The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals—What to Expect
Chris Ingram
Compliance Coordinator
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Hazard Communication Standard Pictograms |
You may notice a new look to many labels and data sheets that accompany chemical products purchased from Carolina Biological Supply Company. The change is not just visual, but a comprehensive update to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard (also known as HazCom or HCS). This move aligns US regulations with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) adopted by the United Nations.
The GHS standardizes the approach to communicating chemical hazards. Chemical manufacturers are required to evaluate their company-produced chemicals for potential hazards and communicate any discovered hazards to downstream users. Specific criteria establish chemical classification, resulting in more uniform hazard assessments. Additionally, regulators in many countries are incorporating the GHS framework into their own country’s hazard-communication regulations. In 2012 OSHA updated the existing HazCom to align with GHS.
Here are a few major changes to note:
- Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are renamed Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
- Standardized pictograms appear on both the label and SDS for hazardous materials
- Hazardous materials carry a hazard classification that drives standardized warnings and pictograms
- Deadline for required training of employees is December 1, 2013
So how do these changes affect you? Let’s do a side-by-side comparison of an older Carolina MSDS and its counterpart, an SDS updated using GHS guidelines.
Differences between the new GHS standard (SDS) and the old standard (MSDS)
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New GHS Standard (SDS) |
Header
REMOVED: NFPA classification
MOVED: Revision dates to Section 16
Section 1
REVISED: Product description simplified
Section 2
ADDED: GHS classification, pictograms, and standardized hazard and precautionary statements
Section 3
MOVED: TLV/PEL component values to section 8
Section 4
ADDED: GHS phrases where applicable
Section 5
REMOVED: NFPA values
MOVED: Flash point to section 9
ADDED: Hazardous combustion products
Section 6
INCLUDED: GHS phrases where applicable
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Old Standard (MSDS) |
Section 7
INCLUDED: GHS phrases for handling and storage, added storage code
Section 8
ADDED: TLV/PEL component values
EXPANDED: PPE selection data
Section 9
EXPANDED: Available physical data fields as required by GHS
Section 10
ADDED: Reactivity field
Section 11
EXPANDED (greatly): Toxicity data
ADDED: Chronic effects and symptoms, toxicity value table, carcinogenicity classification table, mutagenicity, teratogenicity, sensitization, and reproductive fields
Section 12
EXPANDED (greatly): Ecological data
ADDED: Ecological hazard, mobility, persistence, bioaccumulation, biodegradability, other adverse effects, and ecotoxicity data
Section 13
No major changes
Section 14
INCLUDED: IATA proper shipping name
Section 15
ADDED: More regulatory classifications
Section 16
ADDED: Revision dates
EXPANDED: Glossary