Globally Harmonized System (GHS) Information

The UN Globally Harmonized System (GHS) is a classification system developed to provide an international standard and harmonization for the classification and labeling of chemicals. It is meant to:

• Protect human health and the environment by providing an international system for hazard communication.
• Classify the hazards of chemicals and communicate those hazards and precautionary information using safety data sheets and labels.
• Provide a recognized framework for countries without a system to facilitate international trade.
• Provide consistency in hazard communication to ease compliance, encourage the safe transport, handling and use of chemicals and promote better emergency response to chemical incidents.
• Reduce the need for testing chemicals on animals.

GHS Impact on U.S. Chemical Manufacturers:
Regulatory Changes and Practical Guidance

Chemical manufacturers bear the brunt of changes brought about in OSHA's 2012 Hazard Communication Standard. With the first deadline approaching, which requires employee training be completed by December 1, 2013, the meticulous work of classifying chemicals, compiling data for publication in the new safety data sheet format and changing labels is just beginning for U.S. chemical producers.

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OSHA has published its Hazcom 2012 final rule that modifies the current hazard communication standard to align with the United Nations' Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). This modification was made in order to improve the quality and consistency of hazard information to make it safer for workers to do their jobs, and make it easier for employers to stay competitive. By December 1, 2013 employers must train employees on the new hazcom label elements and safety data sheet (SDS) format.

Labelmaster has been closely following the new hazard communications standard and is a name you can trust to provide you with all your GHS labeling, regulatory and marking requirements. Labelmaster GHS labels use the standard GHS pictograms to depict the recommended measures that should be taken to minimize or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure to a hazardous product. These GHS labels and GHS markings also instruct users how to minimize improper storage or handling of hazardous materials.

Turn to Labelmaster for GHS training products and labeling resources you need to comply with the new standard including the GHS "Purple Book", GHS training programs and manuals and much more.

See Labelmaster's blog for more on the revised OSHA Hazcom Standard and GHS. Check back regularly for updates. Labelmaster is closely following these regulatory developments and will continue to provide updates as they become available. You can trust Labelmaster to provide you with all your GHS regulatory, labeling and marking requirements. And for a thorough, side-by-side comparison of changes from OSHA's existing Hazard Communication Standard to the revised Hazard Communication Standard relating to GHS, please visit osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/side-by-side.html.