What is GHS?
The GHS is an acronym for The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling Chemicals. It was created by the United Nations and designed to replace diverse classifications and labeling practices used in different countries with a consistent and universal criteria that can be used on a global level. GHS is not mandatory and countries are allowed to adopt only portions of it. Therefore we already see the lack of truly global harmonization. You can learn more about GHS at www.unece.org.
Is GHS applicable to the USA?
Yes it is. In 2012, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published the new Hazard Communication Standard 2012 (29 CFR 1900.1200) that is aligned with GHS. Consequently, OSHA will now require one standardized format for safety data sheets (SDSs) and set wording and hazard symbols on labels. The new standard is classification based. It includes specific criteria for classification of health and physical hazards. As with the old standard, HazCom 2012 does not apply to consumer products. You can learn more about it at www.osha.gov.
How does it affect ADC?
ADC, as a chemical manufacturer, is committed to complying with the requirements of HazCom 2012 and will ensure compliance by OSHA’s deadline of June 1, 2015. The new HazCom 2012 will result in changes to ADC’s SDSs and industrial hazard warning labels. The changes will only be a consequence of being compliant to the OSHA rules and not alterations to current product formulations or manufacturing processes. ADC will phase in compliant SDSs and labels over a period of time. We have started the process as we have been working on updating our SDS and labels. You can expect to see soon that the ADC’s labels and SDSs may feature new pictograms, hazard determination and safety information. Perhaps most noticeable change will be in the addition of pictograms, but expect changes in hazard classifications also. We will provide our customers with new copies of SDS as soon as the process is complete. The updated SDS will also become available on our website. We are dedicated to make the required changes by June 1st, 2015.
If you have further questions please contact your sales or customer service representative, or submit your inquiry online to [email protected].
