GHS stands for the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals.
Under the new Global Harmonization System (GHS) judgment, material safety information sheets
(MSDS) will then be described as Safety Data Sheets (SDS). The new requirements influence any workplace that makes transportations, usages, or stores hazardous chemicals. One specific change in this ruling is the ANSI Standardized material SDS style.
GHS a system of hazard communication for chemical risks that can be embraced by countries worldwide; it was developed by a United Nations (UN) international team of hazard communication professionals.
On June 1 of 2015, the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) needed all adjustments to safety data sheets to be consistent and conform to brand-new layout demands.
The safety data sheets must match the Hazard Communication Standard with all 16 areas. The 16 areas of the new Global Harmonization System SDS style have the following sections:
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Identification of the supplier and substance/mixture
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Hazards Identification
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Composition/Information on Ingredients Substance
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First Aid Measures
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Firefighting Measures
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Accidental Release Measures
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Handling and Storage
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Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
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Physical and Chemical Properties
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Stability and Reactivity
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Toxicological Information
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Ecological Information
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Disposal Considerations
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Transport Information
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Regulatory Information
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Other Information
GHS Development:
Since several countries had different systems for classifying and labelling chemical products, GHS was established. On top of that, a number of different systems can exist even within the same country.
While existing systems were similar in many areas, their distinctions were substantial enough to cause various hazard categories, labels, or SDS for the same product. One country may categorise a product as carcinogenic while one more country will not.
This circumstance has been costly for governments to apply and control, costly for firms who have to abide by various systems, and confusing for workers who require recognising the risks of a chemical to function safely.