What is the GHS? and what it means for you
What is the GHS? And What Does It Mean for You?
Understanding the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)
Chemicals have significantly improved many aspects of our lives, yet they pose risks to human health and the environment. These risks extend beyond production and use to the broader community and environment through general exposure, accidental release, and inadequate disposal. To address these risks consistently and effectively, the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) was introduced in 2002. This system provides a unified approach for everyone—from manufacturers to end-users—to appropriately manage chemical risks.
The Role of GHS in Chemical Management
The GHS offers guidelines for classifying chemicals and their safe handling and storage. Manufacturers and suppliers must evaluate their products' health and safety risks before introducing them to the market. They must also communicate these risks and provide management advice to anyone who may come into contact with these products. This ensures that all parties involved know the potential hazards and how to handle them safely.
Obligations for End-Users
Manufacturers and suppliers are not the only ones who have obligations under the GHS. End-users must familiarise themselves with the labelling and safety data sheet requirements to understand the nature and severity of chemical hazards. Once they understand this information, they can better comply with the requirements for the safe use, handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals.
GHS Assessment Criteria
The GHS includes a set of assessment criteria and communication elements to determine and convey the nature and severity of all hazards associated with a substance or mixture. A ‘tiered approach’ evaluates each potential hazard, categorized as Health, Physical, or Environmental. Each hazard is divided into various classes and categories describing its specific nature and severity.
Health Hazards
Health hazards include any adverse health effects a chemical might cause, such as skin irritation, respiratory issues, or more severe conditions like carcinogenicity.
Physical Hazards
Physical hazards refer to a chemical's physical properties, such as flammability, explosiveness, or reactivity with other substances.
Environmental Hazards
Environmental hazards address the potential harm a chemical might cause to the environment, including aquatic toxicity or long-term ecological effects.
Communicating the Hazards
The GHS uses standardized communication elements on labels and safety data sheets, such as pictograms, hazard codes, hazard phrases, signal words, and precautionary statements. These elements inform end-users about hazards, and related prevention, response, storage, and disposal information.
Pictograms
Pictograms are visual symbols that represent the type of hazard a chemical poses, making it easy for users to recognize the associated risks quickly.
Hazard Codes and Phrases
Hazard codes and phrases provide specific details about the nature of the hazard, such as "Harmful if inhaled" or "Causes skin irritation."
Signal Words
Signal words like "Danger" or "Warning" indicate the severity of the hazard, helping users gauge the level of caution required.
Precautionary Statements
Precautionary statements offer guidance on preventing, responding to, storing, and disposing of chemicals safely, ensuring that end-users know exactly what steps to take to mitigate risks.
Regional Differences
The GHS allows nations or regions to select which hazard classes or categories to implement, known as the GHS Building Block approach. This means the applicability of Hazard Classifications and/or Hazard Categories depends on the GHS Building Blocks adopted by each jurisdiction. For instance, one country may adopt a more comprehensive set of hazard classes, while another may focus on those most relevant to its regulatory and environmental context.
Conclusion
Understanding the GHS ensures that everyone—from manufacturers to end-users—can contribute to safer chemical management and protection of health and the environment. Following GHS guidelines and familiarising yourself with the associated communication elements can help reduce the risks posed by hazardous chemicals and promote a safer, healthier world.
Stay informed, stay safe, and work together to responsibly manage chemical risks!
