What is GHS?

GHS stands for the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. GHS defines and classifies the hazards of chemical products, and communicates health and safety information on labels and safety data sheets). The goal is that the same set of rules for classifying hazards, and the same format and content for labels and safety data sheets (SDS) will be adopted and used around the world. An international team of hazard communication experts developed GHS.

Why GHS?

Currently, many different countries have different systems for classification and labelling of chemical products. Also, several different systems can exist even within the same country. This situation has been expensive for governments to regulate and enforce, costly for companies who have to comply with many different systems and confusing for workers who need to understand the hazards of a chemical in order to work safely.

GHS promises to deliver several distinct benefits. Among them are:

• Promoting regulatory efficiency
• Facilitating trade
• Easing compliance
• Reducing costs
• Providing improved, consistent hazard information
• Encouraging the safe transport, handling and use of chemicals
• Promoting better emergency response to chemical incidents
• Reducing the need for animal testing

Scope of GHS?

GHS covers all hazardous chemicals and may be adapted to cover chemicals in the workplace, transport, consumer products, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals. The target audiences for GHS include workers, transport workers, emergency responders, and consumers.

Key Label Elements?

Pictograms

Graphical composition includes a symbol and other graphic elements, such as a border, background pattern or color that is intended to convey specific information.

Signal Words

Word used to indicate the relative level of severity of hazard and alert the reader to a potential hazard on the label

“Danger” (for more severe hazard categories)

“Warning” (for less severe hazard categories)

Product Identifier

The Chemical name, Product Name or other unique identifiers.

Supplier Identification

• Name
• Address
• Telephone number of the manufacturer or supplier of the substance/mixture.

Hazard Statements Definition

Phrases assigned to a hazard class and category that describes the nature of the hazards of a hazardous product, including, where appropriate, the degree of hazard. Hazard statements and a code uniquely identifying each one “Hxxx” are listed in section 1 of Annex 3 of the GHS. Hazard statement codes are intended to be used for reference purposes only, are not part of the hazard statement text and should not be used to replace it.

Precautionary Statements

Phrases (and/or pictograms) that describe recommended measures that should be taken to minimize or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure to a hazardous product, or improper storage or handling of a hazardous product. Precautionary statements and a code uniquely identifying each one “Pxxx” are listed in section 2 of Annex 3 of the GHS. Precautionary statement codes are intended to be used for reference purposes only, are not part of the precautionary statement text and should not be used to replace it.

Guiding Principles Of GHS?

1. Information should be conveyed in more than one way.
2. Comprehensibility should take account of existing information (literature, studies, and data)
3. Phrases indicating a degree of hazard should be consistent across different hazard types.
4. Words and phrases should retain comprehensibility when translated into other languages.
5. The format and color of the label elements and SDS format should be standardized.