Globally Harmonized System – for non-hazardous handling of Chemicals

Chemicals – from manufacture to haulage to usage, can be a genuine hazard to a person’s well-being, as well as to the environment as a whole. There is a large-scale worldwide trade in chemicals and in order to deal with this threat common and consistent approach has been developed under the aegis of Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. GHS is meant to ensure there is no detrimental handling, transportation and dumping of chemicals. It is an internationally harmonized and accepted approach to categorization and labeling of chemicals.

GHS deals with categorization of chemicals by kinds of vulnerability and recommends coordinated “hazard communication elements”, such as safety data sheets and labels. It endeavors at making certain that facts on “physical hazards and toxicity from chemicals” be accessible to improve the protection of human health and the environment during the handling, transport and use of these chemicals. The GHS also provides a basis for harmonization, an important factor also for trade facilitation.