GHS Compliance

The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) is a UN initiative for global hazard communication. GHS introduces an improved system of classification for chemical substances by type of hazard, and harmonized hazard communication elements including phrases and symbols.

Under the Globally Harmonized System, an MSDS is now referred to as an SDS (Safety Data Sheet). The MSDS or SDS provides employers and workers with information about the hazards of the chemical, the safety precautions that should be taken and first aid measures if needed. The MSDS or SDS can also be a resource for those involved in the transport of dangerous goods, emergency responders, poison centers and sometimes consumers.

A GHS SDS will always have 16 sections on it, unlike some other MSDSs currently used in practice. One main difference between the GHS requirements, in terms of the headings and sections compared to the international industry recommendations, is that the order of sections 2 and 3 have been reversed. The sixteen sections are as follows: identification, hazard(s) identification, composition/ information on ingredients, first-aid measures, fire-fighting measures, accidental release measures, handling and storage, exposure control/ personal protection, physical and chemical properties, stability and reactivity, toxicological information, ecological information, disposal considerations, transport information, regulatory information and other information.

The GHS requires the recommended use of the chemical and any restrictions on its use that is not currently required under all regulations. Also, the classification labels under GHS regulations will need to be reproduced, either in text or graphically. In addition, the Safety Data Sheets will be required to list the CAS number of the hazardous components in the substance, as well as any hazardous impurities. GHS also requires accidental release measures for containment and cleanup as well as complete toxicological and ecological information regarding the substance.