Understanding GHS
The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) is a worldwide initiative to promote standard criteria for classifying chemicals according to their hazards and communicating hazard information on labels and safety data sheets. GHS was developed by international mandate to:
- Benefit countries, international organizations and chemical producers
- Enhance the protection of humans and the environment
- Facilitate international chemicals trade
- Reduce redundant and costly testing and evaluation
How soon should you expect to see GHS adopted in the US? On October 25, 2011, OSHA submitted its revised Hazard Communication (HazCom) Standard to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). If approved, the final rule will revise HazCom to align with GHS. OMB has 90 days from OSHA’s submission date to review the revised standard. Upon approval, the final rule will be published in OSHA’s Federal Register. However, OMB also has the right to extend this 90 day period, if deemed necessary.
Transitioning your organization to GHS will not be an overnight process. To become GHS compliant, MSDSs need re-authored into the new standardized SDS format; containers need re-labeled to include the appropriate signal words, pictograms and hazard statements; employees need re-trained; and written procedures, updated.
As your trusted regulation resource partner, Safetec is committed to keeping you updated on GHS milestones and helping you prepare for the upcoming standard.
Links:
GHS Timeline
2012
2011
2010
US – OSHA hosted public GHS hearings
World – GHS currently implemented or in various stages of implementation in 67 countries
2009
US – OSHA proposed modifications to conform Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to GHS
World – Third revised edition of GHS is published (currently the most recent)
2007
US – DOT transport regulations aligned to GHS
EU – Adopted act aligning EU system of classification, labeling and packaging substances to GHS
World – Second revised edition of GHS is published
2006
US – OSHA publishes Advanced Notices of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) on GHS
Canada – Published GHS multi-stakeholder technical consultation results
2005
2004
2003
Canada – Published a situational analysis which compared the existing systems in Canada to GHS and identified possible issues for discussion during the implementation of GHS in Canada
UN – GHS adoption is endorsed by the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations
World – First edition of the GHS is published
2002
World – At the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) countries are encouraged to adopt GHS by 2008.
UN – GHS formally adopted by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
US – OSHA, DOT, CPSC and EPA form Interagency Working Group on Harmonization to work in concert with the State Department to represent the United State’s interest in the GHS process
1992
1983
US – OSHA issues Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) which includes a preamble recommending an internationally harmonized system
