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HazCom & GHS Made Simple: A No-Nonsense Guide to Hazard Labels and Safety Data Sheets

A chemical container with a Hazmat Label on it.

Introduction

Would you handle chemicals at work without knowing their risks? One wrong move, like accidental skin contact, improper storage, or breathing in toxic fumes, can cause serious injury and affect your health in the long run. To prevent these issues, OSHA's Hazard Communication Standards (HazCom) and the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) ensure that every worker knows the risks related to all the chemicals in their workplace through Safety Data Sheets (SDS). However, many workers misinterpret the pictograms, fail to notice the signal words, neglect to check the SDS before they handle hazardous substances, and put themselves at risk. This detailed guide will highlight the importance of hazard labels, SDS interpretation, and guidelines for working safely with chemicals. Therefore, keep on reading and ensure that you are informed and protected.

Comprehending the HazCom and GHS

What is HazCom?

Hazcom regulation protects workers from health and physical risks associated with the hazardous chemicals on their worksites. HazCom standards were established by OSHA under the 29 CFR 1910.1200 regulation. The HazCom standards direct employers to always identify and classify hazardous chemicals, appropriately label them, maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and provide detailed training to employees on safe handling practices.

HazCom classifies the hazardous substances into various classes depending on their health and physical hazards and restricts the permissible exposure limits (PELs) to reduce the risks. Additionally, employers should also develop hazard communication programs designed for their workplaces.

What is GHS?

The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) is an international framework that standardizes the labeling, classification, and communication of chemical hazards. The GHS has a uniform criterion that defines the chemical hazards, signal words, standardized pictograms, and a consistent format for SDS. While HazCom is specified to the United States alone, the GHS develops a global system that helps international trade and enhances safety. The comprehensive approach of HazCom ensures that employees globally can understand chemical hazards despite their location and language.

How do GHS and HazCom work together to protect workers?

The GHS and HazCom collaborated to align OSHA's hazard communication standards with globally recognized practices. To refine consistency and clarity in hazard communications, OSHA adopted GHS protocols for the HazCom. This integration introduced a standardized hazard classification system, harmonized global SDS formats, and established uniform requirements. By combining HazCom's regulatory framework with GHS's global standards workers get clear information regarding chemical risks, enabling them to safely handle hazardous substances.

The 6 Major Elements of GHS-Compliant Labels

The GHS-compliant labels offer essential information regarding the safe handling of chemicals. Understanding the 6 GHS elements helps to prevent accidents, stay compliant, and reduce risks. Below is the breakdown of the 6 major elements of GHS-compliant labels,

1. Product Identifier (What's in the Container?)

The product identifier provides the unique name and code for the chemical substances. Product identifiers include trade names, chemical names, and product code assigned by the manufacturer. To ensure regularity, the product identifier must match the identifier listed on the Safety Data Sheet (SDS). The product identifier allows the users to identify the contents of a container immediately and cross-index it with the safety information, reducing the risks associated with mislabeling and improper handling.

2. Signal Words (Danger vs. Warning)

The severity of the chemical hazards is indicated through signal words. GHS uses two signal words: ''Danger''' for more severe hazards and 'Warning'' for less severe ones. Both these words offer a visual prompt regarding the level of risk related to the substance.

3. Pictograms (Quick Visual Hazard Indicators)

These red diamond-shaped symbols are the standard symbols. They visually communicate specific hazard information, including flammability, toxicity, and environmental risks. Under GHS, OSHA includes eight pictograms, including physical, health, and environmental hazards. Pictograms cut across the language barriers and offer an intrinsic way to communicate the risks.

Hazard Statements (Describes Risks Like Flammability or Toxicity)

These standardized phrases give insights into the degree and nature of chemical hazards. For example, a flammable liquid container may contain the hazards statement such as 'Highly Flammable Liquid and Vapor'. Depending on the type of chemical classification, these statements are assigned and must be shown on the labels to allow the users to understand the possible dangers.

Precautionary Statements (How to Safely Handle Chemicals?)

These statements act as a guide on how to handle, store and dispose chemicals risk-free. They also include first-aid measures in case of exposure. A precautionary statement mentions the safety measures to properly handle the substances. As an example, strong acids need to be handled with chemical gloves to prevent burns, and they must be kept in ventilated areas away from the bases or flammables to avoid reactions and buildup of fumes. Following these instructions helps to prevent accidents and safely use hazardous chemicals.

Supplier Information (Who Manufactured or Distributed the Chemicals?)

It offers information regarding manufacturers and distributors who deal with chemicals, such as their names and contact numbers. Supplier's information ensures traceability and provides contact details to gather any additional safety information or emergency support if required. Accurate supplier information helps employees to effectively communicate and stay compliant with regulations.

Precise and accurate labeling is a lifesaver. By recognizing these 6 elements, the workers can handle the hazardous chemicals safely and be compliant. Always read the label instructions carefully.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Your Go-To Guide for Chemical Safety

What is an SDS, and why does it matter?

This detailed document offers insights into comprehensive information related to hazardous chemicals. It includes data on chemicals' physical, environmental, and health hazards. It also covers aspects of safe handling, emergency procedures, and proper chemical storage. The SDS helps ensure that the workplace is secure by allowing employers and employees to understand the chemical risks and execute the required protective measures. SDS are a major component of OSHA's Hazard Communication Standards, and all the workers who handle the hazardous materials must have access to it.

The 16 Standard Sections of an SDS:

Identification: It contains the product name, recommended uses, and supplier details.
Hazard Identification: It covers chemical hazards and related warnings.
Composition/Ingredients: It covers the chemical constituents.
First-Aid Measures: Emergency treatment is required in case of chemical exposure.
Fire-fighting Measures: Emergency response steps and suitable extinguishing methods.
Accidental Release Measures: How to clean up accidental spills or leaks.
Handling and Storage: How to safely use and store the chemicals.
PPE for Chemical Exposure: Required PPE needed for chemical handling and permissible exposure limits.
Chemical and Physical Properties: Properties like pH and boiling points.
Stability and Reactivity: Chemical conditions when exposure can cause reactions.
Toxicological Information: Adverse health effects from chemical exposure.
The 12-15th points cover transport, environmental, and regulatory considerations.
Other Data: Additional information includes revision dates and additional notes.

Best Practices for Staying Workplace Compliant

Proper Storage and Labelling of Chemicals

A safe worksite can be ensured through proper labeling and storage of chemicals:

Correct Labeling: Ensure all chemical containers contain proper labeling, including product identifier, pictograms, signal words, precautionary statements, and hazard statements per GHS standards.
Organized Storage: All the chemicals must be stored in designated areas, to prevent accidental mixing and exposure risks.
Routine Audits: Conduct routine inspections to ensure correct labeling and storage of chemicals.

Providing Access to SDS to all Employees

To ensure the safety of workers and compliance with the regulations, Safety Data Sheet (SDS) should be available to all the workers:

Centralized Access: Keep all SDSs at a consolidated location, making them easily accessible to all the employees who are handling chemicals.
Digital Access: Storing SDSs on digital platforms ensures that they remain constantly updated and easily accessible.
SDS Usage Training: Employees should be trained to locate and interpret SDS information quickly, particularly in an emergency.

HazCom & GHS Training for Employees:

All the workers handling hazardous chemicals must be trained to ensure safety in the workplace. We offer in-depth and updated Hazard Communication (HazCom) training with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) Training. Our training serves a vast pool of clientele by offering flexible formats, including online, onsite, virtual instructor, and SCORM packages.

Final Thoughts:

Ignoring hazard labels and misinterpreting signal words can lead to chemical burns, explosions and toxic exposures. That is why every worker must be trained to recognize GHS label elements, locate and interpret SDS details, and follow PPE and storage guidelines. Regularly audit your labels, verify SDS accessibility, and refresh training. Remember that a well-informed team is not only OSHA-compliant but is a frontline defense against workplace chemical hazards.