HAZARD COMMUNICATION FOR CHEMICALS


For many years, OSHA has provided information to employers in the form of its Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). This information and labeling system is intended to provide employees necessary information about dangerous or potentially hazardous materials they encounter in the workplace. OSHA has now revised the HCS to more closely align with the internationally recognized GHS (Globally Harmonized System) for labeling and requires chemical manufacturers, distributors, or importers provide Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) (formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheets or MSDSs) to communicate the hazards of hazardous chemical products.


WHAT IS THE GHS?


The GHS (Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals) was enacted by the United Nations beginning in 1992. Since that time it has become the recognized standard world-wide to categorize dangerous chemicals.


What’s so important about labels? - Role of Labels • Labels are the immediate source of information about a chemical • New labels have more information than past labels


• There may also be additional information (known as supplemental information) on the label that is not required—the required information should be presented together on the label The SDS (Safety Data Sheet)


Along with the updated labels, OSHA has reformatted the SDS (Safety Data Sheet). Formally known as the MSDS, the new SDS has a standardized 16-section format. It is designed to present a more complete picture of the chemical, personal protective equipment necessary, what to do if exposed,etc.


13 Dangerous Goods & Hazardous Materials


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