A major problem faced by the chemical industry worldwide is the inconsistency between national and regional systems for chemical classification. A chemical that may be considered hazardous in one part of the world may not be considered toxic in another part. GHS is a document that establishes consistent hazard classification and communication between nations. The GHS contains criteria for the classification of physical, health, and environmental hazards and is intended to enhance public health and environmental protection. The use of common hazard labels, material safety data sheets, and other hazard communication information is one of the goals of the GHS. By implementing GHS worldwide, the protection of human health and the environment will enhance through the consistency and widespread use of this communication. GHS will also improve costs and time-consuming production for companies that are involved in manufacturing, developing, and transporting chemicals both domestically and internationally, due to the vision that the GHS will incorporate harmonized regulations globally.
Although there are existing laws and regulations that are similar to GHS, they are different enough that they require multiple labels for the same product both within the United States and worldwide. The production and use of chemicals is an essential part of all economies. GHS will ensure that the handling, safety instructions, and material data sheets will be clear and easily understood worldwide. Employers, employees and the public will be provided with reliable and comprehensible information on chemicals to prevent and protect their health and safety. GHS is a valuable tool to advance worldwide management of chemical hazards. The immediate goal of GHS is for better protection of human health and the environment. Having this universal system for all regulatory purposes will lead to greater regulatory consistency globally, which will promote safer transportation , handling, and use of chemicals.
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Providing Globally Harmonized System internationally will enhance the protection of human health and the environment, reduce and prevent chemical accidents and incidents, improve reputation on chemical issues worldwide, facilitate international trade in chemicals whose hazards have been identified on an international basis, provide safer work environments, and improve awareness of hazards. Because GHS is a comprehensible system these are just some of the benefits of implementing this process worldwide.
There is not an international schedule for when Globally Harmonized System will be implemented. National systems will require different timeframs for GHS to take affect. The World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) has encouraged all nations to implement
GHS as soon as possible. The United States has not determined an effective date and is being driven by other countries and the international community, however the U.S. is expected to be required to take GHS into effect by 2012 at the latest. By then, all manufactuerers will need to start converting their MSDS documents to GHS documents.
Below is a sample of the assigned label elements provided in each chemical hazard category of the Globally Harmonized System (GHS).
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Transitioning your company to Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals is a challenging transition, that is why MSDS Authoring Services is here to help keep you informed on up to date GHS information. MSDS Authoring Services is dedicated to providing you with the assistance you need for Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. Please contact us for all your questions and concerns regarding GHS.
Related GHS Links
OSHA-GHS
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/hazardcommunications/global.html
UNECE-GHS
http://www.unece.org/trans/danger/publi/ghs/ghs_welcome_e.html
Environmental Toxicity
