Hazard Communication StandardGlobally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals

Kathleen Park

Medical Technology Program

Austin Community College

What is hazard communication? Employers must develop, maintain, prepare, and implement a written hazard

communication to include: List of all hazardous chemicals present onsite All containers MUST be labeled Provide employees access to Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

at all times within the work area An effective training program for all employees

that could potentially have an exposure

Define the GHS The Globally Harmonized System (GHS)

International approach to hazard communication Internationally agreed criteria for classification of chemical hazards Standardized approach to label elements and SDSs Based on existing systems from around the world

OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) U. S. agencies’ labeling systems

Hazard communication updates The three major areas updated in 2012

Hazard classification Labels Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

Hazard Classification Definition changed to provide specific criteria

For classification of health hazards For classification of physical hazards For classification of mixtures

Why change? Ensure evaluation of hazardous effect are consistent across

manufacturers Labels are accurate SDS are accurate For classification of physical hazards For classification of mixtures

Hazard ClassificationClassification

Physical hazardHealth hazardPyrophoric GasSimple AsphyxiatesCombustible dustHazard not otherwise classified (HNOC)

Labels Requirements for chemical manufacturers:

Product identifier Name, address, and telephone number of the chemical

manufacturer Hazard class and category

Harmonized signal word Pictogram Hazard statement Precautionary statements

Safety Data Sheets Information required is essentially the same as the old standard (MSDS) 1994 Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) indicated what

information, but not a format The revised standard, HCS 2012, requires

Consistent headings Information in a specified sequence

Safety Data Sheets SDS MUST be accessible to employees

Employers must maintain SDS Binders Online A back-up system MUST be available for rapid access if power outage

Employees MUST have immediate access without leaving work area Employers may designate personnel to obtain and maintain the SDS

Safety Data Sheets SDS format into 16 sections

1. Identification 12. Ecological information

2. Hazard identification 13. Disposal considerations

3. Composition/information on ingredients 14. Transport information

4. First-aid measures 15. Regulatory information

5. Fire fighting measures 16. Other information

6. Accidental release measures

7. Handling and storage

8. Exposure controls/personal protection

9. Physical and chemical properties

10. Stability and reactivity

11. Toxicological information

Sample SDS

Sample Label

Pictograms Required under the GHS

Required to convey health, physical, and environment hazards Found on all SDS

Fire pictogram - flammables, pyrophorics, self-heating, self-reactive, items that emit flammable gas, and organic peroxides

The pictogram in the middle - oxidizers The skull and crossbones pictogram - acute toxicity (fatal or toxic)

Pictograms

Hand and chemical pictogram – skin corrosion/burns, eye damage, and corrosive to metals

Explosion pictogram – explosives, self-reactive, and organic peroxides Exclamation point pictogram – irritant (skin and eye), skin sensitizer,

acute toxicity, narcotic effects, respiratory tract irritant, and hazardous to ozone layer

Pictograms

“Dead fish” pictogram – aquatic toxicity Man and star pictogram – carcinogen, mutagenicity, reproductive

toxicity, respiratory sensitizer, target organ toxicity, and aspiration toxicity

Gas pictogram – gases under pressure

Pictograms

References

OSHA HCS brief

https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3514.pdf

OSHA compliance

http://www.thecompliancecenter.com/blog/2012/05/09/oshas-safety-data-sheet-changes/

OSHA HCS factsheet

https://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/HCSFactsheet.html