Getting Ready for GHS

Recently, OSHA held a public hearing to propose a new rule that would align their Hazard Communication System (HCS), with the United Nation’s Globally Harmonized System (GHS).  Like most companies adapting to the new OSHA, you are probably wondering what this will mean for you.

First, you should understand that the GHS is broken down into three major components: physical hazards, health and environmental hazards, and hazard communication. The physical hazards and health and environmental hazards components revolve around testing chemicals in order to classify the type of hazards associated with the chemical or chemicals that make up the product. The greatest changes will be seen in the hazard communication component.

Next, you need to evaluate the target audience that you will fit into under the GHS.  Currently, the 4 main audiences for the GHS are transport, workplace, consumer, and agriculture.  Once, you realize where you fit, and some companies may fit into more than one sector, you can start to see what you need for compliance.

Within the transportation sector, it is projected that the pictograms used in the GHS will be used on containers carrying dangerous chemicals.  However, other aspects of GHS such as signal words will not be adopted. The workplace sector is expected to adopt the type of labels that will display signal words, hazards statements, and symbols.  As well as, revised training for employees.  The consumer sector will see risk based labels that incorporate the signal words, hazards statements, and symbols.  The agriculture sector will see about the same type of adoption to the GHS that the workplace sector will see. Prominent HazCom display is a must as well.

Companies should also realize that the adoption of GHS will also demand changes to Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and training.  The impact to business finances is difficult to quantify, but hopefully will be considered by OSHA before a final decision is reached. However, the benefits should also be weighed.  It is expected that companies will find it easier to do business in other countries; there will be a greater pool for training resources; and, training will be focused on understanding and comprehension.

If you are interested in getting more information on the UN’s Globally Harmonized System and getting ahead of the game, you should visit OSHA’s guide to the GHS at http://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/ghs.html#2.3.