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The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for Hazard Communication was first introduced to our membership at the GAWDA University Compliance Training in Indianapolis in spring 2006. Since then, additional measures have been taken toward the development of a worldwide system for hazard communication. Since this system will impact you, let's take a look at what's going on in this international arena.
Background
In 1992, an international mandate to develop a globally harmonized system
for hazard classification and labeling was adopted at the United Nations
Conference on Environment and Development, commonly referred to as the
Earth Summit. In 2003, the United Nations adopted the GHS. Countries are
now considering adoption of the GHS into their national regulatory systems.
There is an international goal to have as many countries as possible implement
the GHS by 2008.
The U.S. was an early and active supporter of a globally harmonized approach
to hazard communication. OSHA sent its Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
regarding the hazard communication standard and the GHS to the Office
of Management and Budget for review. Since then, OSHA has published the
Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the September 12, 2006, Federal
Register, seeking public comments on the implementation of the GHS.
The Compressed Gas Association (CGA), along with input from GAWDA, will
be submitting position(s) on the GHS. These steps follow prescribed principles
in rulemaking that will allow for consideration of alternatives and analysis
of benefits and costs. The advance notice details how OSHA expects implementation
of the GHS to affect the current requirements for hazard communication.
What Is the GHS?
The GHS is a common and coherent approach to defining and classifying
hazards and communicating information on labels and Material Safety Data
Sheets (MSDSs). The target audience includes workers, consumers, transport
workers and emergency responders. It will provide the underlying infrastructure
for the establishment of a national, comprehensive chemical safety program.
Why Is the GHS Needed?
Internationally, there are a number of countries that have developed similar
laws to the hazard communication standard of the United States. However,
the laws are different with regard to the scope of chemicals covered,
classification of hazards chemicals, labeling requirements, safety information
and the use of symbols and pictograms. These differences create confusion,
putting the targeted audience at risk. In addition, the GHS should simplify
labeling requirements and information provided in MSDSs for those who
work in the global market.
| How Will the GHS Impact You? |
- The GHS should standardize the classification of chemicals around
the world. For example, a product may be considered flammable
or toxic in one country, but not in another to which it is being
shipped.
- The GHS should standardize labeling, symbols and pictograms
for all chemicals. Development of multiple sets of information
is a major compliance burden for those involved in international
trade, and it is confusing for the intended audience.
- The GHS should standardize MSDSs where the basic content and
format will be recognized by all nations.
- The GHS will require that our Hazard Communication Standard
be revised to reflect the GHS.
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| As with all new proposed OSHA standards that can impact our industry,
GAWDA will track the rulemaking process of the GHS. As new and meaningful
information becomes available, it will be communicated to our membership. |
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