GHS ANSWER CENTER
Welcome to the GHS Answer Center,
brought to you VelocityEHS.
If this is your first experience with the GHS, you probably have a lot of questions: What is it? What does it mean to me and my company? What requirements went into effect and when?
Whether you need a quick introduction to the GHS, or sophisticated answers to difficult questions, the GHS Answer Center is here to help.
GHS Is Here
On March 26, 2012 OSHA published in the Federal Register a final rule revising the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to align with GHS. This was the culmination of decades worth of work by OSHA to help develop the Globally Harmonized System and make it a reality in the U.S.
Changes to the HCS to align with GHS are affecting over 43 million workers in over 5 million workplaces. Major changes to the HCS centered on:
- Hazard classification
- Labels
- Safety Data Sheets
- Information and training
Costs to businesses have been greatest in these areas:
- Re-classification of all chemicals
- Re-authoring of all Safety Data Sheets
- Training of workers on new label and SDS elements and familiarization with modified HCS system
OSHA expects the revised standard will prevent 43 fatalities and 585 injuries annually in the U.S., with a net annualized savings of over $500 million a year.
If you've been thinking about implementing an electronic SDS Management solution and/or an on-demand Chemical Inventory Management solution, the time is now. Take action to save money, get and stay compliant, and — most importantly — keep your workforce safe from hazardous chemicals.
