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Are You Ready for the Global Harmonization System?

January 6, 2014

Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) have adopted the Global Harmonization System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).  GHS is designed to create global cohesion regarding the definition and the communication of chemical hazards.  GHS provides a universal standard of protective measures, labeling pictograms and safety data sheets formats.  Hazard labeling and safety data sheet formats, layout and pictograms have changed into a new format.  The universal Safety Data Sheet format contains 16 sections including pictograms as shown below:


Important GHS Dates:

  • December 1, 2013: OSHA requires employers to train employees on the new label elements and safety data sheet format.
  • June 1, 2015: Chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors and employers will be mandated to comply with all the provisions of GHS.
  • December 1, 2015: Hazardous materials must be shipped with GHS labeling.

Occupational Services, Inc. (OSI) can help train your employees on new GHS practices and update existing material safety data sheets into the proper GHS safety data sheet format.