What is GHS?
The Globally Harmonized System of Classication and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) is an internationally agreed-upon system
created by the United Nations. It is designed to replace the various classication and labeling standards used in different countries
with a consistent labeling system on a global level. OSHA has updated its Hazard Communication Standard to align with this
Globally Harmonized System.
What does this mean for Employers?
Much of OSHA’s Hazardous Communication Standard has been changed in this transition and that means manufacturers and
employers will have to update their hazard communication program accordingly. The new requirements include:
When do these requirements take effect?
The GHS requirements are transitioned into effect in 4 phases over a 2 1/2 year period starting in December 2013.
ACETONE
DANGER
Highly flammable liquid and vapor.
Causes mild skin irritation.
Causes severe eye irritation.
May cause drowsiness or dizziness.
CAS No: 67-64-1
Substance No: 200-662-2
Reg. No: 01-2119471330-49-0006
Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces.
No smoking. Take precautionary measures against
static discharge.
Store in a well-ventilated place.
Keep container tightly closed. Store locked up.
Dispose of contents/container to an approved waste
disposal plant.
IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for
several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if
present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
FIRST AID
Company Name 1234 Street Name | Some Town, ST 98765 (555) 555-5555
- Environmental Toxicity
Environment
- Skin Corrosion
- Serious Eye Damage
Corrosion
- Oxidizers
Oxidizers
- Carcinogen
- Mutagenicity
- ReproductiveToxicity
- Target Organ Toxicity
- Respiratory Sensitizer
- Aspiration Toxicity
Health Hazard
- Flammables
- Self Reactives
- Pyrophorics
- Self-Heating
- Emits Flammable Gas
- Organic Peroxides
Flammable
- Dermal Sensitizer
- Acute Toxicity (Harmful)
- Narcotic Effects
- Respiratory Tract Irritation
Acute Toxicity
- Gases Under Pressure
Gas Pressure
- Acute Toxicity (Severe)
Severe Toxicity
- Explosives
- Self Reactives
- Organic Peroxides
Explosive
Pictograms
Conveys specific information about the
hazard or hazards of the chemical.
Product Name or Identifier
Chemical name or number on the SDS.
List all chemicals included in mixes.
Signal Word
The signal word indicates the relative
degree of the severity of the hazard.
Hazard Statement
Describes the nature of each hazard
associated with the chemical.
Precautionary Statement
Recommended measures to minimize
or prevent adverse effects.
First Aid Statement
Emergency care information.
GHS Label Elements
Globally
Harmonized
System
Supplier Information
Name, address, and telephone number of the
manufacturer or supplier of the chemical.
1
2
3
4
5
7
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
ACETONE
DANGER
Highly flammable liquid and vapor.
Causes mild skin irritation.
Causes severe eye irritation.
May cause drowsiness or dizziness.
CAS No: 67-64-1
Substance No: 200-662-2
Reg. No: 01-2119471330-49-0006
Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces.
No smoking. Take precautionary measures against
static discharge.
Store in a well-ventilated place.
Keep container tightly closed. Store locked up.
Dispose of contents/container to an approved waste
disposal plant.
IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for
several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if
present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
FIRST AID
Company Name
1234 Street Name | Some Town, ST 98765 (555) 555-5555
6
December 1, 2013
Employers to train employees
on the new label elements and
SDS format.
June 1, 2015
Comply with all modied
provisions of this nal rule
(exception: Distributors may
ship products labeled by
manufacturers under the
old system).
December 1, 2015
Distributors must ship products
with GHS complaint labeling.
June 1, 2016
Employers to update alternative
workplace labeling and hazard
communication program as
necessary, and provide
additional employee training
for newly identied physical or
health hazards.
Safety Data Sheets
New sections and information are
required for the Safety Data Sheets
compared to the old MSDS style sheets.
Chemical Labeling
Labeling changes from MSDS to GHS
include revised hazard classication and
new pictograms.
Employee Training
All employees must be trained on
the new label requirements and
SDS formats.