GHS – A UN Initiative towards Global Safety Standards

GHS or Globally Harmonized System is the first global initiative under the United Nations towards bringing some sense into the quagmire of hazardous chemicals that include high explosives and initiators, pyrotechnics and flammables, corrosive fluids and other dangerous substances. The new system rationalizes the manner in which these dangerous chemicals are classified on the basis of the types of hazards that these are associated with and labeled in a uniform manner that can be easily understood and implemented globally. The United Nations Economic and Social Council endorsed the system in July 2003.

GHS is the manner by which the world is finally going to look at a hazardous chemical and associate it with the hazards that can be expected from such a chemical. Personnel who are dealing with these chemicals would know how to handle any untoward incident or accident involving the chemical as well as the associated protective measures that need to be taken. The method of labeling that’s to be adopted could be an SDS or a Safety Data Sheet. The dealing companies would need the services of a consultant. The new system is however neither a regulation nor is it a standard. It is not legally binding and there is no rigid date laid down for its implementation. By rationalizing the system of classifying hazardous chemicals and transferring the knowledge to all personnel handling such chemicals it’s hoped that there will be an all round improvement in global safety standards. Owing to improved safety standards there’s bound to be improved cost efficiency and productivity.

Ensuring Global Safety with GHS

Over a period of time, the need was felt to rationalize all hazardous chemicals globally in a coordinated manner. This concept was introduced by the United Nations as Globally Harmonized System or GHS. In July 2003, the United Nations Economic and Social Council, subsequently, endorsed the concept. The system that’s supposed to ultimately improve global safety classifies the various chemicals that are hazardous on the basis of the various types of hazards that are associated.

Before the new concept was introduced each country had its own method of categorizing hazardous chemicals. There was no common method of labeling or symbolizing of these chemicals. Furthermore, it was not possible for individual countries to appreciate the various hazard symbols in respect of the chemicals being produced and packaged by another country. This obviously implied that there was no commonality of knowledge related to handling of explosives, inflammable or corrosive substances. Any spillage, fire or explosion could not be handled safely in such conditions. The new concept is to change all this and usher in a common platform.

The intention of introducing GHS was, therefore, to establish a commonality globally. With this commonality, it’s hoped that there would be an improvement in safety and thus health standards on a global plane. This system would require to be conveyed to the man on the shop floor who would be fully conversant with the hazards concerning a certain chemical. This system is not legally binding, nor is it a regulation or a standard. Progressively member countries are expected to adopt it in global interest.

GHS and Global Health

Globally Harmonized System or GHS was introduced by the United Nations in order to have a rationalized system for all hazardous chemicals. In July 2003, the United Nations Economic and Social Council endorsed the concept. This system classifies each hazardous chemical with relation to the type of hazard that the chemical may include. This rationalizing was required because of the confusion that prevailed till then. Each country producing or dealing with these chemicals had its own methodology of classification, the use of symbols and the hazard types. There being no common standard it was impossible to identify any hazardous chemical with either the likely hazard that it could cause or how the hazard was to be tackled. This was a dangerous situation since with the proliferation in hazardous chemicals; accidents and incidents could cause serious health issues to the population.

It is hoped that GHS will be the ultimate tool with which global health and safety standards will be improved. The methodology is to associate each hazardous chemical with the hazard that it can cause. The method to be used for labeling could be that of using Safety Data Sheet or SDS. Each manufacturer of these chemicals would require a GHS consultant. The new system is not legally binding nor is it a regulation or a standard. There is no deadline by which this system has to be put in place. However, there is an international agreement and all countries are aware of the pressing need of introducing the new system.