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The Dos and Don’ts of GHS Labeling Requirements
It wasn’t very long ago that it was extremely risky for workers to deal with toxic chemicals because they weren’t always sure what they were handling.
For instance, the item may have originated from a foreign company, and even if it was labeled, the information provided might have been inadequate. It would be up to workers’ discretion how to handle the chemical during transit, storage, and extraction.
The United Nations finally came up with a remedy to this issue in 1992: the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). GHS labeling requirements are now essential in the workplace.
In this article, we’ll discuss the dos and don’ts of these requirements.
Understanding GHS Labeling Requirements
The GHS is the international standard for marking containers containing hazardous compounds. A GHS label is comprised of six elements:
- Signal word: A GHS signal word is a term used to draw attention to a threat and to convey the seriousness of that risk. The signal words used in GHS labels are “warning” and “danger.” The former is used for less severe risks, and the latter is reserved for more extreme threats.
- Pictograms: Pictograms used on GHS labels indicate the level of danger posed by a chemical at a glance.
- Hazard statement: This explains the risks associated with a substance. For instance, if the materials could be harmful to a person’s health, that information would be included in the hazard statement.
- Precautionary statements: The precautionary statement elaborates on the hazard statement by outlining safety precautions, emergency procedures, first aid treatments, and proper methods of storage and disposal.
- Product name: Labels must prominently display both the product identifier and the chemical name.
- Supplier information: The company’s name, specific address, and contact information (telephone number and e-mail) must be included on the GHS label.
Manufacturers use a GHS classification to highlight the most significant dangers associated with a given chemical. Classifications include the following:
- H204: Fire or projection hazard
- H220: Extremely flammable gas
- H260: In contact with water releases flammable gasses which may ignite spontaneously
- H331: Toxic if inhaled
- H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
Do’s of GHS Labeling Requirements
Here are the best practices for complying with GHS labeling requirements:
- Using clear and concise language: When writing a GHS label, it’s important to keep the text simple and to the point.
- Including all required elements on the label: Any company that manufactures, deals with, or uses chemicals should pay particular attention to the GHS label. Therefore, it is crucial to incorporate all the necessary components.
- Using the correct pictograms and signal words: For GHS pictograms, the red square should be affixed to a white background at a point, and the symbol itself should be black. The symbol needs to be large enough for a worker to see it and understand what it means. According to the guidelines for GHS labels, there can be only one signal word used at a time. As a result, even if a product has two risks connected with it, only “Danger” will show on the label, as it is the more serious of the two.
- Updating labels when necessary: Since GHS regulations are subject to regular updates, you should revise your labels accordingly.
- Providing additional information on Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Each product has its own SDS that details any known risks associated with using it, as well as any necessary precautions. You can learn most of what you need to know about the risks of a chemical by reading the SDS.
Don’ts of GHS Labeling Requirements
Here are some of the common mistakes and pitfalls to avoid when labeling chemicals:
- Using non-standardized or unclear language: Don’t use industry jargon; instead, explain the risks of the substance in plain English.
- Omitting required elements on the label: Accidents on the job and inadvertent contact with dangerous chemicals are two potential outcomes if a company fails to provide the required information on a label.
- Using incorrect pictograms or signal words: Red squares without images are not GHS symbols, and such pictograms are not allowed on the label of a container.
- Failing to update labels when necessary: Serious accidents at work can occur if labels aren’t updated when they need to be.
- Failing to provide proper training to employees: Employees would benefit greatly from formal training on GHS labeling. Staff members will be better able to report safety concerns if they have received this training.
Compliance and Enforcement
If a company decides not to comply with GHS labeling requirements, it may put its employees at risk of injury or exposure to harmful substances. The goal of being GHS compliant is to lessen the likelihood of catastrophic workplace accidents. Potential consequences for noncompliance include product recalls and hefty fines.
More than 65 countries have embraced the United Nations’ GHS label requirements. The United States included GHS in its chemical labeling regulations by updating OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). In addition, most pesticide packaging in the United States must have a “signal word” as mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To make it even more visible, they require that it be printed in large, bold letters on the front panel.
OSHA imposes fines and penalties of $7,000 to $12,600 per infraction and $70,000 to $127,000 for willful or repeated violations. The fines can soon build up if you fail to adhere to the GHS labeling requirements for all your containers. At least 400 additional inspectors have been added to OSHA’s personnel to ensure compliance with this rule.
The Bottom Line
GHS labels are mandatory in most countries to warn workers of potential dangers and instruct them on how to handle hazardous substances and compounds.
Although GHS labeling is a voluntary method used by governments around the world, it is still crucial to follow the requirements of each individual country to guarantee that your products are properly tagged.
The main goal is to make sure people have access to the hazard information they need to keep themselves and their surroundings safe. This is why businesses need to prioritize GHS labeling compliance and safety to prevent accidents and injuries in the workplace.