Revisions to the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard: The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) BWH Department of Environmental Affairs
The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has revised its Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to align with the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). The OSHA HCS is the federal law that regulates the information on chemical labels and the information contained in Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs). You are required to read and understand these changes by December 1, 2013. The new law does not require changes in your current safety practices.
The adoption of GHS requires the following changes in chemical safety information: Improved classification of chemicals by manufacturers and distributors to more clearly identify hazards Improved labeling by manufacturers and distributors to provide better and more consistent hazard information Use of universal, easy-to-understand pictograms on chemical labels to improve comprehension Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) replacing Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) to provide detailed information
Labeling Requirements for Containers Name, Address and Telephone Number of manufacturer, importer or other responsible party Product Identifier: Chemical name, code number, or other identifier Signal Word: Warning or Danger to indicate level of hazard Hazard Statement(s): Nature and degree of hazard (e.g., Damage to kidneys with prolonged exposure. ) Precautionary Statement(s): Measures to prevent or minimize adverse effects of exposure and/or special storage or handling requirements (e.g., Keep away from sparks and flames. ) Supplementary Information: Additional precautions, hazards, etc. Pictograms: Universal symbols showing hazards
Pictograms for Chemical Labels
Sample Chemical Label
READ THE LABELS ON CHEMICAL CONTAINERS! Labels provide essential information: Safe storage and handling of hazardous chemicals Information useful for first aid by employees or emergency personnel Pictograms identifying all important hazards Precautionary statements that indicate the highest level of protection needed
Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) Provide detailed information on chemical composition and hazards Replacing Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) Information is very similar to MSDSs 16 Required Sections 1. Identification 2. Hazard(s) identification 3. Composition/information on ingredients 4. First-aid measures 5. Fire-fighting measures 6. Accidental release measures 7. Handling and Storage 8. Exposure controls/personal protection 9. Physical and chemical properties 10. Stability and reactivity 11. Toxicological information 12. Ecological information 13. Disposal considerations 14. Transport information 15. Regulatory information 16. Other information
Safety Data Sheets Online Access For chemical safety information, continue to use the following link on the Partners Utility Menu: BWH MSDS Material Safety Data Sheets Instructions for using the link are on the next slide
Using the link BWH MSDS Material Safety Data Sheets 1. From the Partners Applications List, select Utilities. 2. Select BWH MSDS Material Safety Data Sheets. DO NOT SELECT THE ITEM THAT JUST SAYS MSDS MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS. THIS IS NOT A BWH SITE AND YOU WILL GET AN ERROR MESSAGE. 3. The home page for MSDS Source will appear. Click on Login in the upper right. 4. A window will appear requesting your Username and Password. DO NOT ENTER YOUR PARTNERS ID AND PASSWORD. SEE BELOW. 5. Enter the letters BWH as your Username. Enter the letters BWH as your Password. 6. Click Submit. 7. A search window will appear. You can search for an MSDS by product name, generic name, chemical name, or by the name of the vendor. 8. From the list of MSDSs found, click on the desired one. It will appear on your screen.
For further information on the Globally Harmonized System and the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard: Contact the BWH Department of Environmental Affairs at: 617-264-3010 Page 15000 Review the following OSHA website: https://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/