Global Harmonization System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals
Introduction
The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has issued its final rule on the revised changes to the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) on March 26, 2012. This revision will align the HCS with the Global Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. The major changes to the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) are:
- Hazard classification: Chemical manufacturers and importers are required to determine the hazards of the chemicals they produce or import. Hazard classification under the new, updated standard provides specific criteria to address health and physical hazards as well as classification of mixtures.
- Labels: Chemical manufacturers and importers must provide a label that includes a signal word, pictogram, hazard statement, and precautionary statement for each hazard class or category. Refer to section below for additional information on Labels.
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS-no longer called MSDS): The new format requires 16 specific sections, ensuring consistency in presentation of important product information. Refer to the OSHA quick card on SDS for additional information on SDS.
- Information and training: To facilitate understanding of the new system, the new standard requires that workers be trained by December 1, 2013 on the new label elements and safety data sheet (SDS) format, in addition to current training requirements.
Labels
Manufacture Labeling Requirements:
Signal Word: a single word on the label to indicate the relative level of severity of hazard and alert the reader to a potential hazard on the label. The signal words used are “Danger” and “Warning.” Danger is used for the more severe hazards, while warning is used for the less severe hazards.
Pictograms: There are nine pictograms under the GHS to convey the health, physical and environmental hazards. The final Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) requires eight of these pictograms, the exception being the environmental pictogram, as environmental hazards are not within OSHA’s jurisdiction. The hazard pictogram and their corresponding hazards are shown below.
HCS Pictograms and Hazards |
||
Health Hazard
|
Flame
|
Exclamation Mark
|
Gas Cylinder
|
Corrosion
|
Exploding Bomb
|
Flame Over Circle
|
Environment (Non-Mandatory)
|
Skull and Crossbones
|
Hazard Statement: a statement assigned to a hazard class and category that describes the nature of the hazard(s) of a chemical, including, where appropriate, the degree of hazard (shown with the pictogram above.)
Refer to the OSHA Quick Card on Labels for additional information on labels.
Portable (Workplace) Container Labeling Requirements:
Chemicals transferred from the original labeled container to a secondary container or any other containers prepared on site for internal use require labels. You may choose to label portable (workplace) containers with the same label that would be on shipped containers for the chemical under the revised rule or with label alternatives that meet the requirements of the standard.
Alternate labeling systems such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 704 Hazard Rating and the Hazardous Material Information System (HMIS) are permitted for portable (workplace) containers.
Example of HMIS Label
Example of NFPA Label
Implementation
The table below summarizes the phase-in dates required under the revised Hazard Communication Standard (HCS)
| Effective Completion Date |
Requirement(s) |
Who |
|---|---|---|
| December 1, 2013 |
Train employees on the new label elements and SDS format. |
Employers |
| June 1, 2015* |
Comply with all modified provisions of this final rule, except: |
Chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors and employers |
| June 1, 2016 |
Update alternative workplace labeling and hazard communication program as necessary, and provide additional employee training for newly identified physical or health hazards. |
Employers |
| Transition Period |
Comply with either 29 CFR 1910.1200 (this final standard), or the current standard, or both. |
All chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors and employers |
Related Resources/Links
OSHA-Global Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals Information
