After the idea first appeared in 1992 at a United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) has finally become a reality.  A single global system sounds ideal but in order to achieve it a little bit of work and change is required.

The GHS is a system designed to provide a universal approach to communicating about, handling and using chemicals. GHS is not expected to replace the systems that are in place but rather enhance the current systems with GHS elements. No country is obligated to implement the new system but knowing more about GHS will help people understand how much easier and safer it will be if they do. To date, 67 countries have adopted GHS.

So what needs to change?

The required changes in GHS aren’t huge. The new system is designed to inculcate a consistency and ensure every user understands the system no matter where their dealings are, making international trade much easier.

Among the changes is that Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are now known as Safety Data Sheets (SDS), with the goal of providing a uniform structure in terms of style and format. As one of the most important components of GHS, these sheets affect how the product is shipped and received, include emergency instructions and provide guidelines for the end user. It is important to note that an SDS needs to be in the language of its destination country. The deadline for chemical manufacturers, importers, and distributors to get onboard with SDS format was June 1, 2015.

The new 16-section data sheets will follow a strict order, and WHMIS provides an excellent breakdown of important new label details.

The GHS label will include a product identifier, supplier identification, hazard pictogram, signal word, precautionary statements and hazard statements. Using prescribed hazard pictograms, signal words and hazard statements on labels is important for GHS harmonization.

Even countries with an already robust system will face some changes when adopting GHS. For example, a major change will appear on Canada’s WHMIS labels as the WHMIS 2015 labels will no longer have a hatched border, which was a clear identifier on WHMIS 1988 labels. Other changes include:

• The hazard pictogram from one of the defined nine pictograms now requires a red border (there were only eight pictograms for the US Hazard Communication System, eight WHMIS symbols for workplace, and five symbols for WHMIS consumers).
• The labels will now include a harmonized signal word. “Danger” is used for more severe chemicals and “warning” is used for less severe chemicals.
• A hazard statement that determines the degree of hazard for each class and category is also required.
• Precautionary statements (recommended measures) must also be provided on the label.

Another important element of GHS is training. Training for GHS should have already taken place in both the US and Canada but it’s a good idea to have refresher training throughout the transition to GHS and workers should be retrained within two years of the final phase.

In order to comply with the new standards, it is a good idea to have one employee within your organization responsible to oversee the transition to GHS. Proper training is an important part of ensuring your organization and its employees are ready to adopt GHS.

Because training requirements will depend upon your location, seek out a reputable training resource provider in your country. For example, if you’re in Canada Electrolab Training Systems will be your best source for WHMIS-related videos to help with your transition to GHS.