HazCom/GHS

Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Guide to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) available at http //www.osha.gOv/dsg/hazcom/ghs.html 3 (accessed September 14, 2009). 

The various sections of a typical MSDS written in the ANSI/GHS formats are discussed below with an emphasis on how this can be useful to you and what the limitations of the information might be. Keep in mind that the format is suggested and not required, so it may vary with manufacturer. Even if the ANSI format is used, there may be variations with the types of information reported in a given section. There is an online OSHA document (http //www.osha.gOv/dsg/hazcom/ghs.html 7.0) that compares the MSDS formats for ANSI, SIO, OSHA, and GHS formats. 

Occupational Safety Health Administration. A guide to The Globally Harmonized Systran of classificatimi and labelling of chemicals (GHS). hflps //www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/ghs.html 3.4... 

How does HazCom/GHS labeling requirements differ from NFPA or HMIS labeling systems ... 

HazCom/GHS uses hazard categories. NFPA and HMIS uses hazard ratings. These systems run opposite of each other. 

Under HazCom/GHS, hazard categories usually begin at 1 for the most severe and 4 or 5 for the least severe hazards. Some hazard categories are identified by an A , B , or other letter of the alphabet. The number identifying the hazard category will not appear on the label — only on the SDS for the product. This is different from NFPA and HMIS labels. The only numbers appearing on the GHS-style label will be any product identification numbers and the phone number of the chemical manufacturer or importer. 

Review the March 26, 2012, changes to the Hazard Communication standard, which incorporate the GHS (Globally Harmonized System) for classification and labehng of chemicals. There is a phase-in period (shown at the end of this section) during which time employers can comply with either the old Hazcom standard or the new one, or both. To view the full text of the Hazcom/GHS changes, visit www.jj keller. com/hazcom. 

Coming this September ISHN s Virtual EHS Summit Product expo GHS hazcom revisions I2P2 Hearing protection in construction... 

OSHA believes that including GHS in HazCom will ... 

Use of precautionary statements, while optional in the GHS system, are mandatory in OSHA s HazCom standard. 

I acknowledge receipt of J. J. Keller s HazCom Made Easier What You Need to Know About Hazard Communication GHS, which covers the following topics ... 

In your own words, explain the impact of GHS requirements on the OSHA HAZCOM standard. 

Note Employees must also be trained on the March 26, 2012, changes to the Hazcom standard. These changes incorporate the GHS system of classification and labeling of chemicals. In particular, employees must be trained on the new pictograms, labels, and safety data sheets, by Dec. 1,2013. 

Adopting portions of the GHS into the HazCom standard will ensime more consistent and useful transfer of safety information through a standardized approach to container labehng and safety data sheet content and format. It will also help harmonize HazCom with chemical safety rules used in other parts of the world. 

OSHA believes that incorporating GHS into the HazCom standard will help create safer working conditions in all workplaces. By using a standardized system of hazard classification and labeling, workers will have uniformly better safety information. 

By adopting portions of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS), OSHA s Hazard Communication (HazCom) Standard, requires the use of GHS-compliant labels. Chemical hazard warning labels are one way of informing employees of the hazards and of how to protect themselves when using or storing a material. 

Chemicals can pose a wide range of hazards, from mild irritation to possible death. OSHA s Hazard Communication (HazCom) Standard adopts a GHS-compliant, 16-section safety data sheet (SDS) in order to help to ensure that employees and employers have information about these hazards and can establish appropriate protective measures. 

OSHA requires that employees who come into contact with hazardous chemicals be provided with thorough and accurate information on each hazardous chemical present in the workplace. The revised HazCom standard requires the use of the GHS-compliant, 16-section Safety Data Sheet (SDS). 

Depending on the Class, there can be up to 5 Categories. As a result of the GHS/Hazcom revisions in 2012, all of this information is standardized, both in the evaluation and classification method, as well as in label elements, SDS elements, and hazard statements. In other words, if a chemical is determined to be a Category 1 fiammable gas then there is a predefined list of pictograms, label elements, SDS wording, etc., that manufacturers or importers must utilize. 

OSHA specifically added the mention of simple asphyxiants, combustible dusts, and pyrophoric gases, is that the GHS classification system does not recognize them as hazards however, OSHA does so they were included in the 2012 revisions to the HazCom standard. 

There are nine pictograms under the GHS to convey heaith, physical, and environ-mentai hazards however, oniy eight pictograms are required under the HazCom standard. The environmentai pictogram is not required because these associated hazards are not within OSHA s jurisdiction. The hazard pictograms and their corresponding hazards are shown below. 

In 2012 OSHA revised its Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom) to align it with the GHS. This hazard rating system uses systematic definitions for all chemical hazards that might be encountered. It identifies hazard classes (physical hazards, health hazards, environmental hazards) and within each hazard... 

On March 26, 2012, OSHA released revisions to the Hazcom requirements. These revisions incorporate the GHS system. The following FAQs are based on the revised requirements. 

Safety professionals must continually evolve. Whether it be an emerging safety issue, such as nanotechnology a regulatory change, such as GHS/HazCom a new responsibility, such as environmental or a new role in the organization or a new job with another organization, safety professionals always need new skills and knowledge. 

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