Globally Harmonized System Understanding Courtesy of Schools Insurance Authority

Right to Know and Understand Employers are required to inform their employees of the hazardous substances they are exposed to at the work site. Requirements for developing, implementing, and maintaining a hazard communication program are found in Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations

Globally Harmonized System (GHS) Established to standardize and streamline chemical information worldwide Developed by the United Nations in 1992 and formally adopted in 2002 What is different: Harmonized classification of hazardous substances and mixtures Standardized signal words, pictograms, and hazard statements Specified formats for safety data sheets and labels

Chemical Inventory Survey workplace for chemicals Chemical inventory should be done annually Include inventory with written program

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) Formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) Ensure you have a SDS for all chemicals in your inventory Contact manufacturer or look online GHS standardizes the order of information for ease of use and improved accuracy SDS are to be available to all employees on-site Keep all MSDS/SDS for 30 years, even if you no longer use the chemical. Documentation can be kept as paper or electronically

SDS Order and Elements 1. Identification of the substance or mixture and of the supplier 2. Hazards identification 3. Composition/information on ingredients 4. First aid measures 5. Firefighting 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 i.e. preparation and revision of the SDS

Labeling New labeling will come from manufacturer Employer responsible for ensuring secondary containers are consistent with revised labels Labels should link with the SDS and chemical inventory

Secondary containers Any container being used beyond the original manufacturer’s bottle that the chemical was shipped in All secondary containers must be labeled except when the container will be immediately used by the employee who performed the transfer Label must: Identify the hazardous chemical Identify appropriate hazard warnings (words, pictograms or a combination) Provide specific information regarding the physical and health hazards of the chemical

Getting Ready… Stay alert for new SDS’s and update files Review labels on chemicals for understanding Ensure secondary labels meet GHS standards Full GHS compliance expected by June 2016