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.
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.
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