; and
  • Communicating hazard information, as well as protective measures, on labels and safety data sheets (SDS).

“GHS adoption stands to benefit the entire chemical value chain,” said Steve Burns, Vice President, Americas, Huntsman Polyurethanes. “Early implementation of GHS helps ensure that Huntsman associates, customers and distributors and tollers receive the clear and consistent information they need safely handle and work with MDI and polyols products.”

About Huntsman:

Huntsman Corporation is a publicly traded global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated chemicals with 2013 revenues of approximately $13 billion including the acquisition of Rockwood’s performance additives and TiO2 businesses. Our chemical products number in the thousands and are sold worldwide to manufacturers serving a broad and diverse range of consumer and industrial end markets. We operate more than 100 manufacturing and R&D facilities in more than 30 countries and employ approximately 15,000 associates within our 5 distinct business divisions. For more information about Huntsman, please visit the company's website at www.huntsman.com.

Forward Looking Statements:

Statements in this release that are not historical are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on management’s current beliefs and expectations. The forward-looking statements in this release are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances and involve risks and uncertainties that may affect the company’s operations, markets, products, services, prices and other factors as discussed in the Huntsman companies’ filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Significant risks and uncertainties may relate to, but are not limited to, financial, economic, competitive, environmental, political, legal, regulatory and technological factors. In addition, the completion of any transactions described in this release is subject to a number of uncertainties and closing will be subject to approvals and other customary conditions. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that such transactions will be completed or that the company’s expectations will be realized. The company assumes no obligation to provide revisions to any forward-looking statements should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by applicable laws.

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CONTACT:
Media:
Eric Stebel, tel: 281-719-4602