Chemical labeling is changing to help make it easier for us to understand the products we use so we can continue to be safe. The GHS is an international approach to hazard communication. Many different countries have adopted the GHS including Canada, the European Union, China, Australia and Japan. Washington State’s Hazard Communication (GHS) Rule, Chapter 296-901, WAC became effective April 15, 2013.

Globally Harmonized System Labels are changing to conform with the Globally Harmonized System or GHS. Worldwide effort by the United Nations to have common ways to describe chemicals and how to use them safely. The system is very similar to what is already on today’s labels.

What’s on the Label? Labels must contain five items: Product Identifier – what is this chemical Signal Words – to tell us about the danger level Hazard Statement – what kind of harm could the chemical cause Pictograms – a symbol that tells us about the hazards Precautionary Statement – what do we need to do to be safe around this chemical

Product Identifier

Signal Words Danger Warning

Describes what kind of hazards this chemical has, such as: Hazard Statement Describes what kind of hazards this chemical has, such as: Highly Flammable Liquid Causes Serious Eye Irritation May cause drowsiness and dizziness

Precautionary Statements

Pictograms Symbol for the hazards of the product. Product can have one or more pictograms.

Health Hazard Could cause cancer Can impact breathing and may cause asthma May cause reproductive problems and birth defects May be toxic to organs and damage lungs Mutagenicity

Flammables Solids, liquids and gasses May react with other substances to cause a fire Could burn on its own simply by coming in contact with air

Oxidizers Flame over the letter “O” Oxidizers can cause organic materials to combust Oxygen is the most common

Irritant Indicates Irritants or Skin Sensitizers Can cause problems with skin, eyes and respiratory system Generally short-term (acute) irritations or rashes upon contact May make you light-headed or sleepy

May be flammable, oxidizing or reactive compressed gas Gases Under Pressure May be flammable, oxidizing or reactive compressed gas Accidental release causes cylinder to rocket or pinwheel Liquid contents may cause skin to freeze

Self-reactive or self-heating Pyrophoric – burns if it contacts air Explosives Explosive materials Self-reactive or self-heating Pyrophoric – burns if it contacts air Organic Peroxide – burns or explodes

Can damage metals or other materials Corrosives Can cause skin burns Will damage eyes Can damage metals or other materials

Environmental Toxicity Harms plants or animals Impacts air or water quality Could contaminate soil

Acute Toxicity Severe Hazard Can Be Fatal Extremely Toxic

Summary READ THE LABEL!!!! KNOW THE PICTOGRAPHS!!!! KNOW what you are working with. KNOW if it can harm you. KNOW how to protect yourself. KNOW what to do if something goes wrong.