2. 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 , WAC became effective April 15, 2013.

3. 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.

4. 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

5. Product Identifier

6. Signal Words
Danger
Warning

7. 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

8. Precautionary Statements

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

10. 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

11. 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

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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

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

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

18. Acute Toxicity
Severe Hazard
Can Be Fatal
Extremely Toxic

19. 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.