Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling (GHS)

https://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/index.html

Introduction/Background

• OSHA = Occupational Safety and Health Administration

• HCS = Hazard Communication Standard

• GHS = Globally Harmonized System

• Changes

– Use of new labeling elements

– Standardized SDS format (formerly Material Safety Data Sheets)

http://search.usa.gov/search?affiliate=usdoloshapublicwebsite&query=2012+Haz+com+standard&x=41&y=6

Introduction/Background

“A globally-harmonized hazard classification and compatible labeling system, including material safety data sheets and easily understandable symbols, should be available, if feasible, by the year 2000.”

Myths

1. The GHS affects only pesticides

2. GHS is regulated under FIFRA and FDACS

GHS addresses all hazardous substances

GHS is regulated under OSHA

What is the GHS?

• The first compliance date of the revised HCS is December 1, 2013

So, why the change?

• To align with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) adopted by 67 nations

• To provide a common and coherent approach to classifying chemicals

• Reduce confusion, facilitate training, and help address literacy problems

So, why the change?

• No country has the ability to identify and specifically regulate every hazardous chemical product

• For example, in the United States, there are an estimated 650,000 such products

• Adoption of requirements for information to accompany the product helps address protection needs

So, why the change?

• Many different countries have come to the same conclusion about using information dissemination as a regulatory means to address chemical hazards

• While similar, they are different enough to require multiple labels and safety data sheets for the same product in international trade

So, why the change?

• Countries with systems have different requirements for hazard definitions as well as information to be included on a label or material safety data sheet

• A product may be considered flammable or toxic in one country, but not in another to which it is being shipped

• These differences impact both protection and trade

So, why the change?

• In the area of protection, users in countries that don’t have specific requirements may see different label warnings or data sheet information for the same chemical

• In the area of trade, the need to comply with multiple regulations regarding hazard classification and labeling is costly and time-consuming

So, why the change?

• Small to medium enterprises are effectively precluded from international trade in chemicals due to the regulatory burden of compliance

Benefits of GHS

• Enhance protection of humans and environment

• Facilitate international trade in chemicals

• Reduce need for testing and evaluation

• Assist countries and international organizations to ensure the sound management of chemicals

Effective Dates

The GHS Elements

• Classification Criteria

– Health and Environmental Hazards

– Physical Hazards

– Mixtures

• Hazard Communication

– Labels

– Safety Data Sheets

Chemical Classifications

• Chemicals will be classified using a harmonized system that provides standardized language for:

– Health Hazard Categories

– Physical Hazard Categories

– Environmental Hazard Categories

Health Hazards

• Acute Toxicity

• Skin Corrosion/Irritation

• Respiratory or Skin Sensitization

• Germ Cell Mutagenicity

• Carcinogenicity

• Reproductive Toxicity

• Specific Target Organ Toxicity – Single Exposure

• Specific Target Organ Toxicity – Repeated Exposure

• Aspiration

• Simple Asphyxiants

Physical Hazards

• Explosives

• Flammable Aerosols

• Oxidizing Gases

• Gases under Pressure

• Flammable Liquids

• Flammable Solids

• Self-Reactive Chemicals

• Pyrophoric Liquids

• Pyrophoric Solids

• Pyrophoric Gases

• Self-heating Chemicals

• Chemicals, which in contact with water, emit flammable gases

• Oxidizing Liquids

• Oxidizing Solid

• Organic Peroxides

• Corrosive to Metals

• Combustible Dusts

Labels

Labels

Category 1 Category 2 Category 3 Category 4 Category 5

LD50 <5 mg/kg >5<50 mg/kg 50<300 mg/kg 300<2000 mg/kg 2000<5000 mg/kg

Signal Word Danger Danger Danger Warning Warning

Hazard Statement Fatal if swallowed Fatal if swallowed Toxic is swallowed Harmful if swallowed May be harmful if

swallowed

Pictogram Skull and

crossbones

Skull and

crossbones

Skull and crossbones Exclamation None

Labels

Labels

Labels

Labels

Sample Label

ToxiFlam (Contains XYZ)

Danger! Toxic If Swallowed, Flammable Liquid and Vapor

Do not eat, drink or use tobacco when using this product. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Keep container tightly closed. Keep away from heat/spark/open flame – No smoking. Wear protective gloves and eye/face protection. Use

explosion-proof electrical equipment. Take precautionary measures against static discharge. Use only non-sparking tools. Store in cool/well-ventilated place.

IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CONTROL CENTER or doctor/physician. Rinse mouth.

In case of fire, use water fog, dry chemical, CO2, or “alcohol” foam.

See Safety Data Sheet for further details regarding safe use of this product.

FloriKill Chemical, 123 Toxic Turnpike, Someplace FL 00000 Tel: 800-222-2222

Pictograms: Flammable and Acute Toxicity - Severe

Product Identifier

Signal Word Hazard Statements

Precautionary Statements

Supplemental Information

Supplier Information

Using Labels in the Workplace

• Storage of chemicals

• First aid

Using Labels in the Workplace

• A chemical may have multiple hazards

• When there are similar precautionary statements on a label, the one providing the most protective information will be included on the label

Safety Data Sheets

• Under the new Haz Com Standard, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are now called Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

• All SDSs will have a consistent 16-section format

• Employers must ensure that SDSs are readily accessible to employees

Safety Data Sheets

• Section 1 (Identification):

– The product identifier used on the label

– Name, address, and phone number of the manufacturer

– Recommended use of the chemical

• Section 2 (Hazards Identification):

– Hazard classification

– Signal word, hazard statement(s), pictograms

For a mixture that contains an ingredient(s) with unknown toxicity, a statement describing how much (percentage) of the mixture consists of ingredient(s) with an unknown acute toxicity

Safety Data Sheets

• Section 3 (Composition/Ingredients):

– Chemical name

– Common name and synonyms

– CAS number and other unique identifiers

– Impurities and stabilizing additives

– For mixtures: • Same information is required as for substances

– Chemicals where a trade secret is claimed: • A statement that the specific chemical identity and/or exact percentage

(concentration) of composition has been withheld as a trade secret

Safety Data Sheets

• Section 4 (First-aid Measures):

– First-aid instructions

– Description of the most important symptoms or effects

– Recommendations for immediate medical care

• Section 5 (Firefighting Measures):

– Recommendations of suitable extinguishing equipment

– Advice on specific hazards that develop from the chemical during the fire

– Recommendations on special protective equipment or precautions for firefighters

Safety Data Sheets

• Section 6 (Accidental Release Measures):

– Use of personal precautions

– Emergency procedures

– Methods and materials used for containment

– Cleanup procedures

• Section 7 (Handling and Storage):

– Precautions for safe handling

– Recommendations on the conditions for safe storage

Safety Data Sheets

• Section 8 (Exposure Control and Personal Protection):

– Limits

– Appropriate engineering controls

– Recommendations for personal protective measures

– Any special requirements for PPE

Safety Data Sheets

Section 9 (Physical and Chemical Properties): Appearance

Upper/lower flammability or explosive limits

Odor

Vapor pressure

Odor threshold

Vapor density

pH

Relative density

Melting point/freezing point

Solubility(ies)

Initial boiling point and boiling range

Partition coefficient: n-octanol/water

Flash point

Auto-ignition temperature

Evaporation rate

Decomposition temperature

Flammability (solid, gas)

Viscosity

Safety Data Sheets

• Section 10 (Stability and Reactivity):

– Description of the specific test data for the chemical(s)

– Indication of whether the chemical is stable or unstable

– Description of any stabilizers that may be needed to maintain chemical stability

– Indication of any safety issues

– Indication of the possibility of hazardous reactions

– Description of the conditions under which hazardous reactions may occur

– Conditions that should be avoided

Safety Data Sheets

• Section 11 (Toxicological Information):

– Likely routes of exposure

– Description of exposure effects

– Numerical measures of toxicity

– Description of symptoms

– Indication of carcinogenicity

Safety Data Sheets

• Section 12 (Ecological Information):

– Indicator species

– Environmental fate • Photolysis

• Hydrolysis

Safety Data Sheets

• Section 13 (Disposal Considerations)

Safety Data Sheets

• Section 14 (Transport Information)

– Official U.S. DOT shipping name • DOT recognizes 9 classes of hazardous materials

– Lists the number assigned for identification by the UN convention

– Contains special provisions for a hazardous material

– Specifies the packing group • I (great)

• II (medium)

• III (minor)

Safety Data Sheets

• Section 15 (Regulatory Information):

– SARA Title 3

– TSCA status

– RCRA classification

– CERCLA reportable quantity

Safety Data Sheets

• Section 16 (Other Information):

– Indicates when the SDS was prepared/revised

– States where the changes have been made to the previous version

Additional Information

• OSHA https://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/index.html

Conclusions

• Development of the GHS has been a long and complicated process

• Hopefully, it will be adopted by countries around the world and will achieve the projected benefits for protection and trade

I, __________________________, received training on the

Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling

(GHS) using the attached curriculum at _____________________

on this date: _____________.

Participant signature: __________________________

Trainer’s signature:____________________________

Verification of Training Attendance