Are you prepared for changes to chemical labelling?

The United Nations has adopted the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), which will come into effect in Australia from 1 January 2017, signifying a dramatic change in industry compliance and management around chemical labelling.

The GHS is an international system of chemical classification and hazard communication for physical, health and environmental hazards.

“The GHS will provide benefits to the workplace through internationally recognised hazard pictograms and standardised safety methods,” said Shawn Samuel, CEO of Chemical Safety International, an Australian provider of chemical management services.

“That being said, there are some challenges businesses need to be aware of before implementing [the system].”

The purpose of the GHS is to promote global synergy and optimise safety around workplace chemicals; however, a product classified under the GHS will not necessarily have the same classification around the world. This is due to the fact that different countries have variations in their chemical classification databases and each country can choose to adopt different GHS building blocks and classification criteria.

There are also a number of GHS editions, which can lead to variations in final classifications.

Manufacturers and importers of hazardous chemicals will need to reclassify and relabel their products, as well as prepare new safety data sheets to meet the new requirements by the final transitional date.

For more information, visit Safe Work Australia or Chemical Safety International.