To assist companies who conduct business throughout Europe and the rest of the world, and to make our system more uniform, OSHA is looking at the global harmonization system of classifying and labeling chemicals, otherwise known simply as GHS.
What does this mean? A uniform method for labeling chemicals. Easier to read data sheets. A standardized approach to hazard communication.
If this is adopted, it should make things easier. According to the OSHA press release:
“A number of countries, including the United States, international organizations and stakeholders participated in developing the GHS to address inconsistencies in hazard classification and communications. The GHS was developed to provide a single, harmonized system to classify chemicals, labels and safety data sheets with the primary benefit of increasing the quality and consistency of information provided to workers, employers and chemical users. Under the GHS, labels would include signal words, pictograms, and hazard and precautionary statements. Additionally, information on safety data sheets would be presented in a designated order.”
Minnesota has the Right to Know program, which is similar to the national hazard communication program. Minnesota would have to adopt the federal program, at a minimum, within six months of the regulation passing.
For more information, OSHA has a Guide to Globally Harmonized System of Classifying Chemicals on their website.
The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on GHS appeared in the September 30 Federal Register.
If you have questions about this post, or other safety concerns, please contact CHESS at carkey@chess-safety.com or 651-481-9787.