In different countries all over the world there are different laws governing the identification or classification of the hazardous properties of chemicals and different ways in how information about these hazards is made available to users (through labels, and safety data sheets for workers). Not surprisingly, this leads to confusion as the same chemical can have different hazard descriptions in different countries.Enter the "Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals" (GHS). The aim of GHS is, on a worldwide basis, the same:
• criteria for classifying chemicals according to their health, environmental and physical hazards; and
• hazard communication requirements for labelling and safety data sheets
The GHS is not a formal treaty, but is a non-legally binding international agreement. This means that countries must create local or national legislation to implement the GHS.
What does this mean to you?
If you use hazardous substances, then you have probably noticed that some of those you have bought recently have some different symbols on their labels. The purpose of these new symbols is to enable those who are using the product to determine if there are any health or safety risks with the substance in a (worldwide) uniform manner.
New Symbols?
Very simply, the new symbols are a new version of the traditional orange and black warnings that have been around for many years. They are new because they are starting to be “phased in”.
New Legislation?The changes are being introduced as a result of the EC Regulation No 1272/2008 on Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures (CLP). This new Regulation currently exists alongside the UK legislation: the Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 2009 (CHIP4). It should be noted, however, that by 2015 the UK legislation will have been replaced by the EC Regulation No 1272/2008.
More Information to follow - or visit our website http://lrbconsulting.co.uk/
