What is the GHS?
Does Chem Alert recognise or incorporate the GHS principles?
The GHS refers to the globally harmonised system of classifying and labelling of chemicals. The GHS is not a standard – rather it provides a framework for chemical management. No international organisation covers all aspects of chemical classification and labelling. So the GHS created a framework of guiding principles.
In 1992, at the UN Conference on the Environment and Development (UNCED), an international mandate for a globally harmonised hazard classification and compatible labelling system was created. This also included SDS and easily recognised and understood symbols. It was determined that an international harmonised approach to the classification and labelling of chemicals would provide the foundations for the safer use of chemicals. The GHS addresses the classification of hazardous substances, transmittal of information on these and protective measures.
The GHS document, which is known as ‘The Purple Book’ establishes that there is a need for agreed hazardous classification and communication provision. Each country’s regulatory authorities then take the agreed criteria and incorporate and implement it within their own regulatory processes. There is no implementation schedule for the GHS. However once the regulatory bodies in your country determine new codes these must be adopted.
In Australia, the SafeWork Australia (formerly ASCC & NOHSC: National Occupational Health and Safety Council of Australia) implemented a national Code of Practise for the preparation of MSDS’s. Chem Alert has already incorporated and adopted these changes as well as addressing the Codes of Practice as set up by the national regulatory bodies in the United States and New Zealand. So you can be assured Chem Alert addresses the classification required by the national regulatory agencies, which came about as a result of the international GHS guidelines.
For more information on the GHS please visit the following links or contact us on info@rmt.com.au.
