Helping you understand GHS
The modern world relies on millions of different products, which are manufactured in facilities around the world. Many of these facilities relay heavily on the use of chemicals to help to create their products. There are also many chemicals that are the products themselves, such as cleaning supplies, medical products, and much more. While these chemicals are absolutely essential in today’s world, they can also be very dangerous. This is why it is so important …
Keeping your employees and workplace safe from hazardous chemicals is the cornerstone of successful hazard communication. It’s not too difficult and it doesn’t need to be costly to implement an effective HazCom program, but it does require forethought and planning. These six steps provide a solid basis on which you can plan your own HazCom program implementation. 1. Learn OSHA’s standards The first step to preparing an effective HazCom program is understanding and complying with …
A main purpose of the new GHS is to standardize the types of chemical hazards that exist and the way entities in the chemical industry classify chemicals that have those hazards. Prior to GHS, the same chemical could be classified differently in different countries and industries, resulting in confusing standards. To that end, the GHS names three main hazard groups: physical, health, and environmental. –Physical hazards: The chemicals and substances in this class pose a …
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 …
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 …
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. …
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 …