Taking A Global Approach To Chemical Hazard Communications

Even with a degree in chemistry, Dave Havick, EMC senior industrial hygienist, admits that the diverse and often confusing array of national and international labeling requirements presents a challenge. “That’s about to change,” says Havick, who joins other safety professionals in full support of OSHA’s proposed adoption of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS).

Improving Worker Safety
When adopted, GHS will have a dramatic impact on improving safety for workers and others through consistent and simplified communication on chemical hazards and practices to follow for safe handling and use. “It’s all about reducing accidents and illnesses in the workplace,” notes Havick. “Governments will also benefit through improved protection for the public from chemical hazards.”

As a result of the European Union adopting GHS in winter 2008, companies who import chemicals have probably noticed a difference in labels and safety data sheets (SDS). Some of those differences include:

• The use of hazard pictograms (see page 2) that convey health, physical and environmental hazard information
• The use of signal words to emphasize hazards and indicate the relative level of severity
• The use of hazard statements to describe the nature of the hazard
• The use of a 16-heading SDS that provides vital information in a concise and consistent manner, country to country

Training Is Essential To GHS Success
According to Havick, once GHS is adopted, the biggest challenge facing its implementation will be training. “GHS does not provide any training resources for employers and/or their employees.” As a result, EMC’s Risk Improvement Department is already planning major revisions to its training materials on hazard communications, and Havick will be assisting policyholders to make the adjustment to GHS as easy as possible for them and their staffs.

Today, the hazard communication standard is among the top frequently cited standards by OSHA. “With a more diverse and mobile workforce than ever before, the need for more consistent hazard communication is essential,” advises Havick, who is hopeful that the United States will follow the European Union’s lead in adopting this universal and comprehensive approach to identifying hazardous chemicals.

For more information about OSHA and GHS, visit www.osha.gov.