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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:
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.
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New GHS Standard (SDS) |
REMOVED: NFPA classification
MOVED: Revision dates to Section 16
REVISED: Product description simplified
ADDED: GHS classification, pictograms, and standardized hazard and precautionary statements
MOVED: TLV/PEL component values to section 8
ADDED: GHS phrases where applicable
REMOVED: NFPA values
MOVED: Flash point to section 9
ADDED: Hazardous combustion products
INCLUDED: GHS phrases where applicable
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Old Standard (MSDS) |
INCLUDED: GHS phrases for handling and storage, added storage code
ADDED: TLV/PEL component values
EXPANDED: PPE selection data
EXPANDED: Available physical data fields as required by GHS
ADDED: Reactivity field
EXPANDED (greatly): Toxicity data
ADDED: Chronic effects and symptoms, toxicity value table, carcinogenicity classification table, mutagenicity, teratogenicity, sensitization, and reproductive fields
EXPANDED (greatly): Ecological data
ADDED: Ecological hazard, mobility, persistence, bioaccumulation, biodegradability, other adverse effects, and ecotoxicity data
No major changes
INCLUDED: IATA proper shipping name
ADDED: More regulatory classifications
ADDED: Revision dates
EXPANDED: Glossary