This leads to inconsistent protection

Further information

about the GHS, the the GHS into their systems, the regulatory benefits of adopting it, and its potential impact changes would be binding for covered on the HCS. Additionally, in September 2009, industries. Since the U.S. has an existing the Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) system, the OSHA Hazard Communication was published. Considering all the comments Standard, it is expected that the GHS received from the Advanced Notice, this rule components will be applied within the laid groundwork for aligning the HCS with the framework/infrastructure of this existing GHS. The primary impact of revising the HCS hazard communication regulatory scheme. to adopt the GHS would be on compliance obligations for producers of hazardous However, the specific hazard criteria, chemicals. The modifications to the HCS would classification processes, label elements and involve a reclassification of these chemicals Safety Data Sheet (SDS) requirements within per GHS criteria, as well as preparation and any region’s existing system will need to be distribution of new labels and revised SDS. modified to be consistent with the harmonized The primary change in workplaces where elements of the GHS. It is anticipated that chemicals are used but not produced would be ALL existing hazard communication systems to integrate the new approach into the will need to be changed in order to apply the workplace hazard communication program, GHS. For example, if U.S. regulatory including assurance that both the employers authorities such as OSHA, EPA or CPSC were and employees understand the pictograms and to adopt the GHS, new label elements, such as other information provided on the SDS and hazard pictograms/symbols, would be required labels. on labels. To learn more … • The GHS, in its entirety (including classification criteria and label and MSDS requirements), can be downloaded at: http://www.unece.org/trans/danger/publi/ghs/ghs_rev03/03files_e.html • OSHA’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on the GHS is available at: http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=FEDERAL_REGISTER&p_id=21110 • A 12-hour training course on the GHS is offered by the Society for Chemical Hazard Communication (SCHC): http://www.schc.org/training.php • For information sheets on additional GHS topics: OSHA site: http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/alliances/schc/schc.html#documents - go to 'Products and Resources'. or SCHC site: http://www.schc.org/issues.php?start_from=5&ucat=&archive=&subaction=&id=&cat=9 - see 'GHS Information Sheets'. • The OSHA Guide to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals is available at: http://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/ghs.html The information contained in this sheet is believed to accurately represent provisions of U.S. regulations, consensus standards, and current GHS requirements. However, SCHC cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information. Users are responsible for determining the suitability and appropriateness of these materials for any particular application. This sheet was developed through OSHA’s Alliance Program for informational purposes only. It does not necessarily reflect the official views of OSHA or the U.S. Department of Labor.