The United Nations has formally published Revision 7 of its Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling (GHS), with the updated document now available for purchase on its website. Revision 7 features several important updates, including:
- Revised criteria for categorization of flammable gases within Category 1
- Amendments intended to clarify the definitions of some health hazard classes
- Additional guidance to extend the coverage of section 14 of safety data sheets to all bulk cargoes transported under instruments of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), regardless of their physical state
- Revised and further rationalized precautionary statements in Annex 3
- A new example in Annex 7 addressing labelling of small packages with fold-out labels
This revision is of particular significance as OSHA has recently communicated its intent to update the HazCom 2012 standard to align with GHS Revision 7. In particular, OSHA indicated it was considering modifications to Appendix A (Health Hazard Criteria), Appendix C (Label Elements), and Appendix D (SDS Requirements). While no firm date has been set for OSHA’s re-alignment with this newer revision of the Globally Harmonized System, the agency expressed interest in moving forward as quickly as the administrative regulatory processes would allow – so it wouldn’t be surprising to see some sort of traction on this initiative in 2018. Businesses covered by HazCom in the United States may find it beneficial to review relevant information in GHS Revision 7 in anticipation of any potential changes to the current HazCom 2012 standard.
Let VelocityEHS Help!
Our award-winning MSDSonline chemical management solutions can help you ensure that your workplace is ready for future changes to hazard communication requirements. Whether you need a way to more efficiently manage and provide employee access to updated SDSs; generate GHS-aligned secondary workplace container labels; assign, administer and document employee hazardous chemical safety training, or are in need of expert SDS Authoring services or Regulatory Consulting Services, including CBI claim support, VelocityEHS and its MSDSonline chemical management solutions can help.
In addition, VelocityEHS offers a full library of complementary resources to help employers familiarize themselves with the GHS changes to OSHA’s HCS 2012 standard. Our GHS Answer Center, White Papers & Guides, and expert-led Webinars will help you get up to speed on the current GHS-aligned HazCom 2012 standard and apprised of whatever new changes are in store as a result of alignment with Revision 7.
