Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS)
What is GHS?
GHS is a mandate provided by the United Nations, and is governed in the United States
primarily by OSHA. These guidelines fall under the Hazard Communication Standard and
Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA.)
Why is GHS important?
GHS provides uniform management of chemicals that includes a system through which chemical hazards
are identified and communicated to all who are potentially exposed.
What has changed?
Product labels, (M)SDS, Chemical Classifications, and the Standardizing Criteria are
all changing with GHS. All current Hazard Communication Programs were required to
be updated to match GHS by June 1, 2016.
Our Job
Making a GHS Compliant Label
Avery provides a free template wizard to make GHS compliant labels. A power point
presentation is linked here, to help guide you through the process.
GHS Changes
ULM employees using chemical hygiene or performing inspections of ULM Laboratories
will be responsible for reading and understanding Safety Data Sheets and labels. Any
individual transferring or creating a new chemical is responsible for the labeling
of that chemical. All facilities are responsible for updating MSDS books to SDS books
as the information is provided.
Manufacturers and suppliers are responsible for updating product labels and (M)SDS.
Products used at the time of the GHS change were somewhat 'grandfathered' with their
current labels. However, if the label is worn or illegible it should replaced with
a GHS compliant label.
Resources
Pictograms
GHS Standard with Frequently Used Documents
OSHA's Guidance on GHS
Safety Office