GHS Label Requirements (2022) Elements, Updates & ExampleHow to comply to the OSHA HazCom 2012 Standard Show
GHS and OSHA's Hazard Communication StandardThe Globally Harmonized System (GHS) is an international system that the United Nations created for the unified classification and labeling of chemicals. It was officially adopted in the U.S. on March 26, 2012 by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA's adoption of the GHS is actually a revision of the Hazard Communication Standard designed to align with the GHS. It's called HazCom 2012. A written HazCom plan that documents and outlines how your company responds to hazardous chemicals is required in order to comply with OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.1200(e) regulation for Hazard Communication. Tracking, maintaining and managing your chemical inventory is crucial to your HazCom plan and GHS compliance. In order to maintain a successful plan, you must keep your inventory organized and updated. Update chemical containers with GHS labelsLabeling is the cornerstone of GHS compliance. With an emphasis on consistency and comprehension of chemical labels, it is important to know what goes into a GHS compliant label for primary and secondary containers. There are six key GHS label elements that you need to know. GHS Label Requirements: The Six Elements
GHS Labels: Primary vs. Secondary Container LabelsGHS Labels for Primary ContainersPrimary chemical containers are the bags, barrels, bottles, boxes, cans, cylinders and drums that you receive from the manufacturer. These containers should be labeled following the GHS mandates per the GHS label example above and include all six labeling elements. When a label is on a container directly from a supplier, this label cannot be removed, altered or defaced. If it needs to be replaced, the new label must contain the same information as the original. GHS Labels for Secondary ContainersSecondary containers are usually smaller than primary containers and could include spray bottles, jugs or jars. These containers usually hold chemicals that are transferred from a primary container. GHS labels for secondary containers must comply with labeling requirements except when the following criteria are met:
GHS Frequently Asked QuestionsSince the implementation of the GHS in 2012, we've been collecting frequently asked questions from our customers and during our webinars. Our experts have answered the most commonly asked questions and put them all in one place. View GHS FAQ's ResourcesWhat is a precautionary statement on a label?A precautionary statement is a phrase that describes the recommended measure(s) to minimise or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure to a hazardous substance or mixture due to its use or disposal. Examples of precautionary statements include: wear eye protection.
Where is the precautionary statement?A precautionary statement is required on the container label and on the safety data sheet in Section 2; Hazard Identification [see 1910.1200(f) and (g)]. Once the hazard classification is determined, label statements are chosen.
What is a hazard statement on a container?A hazard statement is a standardized GHS phrase assigned to chemicals that describes the nature and degree of the hazard(s) associated with that chemical. Every applicable hazard statement from the SDS must be included on the container label. A full list of GHS hazard statements is available on OSHA's website.
What is required on container labels?All labels are required to have pictograms, a signal word, hazard and precautionary statements, the product identifier, and supplier identification.
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