Hazard Communication and the
Globally Harmonized System
(GHS) Training
Presented by PLANET*
*The Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) provides this PowerPoint presentation as a
service to its members in furtherance of PLANET’s mission. PLANET is not responsible for, and
expressly disclaims all liability for, damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance
on any information contained within the presentation. Please refer to OSHA requirements to
provide this training to your employees. The following information is a general review of the
subject matter. Please consult with a subject matter expert for compliance review and advice.
1
Introduction
This presentation contains information
about employer responsibilities with
regards to the revised Hazardous
Communications Standards (also known
as the Globally Harmonized System
(GHS) of Classification & Labeling of
Chemicals) and for use in training
employees on the new label elements and
safety data sheet format associated with
GHS.
2
Table of Content
Why did OSHA align the HCS with GHS?
4
Benefits of Adopting the GHS
5
Purpose
7
How Hazard Communication Works
8
Employer Responsibilities – Labels
9
Employer Responsibilities – SDS
11
Checklist for Employer Compliance
12
Final Rule
14
Phase-in-Period for revised Hazard Communication Standard
15
Training Outline
o Lesson 1: Label elements
o Lesson 2: Safety Data Sheet Format
16
17
32
Additional Training Resources
38
Assessment and Evaluation
40
3
Why did OSHA align the
HCS with GHS?
To provide a common, coherent approach
to classifying and communicating chemical
hazards. This approach includes:
» Harmonized (standardized) definitions
of hazards
» Specific criteria for labels
» Harmonized (standardized) format for
safety data sheets
4
Benefits of Adopting the GHS
•
Increase the quality and consistency of
information provided to workers, employers
and chemical users.
» Reduce confusion/Increase comprehension of
hazards.
» Improve downstream risk management.
» Facilitate training.
» Help address literacy problems.
•
Other benefits include facilitation of
international trade in chemicals
5
Note:
OSHA is moving forward to change the MSDS
and all chemical labels to comply with GHS;
however, the EPA will not require any changes
to pesticide labels.
 This may cause confusion since the signal word
on the OSHA-regulated SDS will not match the
signal word on the EPA-regulated pesticide label.
 “Danger” and “Warning” are the only two signal
words that will appear on the revised HCS;
Pesticide labels will continue to use the current
signal words “Caution,” “Warning,” and “Danger.”

6
Purpose
OSHA requires that by Dec. 1, 2013, each
person in your company who deals with
chemicals must be verifiably trained on:
 Label elements of non-pesticide chemicals
 The new SDS format applicable to both pesticides
and non-pesticides
OSHA requires this to ensure that the
hazards of all chemicals, produced or
imported, are classified and that
information about their hazards is given
to employers and their employees.
7
How Hazard Communication
Works
8
Employer Responsibilities - Labels

Maintain labels on the containers, including , but not limited to, tanks, totes and drums, so
they continue to be legible and the pertinent information is not defaced (i.e., fade, get
washed off) or removed in any way.

Re-label items if the labels are removed or defaced.

Labels must be legible, in English, and prominently displayed. Other languages may be
displayed in addition to English.

General OSHA requirements for workplace labeling have not changed.

Employers have option to create their own workplace labels.

Employer with workplace system of labeling that meets the requirements of HazCom
1994 may continue to use this system as long as it provides employees with the
information on all of the health and physical hazards of the hazardous chemical.
9
Employer Responsibilities - Labels

If an employer chooses to use the GHS pictograms, these pictograms may have a black
border, rather than a red border (manufacturers, importers, or distributors shipping or
transporting hazardous chemicals must to use pictograms with red border with a black
hazard symbol on a white background).

Employer may use additional instructional symbols, not included in OSHA’s HCS
pictograms (e.g., a person wearing goggles or an environmental or PPE pictogram) on
workplace labels.

Note: If an employer transfers hazardous chemicals from a labeled container to a
portable container that is only intended for immediate use by the employee who
performs the transfer, no labels are required for the portable container.
10
Employer Responsibilities - SDS
•
Designate person to obtain SDS
• Maintain SDS
•
•
•
Know procedures to follow to obtain SDS
Follow procedures for updating SDS
•
•
(e.g., Notebooks, electronic, back-up system,
access)
Chemical manufacturers and importers
Have SDS readily accessible and available
upon request
• (e.g., Main offices, work areas, mobile
locations)
11
Checklist for Employer Compliance
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Obtain a copy of the rule
Read and understand the requirements
Assign responsibility for tasks
Prepare an inventory of chemicals
Ensure containers are labeled
Obtain SDS for each chemical
Prepare written program (when required
under new program you should update
your old program)
12
Checklist for Employer Compliance
•
•
Make SDS available to workers
Conduct training of workers
•
Establish procedures to maintain current
program
•
Establish procedures to evaluate
effectiveness
13
Final Rule

The final rule was published in the Federal
Register on March 26, 2012 and became
effective on May 25, 2012. The rule can be
found at
◦ https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.sh
ow_document?p_table=FEDERAL_REGISTER
&p_id=22607
14
Phase-in period for the revised Hazard
Communication Standard

Effective Completion
Date
Requirement(s)
Who
December 1, 2013
Train employees on the new label
elements and safety data sheet (SDS)
format.
Employers
June 1, 2015*
Compliance with all modified
provisions of this final rule, except:
Chemical manufacturers,
importers, distributors
and employers
December 1, 2015
The Distributor shall not ship
containers labeled by the chemical
manufacturer or importer unless it is a
GHS label
June 1, 2016
Update alternative workplace labeling
and hazard communication program as
necessary, and provide additional
employee training for newly identified
physical or health hazards.
Employers
Transition Period to the
effective completion dates noted
above
May comply with either 29 CFR
1910.1200 (the final standard), or the
current standard, or both
Chemical manufacturers,
importers, distributors,
and employers
*This date coincides with the EU implementation date for classification
of mixtures
15
Training Outline

Lesson 1: Label elements
◦ What is HCS definition of a label
◦ Type of information employee would expect
to see on the new labels.
◦ How employee might use that information

Lesson 2: Safety Data Sheet Format
◦ Standardized 16-section format
◦ Type of information found in the various
sections
16
Lesson 1: Label elements
HCS definition of a label:
• An appropriate group of written, printed or
graphic informational elements concerning a
hazardous chemical that are affixed to, printed
on, or attached to the immediate container of
a hazardous chemical, or to the outside
packaging.
17
Lesson 1: Label elements
Labels for a hazardous chemical must
contain:
• Name, Address, and Telephone Number
• Product Identifier
• Signal Word
• Hazard Statement(s)
• Precautionary Statement(s)
• Pictogram(s)
18
Sample Label
19
20
Sample Label
21
Sample Label
Lesson 1: Label elements
(instructor slide)
Labels for a hazardous chemical must contain:
Name, Address, and Telephone Number
of the chemical
manufacturer, importer or other responsible party.
Product Identifier: the chemical name, code number or batch number.
(the
manufacturer, importer or distributor can decide the appropriate product identifier,
but the same product identifier must be both on the label and in section 1 of the
SDS.
Signal Word to indicate the relative level of severity of the hazard and alert
the reader to a potential hazard.
• “Danger” and “Warning” are the only two words used as signal words; there will only be
one signal word on the label, no matter how many hazards a chemical may have.
22
Lesson 1: Label elements
(instructor slide – cont.)
Labels for a hazardous chemical must contain:
Hazard Statement(s) to describe the nature of the hazard(s) of a
chemical, including where appropriate the degree of hazard.
• For example: “Causes damage to kidneys through prolonged or repeated
exposure when absorbed through the skin.”
23
Lesson 1: Label elements
(instructor slide – cont.)
Labels for a hazardous chemical must contain:
Precautionary Statement(s)* describe recommended measures
that should be taken to minimize or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure
to or improper storage or handling of the hazardous chemical. There are four types
of precautionary statements:
1. Prevention (to minimize exposure)
2. Response (in case of accidental spillage or exposure emergency response
and first-aid)
3. Storage
4. Disposal
24
Lesson 1: Label elements
(instructor slide – cont.)
Labels for a hazardous chemical must contain:
Precautionary Statement(s)* – example:
A chemical presenting a specific target organ toxicity would include the following
on the label:
“Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors/spray. Get medical advice/attention
if you feel unwell. Dispose of contents/container in accordance with
local/regional/national and international regulations.”
*See OSHA Brief on Hazard Communication Standard: Labels and Pictograms for more
details.
25
Lesson 1: Label elements
(instructor slide – cont.)
Examples of Precautionary Statements:
Keep container
tightly closed. Store
in a cool,
well-ventilated place
that is locked.
Keep away from
heat/sparks/open
flame. No smoking.
Only use nonsparking tools.
Use explosion-proof
electrical equipment.
Take precautionary
measures against
static discharge.
Ground and bond
container and
receiving equipment.
Do not breathe
vapors.
Wear protective
gloves.
Do not eat, drink or
smoke when using
this product.
Wash hands
thoroughly after
handling.
Dispose of in
accordance with local,
regional, national,
international
regulations as
specified.
In Case of Fire: use
dry chemical (BC) or
Carbon Dioxide
(CO2) fire extinguisher
to extinguish.
First Aid
If exposed call Poison
Center.
If on skin (or hair):
Take off immediately
any contaminated
clothing. Rinse skin
with water.
26
Lesson 1: Label elements
(instructor slide – cont.)
Labels for a hazardous chemical must contain:
Pictogram(s) graphic symbols used to communicate
specific information about the hazards of a chemical. indicate
the relative level of severity of the hazard and alert the
reader to a potential hazard.
• “Danger” and “Warning” are the only two words used as signal words;
there will only be one signal word on the label, no matter how
many hazards a chemical may have.
27
Lesson 1: HCS Pictograms and
Hazards
OSHA has designated eight pictograms under
this standard for application to a hazard
category (see following slide).
OSHA’s required pictograms must
Be in the shape of a square set at a point and
include a black hazard symbol on a white
background with a red frame sufficiently wide
enough to be clearly visible.
◦ A square red frame set at a point without a
hazard symbol is not a pictogram and is not
permitted on the label.
28
Lesson 1: HCS Pictograms and
Hazards
29
Lesson1: How Employee might use
the labels in the workplace

To ensure proper storage of hazardous
chemicals.

To quickly locate information on first aid
when needed by employees or emergency
personnel.
30
Lesson 1: How elements on label
work together

Some chemicals may have multiple hazards,
different pictograms are used to identify the
various hazards. You should expect to see the
appropriate pictogram for the corresponding
hazard class.

When there are similar precautionary
statements, the one providing the most
protective information will be included on the
label.
31
Lesson 2: Safety Data Sheet Format

HCS requires chemical manufacturers,
distributors, or importers to provide Safety
Data Sheets (SDS, formerly known as Material
Safety Data Sheets (MDS)) to communicate the
dangers of hazardous chemical products.

As of June 1, 2015, the HCS will require new
SDS to be in a uniform format and include the
following 1-16 section numbers, with the
headings, and associated information:
32
Lesson 2: SDS Format Sections

Section 1, Identification includes product identifier;
manufacturer or distributor name, address, phone number;
emergency phone number; recommended use; restrictions
on use.

Section 2, Hazard(s) identification includes all hazards
regarding the chemical; required label elements.

Section 3, Composition/information on ingredients
includes information on chemical ingredients; trade secret
claims.

Section 4, First-aid measures includes important
symptoms/effects, acute, delayed; required treatment.
33
Lesson 2: SDS Format Sections

Section 5, Fire-fighting measures lists suitable extinguishing
techniques, equipment; chemical hazards from fire.

Section 6, Accidental release measures lists emergency
procedures; protective equipment; proper methods of
containment and cleanup.

Section 7, Handling and storage lists precautions for safe
handling and storage, including incompatibilities.

Section 8, Exposure controls/personal protection lists
OSHA’s Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs); Threshold Limit
Values (TLVs); appropriate engineering controls; personal
protective equipment (PPE).
34
Lesson 2: SDS Format Sections

Section 9, Physical and chemical properties lists
the chemical’s characteristics.
Section 10, Stability and reactivity lists chemical
stability and possibility of hazardous reactions.
 Section 11, Toxicological information includes
routes of exposure; related symptoms, acute and
chronic effects; numerical measures of toxicity.
 Section 12, Ecological information*
 Section 13, Disposal considerations*


Section 14, Transport information*
35
Lesson 2: SDS Format Sections

Section 15, Regulatory Information,* this section documents
the chemical’s classification under federal regulations such as the
Toxic Substances Control Act, the Clean Water Act and the
Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act among others.
Special Information for pesticides included in this section. EPA has
instructed manufactures/suppliers to insert the required FIFRA
label hazard information in this section. If the pesticide label signal
word is different from the signal word on the SDS, (new standard
does not use “Caution”) this is where it is explained.

Section 16, Other information, includes the date of
preparation or last revision.
*Note: Since other Agencies regulate this information, OSHA will not be enforcing Sections 12 through 15(29 CFR
1910.1200(g)(2)).
36
Lesson 1 & 2: Wrap-up


Summarize important points.
Allow time for questions.
37
Additional Training Resources
OSHA Hazard Communication website:
https://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/index.h
tml
 Federal Register Hazard
Communication Rule:
https://www.osha.gov/FedReg_osha_pdf/F
ED20120326.pdf
 Hazard Communication Safety Data
Sheets Quick Card:
https://www.osha.gov/Publications/HazCo
mm_QuickCard_SafetyData.html

38
Additional Training Resources

Hazard Communication Standard
QuickCards
https://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/ghsquickcar
ds.html
39
Assessment and Evaluation
1.
GHS stands for:
a. Globally Harmonized System
2.
b. Good Health Safety
The GHS system provides for:
a. Improved understanding and communication
3.
c. Global Health Strategies
b. More OSHA citations and penalties
A chemical in hazard category 4 represents which category of hazard?
a. Most hazardous category in that hazard class
b. Least hazardous category in that
hazard class
4.
The words “danger” or “warning” are examples of:
a. Signal words
c. Pictograms
b. Hazard statements
d. Precautionary statements
40
Assessment and Evaluation
5.
A workplace label must always contain the name, address, and telephone number of the
chemical’s manufacturer or supplier.
a. True
6.
OSHA will strictly enforce Environmental requirements.
a. True
7.
b. False
b. False
A chemical in a secondary container that has not been labeled with a workplace label will still
be in compliance, provided the worker who labeled it will be the same worker to use the
chemical the following workday.
a. True
8.
b. False
Safety Data Sheets must follow a uniform format consisting of 18 sections of information.
a. True
b. False
41
Assessment and Evaluation
9.
Businesses that have employees who travel for work at off-site locations are required to keep
Safety Data Sheets in every vehicle.
a. True
10.
b. False
Under the requirements of the GHS system, manufacturers will transmit information about
hazardous chemicals through:
a. Material Safety Data Sheets b. Safety Data Sheets
11.
The responsibility for classifying chemicals is a requirement for:
a. Assigned by the manufacturer, producer, or importer
desired
b. Assigned by an employer, if
c. both
42
Assessment and Evaluation
1. Answer a: Globally Harmonized System
2. Answer a: Improved understanding and
communication
 3. Answer b: Least hazardous category in
that hazard class
 4. Answer a: Signal words
 5. Answer b: False
 6. Answer b: False
 7. Answer b: False
 8. Answer b: False (16)


43
Assessment and Evaluation

9. Answer b: False


10. Answer b: Safety Data Sheets
11. Answer a: Assigned by the
manufacturer, producer, or importer
44