12 April 2010

Global Harmonisation of Hazard Symbols, Risk and Precautionary Phrases

All over the world there are different laws on how to identify the hazardous properties of chemicals and systems as to how information about these hazards is then passed to users (e.g. through signs, labels, and safety data sheets for employers and their workers) leading to confusion with some chemicals been classified as toxic in one country and not in another.

The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) has been developed through the UN with the aim of having one chemical – one label worldwide and covers:

•    the criteria for classifying chemicals according to their health, environmental and physical hazards; and
•    the hazard communication requirements for labeling and safety data sheets.

Until 1st December 2010 chemicals will continue to be classified under current systems. From 1st December 2010 single substances will have to carry the new hazard symbol and the new risk and precautionary phrases should be included on safety data sheets. It is envisaged that for a significant period that many chemicals will display both systems.

Preparation/mixtures will not have to be fully compliant until 2015.

Companies should be developing plans to
•  train their staff in the new signs and
•  change their CoSHH assessments over to the new system

Click here for further information from HSE.

and here for the European Chemicals Agency website