Hazard
Communication:
GHS Training
Valley City State University | Facilities Services
• GHS is an acronym for the Globally Harmonized System
for the classification and labeling for chemicals.
• G = Globally
• H= Harmonized
• S= System
• GHS was developed by the United Nations and is
implemented worldwide.
• The goal of GHS is to ensure employers, employees, and
the public are provided with adequate, practical, reliable,
and comprehendible information on hazardous chemicals.
What is GHS?
“A worldwide effort to standardize hazardous
communication.”
• In 2012, OSHA adopted the NEW GHS system.
• What does this mean for VCSU?
• New format for MSDSs  Safety Data Sheets
• New GHS labeling elements
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Pictograms
Signal words
Hazard statements
Precautionary statements
The NEW GHS System
“The New Globally
Harmonized System”
SAFETY DATA SHEETS
**See handout for new layout**
• Primary use: the workplace
• The SDSs should provide comprehensive information
about a chemical substance or mixture.
• Employers and workers use the SDSs as a source of
information about hazards and to obtain advice on safety
precautions.
Role of SDSs
• The new SDSs will have 16 categories (all the same and in the same
location)
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Identification of the substance or mixture and of the supplier
Hazards identification
Composition/information on ingredients
First aid measures
Firefighting measures
Accidental release measures
Handling and storage
Exposure controls/personal protection
Physical and chemical properties
Stability and reactivity
Toxicological information
New SDS Format
• These categories are mandated, but not enforced by
OSHA
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Ecological information (EPA)
Disposal considerations (EPA)
Transport information (DOT)
Regulatory information
Other information including information on preparation and
revision of the SDSs.
New SDS Format (cont.)
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GHS product identifier
Other means of identification
Recommended use of the chemical and restrictions on use
Supplier’s details (including name, address, phone
number, etc.)
• Emergency phone number
1. Identification of the
Substance/Mixture & Supplier
• GHS classification of the substance/mixture and any
national or regional information.
• Categorized in 4 classes– from severe to not severe
• GHS label elements, including precautionary statements
(hazard symbols may be provided)
• Other hazards which do not result in classification (ex.
dust explosion hazard– those that are not covered by
GHS)
Hazards Identification
• Substance
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Chemical identity
Common name, synonyms, etc.
Impurities and stabilizing additives
HNOC (Hazards not otherwise categorized)– new to GHS
Mixture
The chemical identity and concentration or concentration
ranges of all ingredients which are hazardous within the
meaning of the GHS and are present above their cutoff levels.
Composition/Information
on Ingredients
• Description of necessary measures, subdivided according
to the different routes of exposure (ex. inhalation, skin
and eye contact, and ingestion)
• Most important symptoms/effect, acute and delayed
• Indication of immediate medical attention and special
treatment needed, if necessary
First Aid Measures
• Suitable and unsuitable extinguishing media
• Specific hazards arising from the chemical (ex. nature of
any hazardous combustion products)
• Special protective equipment and precautions for
firefighters
Firefighting Measures
• Personal precautions, protective equipment, and
emergency procedures
• Environmental precautions
• Methods and material for containment and cleaning up
Accidental Release
Measures
• Precautions for safe handling
• Conditions for safe storage, including any
incompatibilities
Handling and Storage
• Control parameters (ex. occupational exposure limit
values)
• Appropriate engineering controls
• Individual protection measures, such as personal
protective equipment
• Employees should be asking, “How do I protect myself?”
Exposure Controls/
Personal Protection
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Appearance
Odor
Odor threshold
pH
Melting point/freezing point
Initial boiling point and boiling range
Flash point
Evaporation rate
Physical and Chemical
Properties
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Flammability (solid, gas)
Upper/lower flammability or explosive limits
Vapor pressure
Vapor density
Relative density
Solubility(ies)
Etc.
Physical and Chemical
Properties (cont.)
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Chemical stability
Possibility of hazardous reactions
Conditions to avoid (static discharge, shock, or vibration)
Incompatible materials
Hazardous decomposition products
Stability and Reactivity
• Information on the likely routes of exposure (inhalation,
ingestion, skin and eye contact)
• Symptoms related to the physical, chemical, and
toxicological characteristics
• Delayed and immediate effects and also chronic effects
from short-and long-term exposure
• Numerical measures of toxicity
Toxicological Information
• Not required for OSHA
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Eco toxicity (aquatic and terrestrial where available)
Persistence and degradability
Bio accumulative potential
Mobility in soil
Other adverse effects
Ecological Information (new)
• Description of waste residues and information on their
safe handling and methods of disposal, including the
disposal of any contaminated packaging.
Disposal Considerations
• Under DOT Jurisdiction
Transport Information
• Safety , health, and environmental regulations specific for
the product in question.
Regulatory Information
• Mostly for shipping and receiving.
• This section will include the manufacturer date of the
chemical and the date the SDS was revised.
Other Information
GHS LABELING
**See handout for new layout**
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Product Identifier- chemical identity
Supplier Identification- name, address, etc.
Precautionary Statements- advice*
Hazard Pictograms- visual warning*
Signal Words- degree of hazard*
Hazard Statements- nature of hazard*
Supplemental Information- additional information about
the substance
GHS Labeling
GHS Label
• Pictograms will have a black symbol on a white
background with a red diamond border/frame.
Label: Pictogram Shape, Color, and
Meaning
• Signal words are used to emphasize hazard and
discriminate between levels of hazard.
• The signal word indicates the relative degree of severity
of a hazard. The signal words used in GHS are:
• “DANGER” (more severe)
• “WARNING” (less severe)
• **NOTE** “CAUTION” is NOT a signal word for the
GHS.
Label: Signal Words
• A statement is assigned to a hazard class and category
that describes the nature of the hazard(s) of a chemical;
including, where appropriate, the degree of hazards.
• Example for flammable liquids:
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Category 1– Extremely flammable liquid and vapors
Category 2– Highly flammable liquid and vapor
Category 3– Flammable liquid and vapor
Category 4– Combustible liquid
Fatal if swallowed
Toxic if swallowed
Harmful if swallowed
May be harmful if swallowed
Label: Hazard Statements
• Precautionary Statement– a phrase that describes
recommended measures to be taken to minimize or
prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure to a
hazardous chemical or improper storage or handling.
• Ex. wear protective gloves, wear splash protection for face,
keep away from heat/sparks/open flame
• All labels and warnings shall be in English, and prominently
displayed or readily available.
Label:
Precautionary Statements
• Needs all the information from the original shipping label
OR
• Product identifier & words, pictures, symbols which
provide at least general information regarding the hazards
and which will provide the specific information regarding
the physical and health hazards
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• Signs, placards, process sheets, batch tickets, operation
procedures, etc. for stationary containers.
Secondary Labels
THIS CONCLUDES THIS
PORTION OF THE TRAINING…
Take a 5 minute stretch break before we
continue to the next module.