How to be GHS Compliant

Blank GHS Safety Data Sheet Label

Did you know, being GHS compliant will ensure your facility is OSHA compliant? In 2012 OSHA revised their hazard communication standard to align with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals, mandating compliance by 2016. Although GHS compliance has been mandatory for just over two years, hazard communication consistently remains as one of OSHA’s most violated standards and the consequences can be dangerous. A worker can be seriously injured if they do …

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The History of GHS

Did you know, the global chemical business is more than $1.7 trillion per year enterprise? Every day chemicals around the world are being manufactured and affect nearly every part of our lives. Some of these chemicals and substances can be hazardous, and it is important whoever is handling or transporting the chemical understands the associated risks through labeling and classification. Prior to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals becoming a worldwide standard, …

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MSDS-to-SDS: The GHS Standard

The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling Chemicals (GHS) Manual

The shift from Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) to Safety Data Sheets (SDS) occurred when OSHA updated their HazCom standards in 2012. Both communicate the same or similar safety information, just in different formats. When OSHA moved to align their hazard communication standards with GHS, that included moving from MSDS to an SDS. The shift was meant to standardize these sheets across industries. What should be included in a safety data sheet? An effective and …

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How to Read GHS Labels

GHS Container Label

As in the name, labeling is an essential component to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. OSHA has updated their HazCom standards to align with GHS and that includes the labeling standard. Containers with hazardous chemicals are required to have a label on them. It also requires chemical manufacturers, importers, or distributors to label chemicals before they leave the facility. GHS labels have six elements that must be on every label. …

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What is GHS?

GHS Container Labels

Hazardous chemicals are being shipped and manufactured all over the world and it is important everyone understands the chemicals they’re handling. The solution is GHS, the Globally Harmonized System, a set of universal HazCom standards. Prior to GHS there was a variety of regulations, standards, and classifications for the same hazardous chemical. The goal of this global system is to create a harmonized system and keep everyone informed and on the same page. Originally developed …

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Helping you Understand GHS

 The Globally Harmonized System, or GHS, was developed by the United Nations and is a set of hazcom standards used worldwide by companies, governments, and other institutions. GHS is focused on creating a universal standard for classifying and labeling different chemical hazards so different industries and different countries can all be on the same page when it comes to hazard communication. GHS standards have been a requirement of OSHA since 2012 and has since impacted …

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