GHS is Coming!

GHS is Coming!

The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) has already been incorporated into OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) and is expected to be adopted by NJ-PEOSH in the near future.  Since NJ-PEOSH receives OSHA funding, the adoption will be mandatory.  When that happens, GHS will begin impacting all public employers (including school districts) throughout the state.

GHS is an international method of standardizing chemical hazard communication to both workers and the community. Under CHS, chemical hazards are expressed in standardized labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) which will be consistent across the world. The labels will consist of:  the name, address and telephone number for the chemical manufacturer, importer or other responsible party, product identifier, signal words, hazard statements, precautionary statements, and pictograms. The SDS’s will represent a substantial change from the current Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and will have 16 standardized sections. The wording on the SDS will match the wording on the labels.

OSHA has put in place effective dates for implementing GHS in the private sector. By December 1, 2013, all private sector employees must be trained on the new labels and SDS formats. By June 1, 2016, workplace labels and hazard communication programs must be updated. Although these dates are not going to directly impact the public sector, you should be aware of the issuance of the new labels and SDS’s since private companies providing products to School Districts will soon be shipping materials with the new labels and SDSs. 

GSE recommends that School Districts begin to get acquainted with the GHS system so a smooth transition can occur.  The expert compliance and training team at GSE is available to provide introductory training programs to prepare your employees for the new system and can help with updating your central files as the new SDSs are issued. We will also inform you of any and all changes to GHS once it is adopted by NJ-PEOSH.

For further information, Call GSE or use these links:

http://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/index.html

http://www.epa.gov/oppfead1/international/globalharmon.htm

http://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/global.html

Please contact us at 201-652-1119 with any questions or to set up a meeting for a cost proposal for a specific service.