Global Harmonization and Changes to the Hazard Communication Standard – Part 3
Global Harmonized System (GHS): An International approach to hazard communications providing criteria for classification of chemical hazards and a standardized approach for labeling elements and Safety Data Sheets.
In the last newsletter, we learned more about Safety Data Sheets. This segment will focus on the new labels and labeling standards. Looking at the label gives us key information to keep us safe.
Labeling requirements include:
- Be on the lookout for a signal word that is now required such as “danger” or “warning”. DANGER is used for more severe hazards while WARNING is used for less severe hazards
- Universal hazard symbols or “pictograms”
- Manufacturer information
- Precautionary statements
- Example: “Keep away from heat, sparks and open flames and store in a cool, well-ventilated place”
- First aid information
- A hazard statement describing the nature and degree of the hazard
- Example: “Causes damage to kidneys through prolonged or repeated exposure when absorbed through the skin”
Because of this important labeling requirements, OSHA does not permit us to re-label a primary container. If you need to pour over into another container (called a secondary container), it must be properly labeled with:
- Identity – recognizable name of chemical
- Dates – date received, made, and/or expired as applicable
- Personnel – initials of person performing step two
- Hazards – note the major hazard present (found on the original label)
- Special – any unique handling or storage such as “refrigerated”
These changes in labeling are designed to keep you safer by giving you easier labels to read with key safety information.
Chapter 4 of the HMSL Safety Manual outlines our detailed written hazard communication program.
Want more info on the HazMat standard? More details can be found at https://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom.