GHS: Introduction to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals

GHS Training Module 1GHS: Introduction to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals

What is GHS?GHS is a worldwide effort to standardize the way hazardous information is interpreted and presented in order to better protect human healthGHS sets standards for:Defining health, physical, and environmental hazards of chemicalsCreating classification processes for each hazardCommunicating hazard information and protective measures on labels and safety data sheets

This is accomplished by defining what is a health, physical, and environmental hazard, creating a standard process to classify chemicals into these categories based on existing data, and standards for communicating these hazards on labels and safety data sheets. He

2How does GHS affect you?New standardized format of safety data sheets and labels

Standardized elements of hazard identificationPictogramsHazard statements & precautionary statementsSignal words3Safety Data Sheets16 category formatIdentification of the substance or mixture and of the supplierHazards identificationComposition/information on ingredientsFirst aid measuresFirefighting measuresAccidental release measuresHandling and storage

Safety Data SheetsExposure controls/personal protectionPhysical and chemical propertiesStability and reactivityToxicological informationEcological informationDisposal considerationsTransport informationRegulatory informationOther information including info on preparation and revision of the SDS

Safety Data Sheets

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Safety Data SheetsLabels

LabelsRequirements of every label:Product identifier

Supplier identification

Hazard statement(s)

Precautionary statements

Signal word

Hazard pictogram

Example Multi-Clean Label

Signal WordCorresponds with hazard pictogramDanger: more severe hazardsWarning: less severe hazardsOne pictogram may have either signal word depending on severity of hazardOnly the most severe signal word will appear on the label

The signal word is used to indicate the relative level of severity of hazard and alert the reader to a potential hazard on the label. The two signal words are Danger and WarningWithin a specific hazard class, Danger is used for more severe hazard and Warning is used for less severe hazardsThere will only be one signal word on the label regardless of how many hazards a product may haveIf one of the hazards warrants a Danger signal word and another warrants a Warning signal word, only danger will appear on the labelSignal word/pictogram identical to SDS11PictogramA symbol that is intended to relay specific hazard information in a quick and easy mannerPictograms appear on both a products label and SDS

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