The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) is an internationally agreed-upon system, created by the United Nations. It is designed to replace the various classification and labelling standards used in different countries for hazardous products. GHS labels and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) will have different layouts, symbols and hazard statements, than our current labels and MSDS. Not all products are classified as Hazardous. Even under GHS some products will be Non–Classified and will not require any hazard labelling. A hazard label is made up of specific symbols (known as ‘pictograms’) and warnings. These pictograms and the wording that supports them are set out in law and suppliers must use them where hazardous properties have been identified.
GHS hazard pictograms convey health, physical and environmental hazard information:
"Danger" (Fr – Danger, De- Gefahr) or "Warning" (Fr- Attention, De- Achtung) will be used to emphasise hazards.
For example:
"Danger" for the more severe hazards
"Warning" for the less severe hazards
This is a quick and easy way to distinguish the severity of hazard that the product poses.
Standard phrases assigned to a hazard class and category that describe the nature of the hazard. These Replace the Risk phrases (R phrases) we have now.
For example:
H302 Harmful if Swallowed, H312 Harmful in contact with skin.
Replaces;
R21/22 Harmful in contact with skin and if swallowed.Les articles concernant le danger
Measures to minimise or prevent adverse effects. There are four types of precautionary statements covering prevention, response in cases of accidental spillage or exposure, storage, and disposal. These replace the Safety Phrases (S phrases) associated with CHIP style hazard labels.
For example:
P270: Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product
Replaces;
S20/21 When using do not eat, drink or smoke
Table of CHIP style and GHS style symbols/pictograms | ||
---|---|---|
Name | Old CHIP Symbols | New GHS Symbols |
Explosive | ![]() | ![]() |
Oxidising | ![]() | ![]() |
Flammable | ![]() | ![]() |
Toxic | ![]() | ![]() |
Harmful | ![]() | ![]() |
Corrosive | ![]() | ![]() |
Dangerous for the environment | ![]() | ![]() |
Two new symbols have been introduced: | ||
Serious health hazards | ![]() | |
Contains gas under pressure | ![]() |
A GHS MSDS should provide comprehensive information about the chemical product that allows employers and workers to obtain concise, relevant and accurate information that can be put in perspective with regard to the hazards, uses and risk management of the chemical product in the workplace. The MSDS should contain 16 sections:
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