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Environmental Health and Safety

Globally Harmonized System (GHS)

WISHA has revised its Hazard Communication Standard to align it with the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). This revision of the Hazard Communication Standard includes two significant changes: (1) new labeling elements and (2) a standardized format for Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), formally known as Material Safety Data Sheets.

Labels

Warns persons of all probable hazards associated with a substance

  1. Product Identifier - Identifies the substance by name or number
  2. Pictograms - Convey specific information about the hazard of a substance
  3. Signal Word - Alerts users on the severity of hazard "Danger" or "Warning"
  4. Hazard Statements - Describe the nature of the hazards of a substance
  5. Precautionary Statements - Describe recommended measures that should be taken to minimize or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure to the substance or improper storage/handling
  6. Supplier Information - Name, address, and telephone number of the manufacturer, distributor, or importer

Pictograms

 

 

Explosives. Self-reactives, Organic
peroxides

 

Flammables, Self- reactives, Pyrophorics, Self-
heating

 

 

Oxidizers

 

 

Gas under pressure

 

 

Carcinogen, Reproductive/Target organ toxicity,
Mutagenicity

 

 

Acute toxicity (severe)

 

 

Environmental toxicity

 

 

Irritant, sensitizer, Acute toxicity, Respiratory tract
irritation

 

 

Corrosive

 

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Manufacturer, distributors, and importers are required to provide Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs), to communicate the hazards of hazardous substances. The WISHA revision of the Hazard Communication Standard requires SDSs to follow a standardized 16-section format.

  1. Identification
  2. Hazard(s) Identification
  3. Composition/Information on Ingredients
  4. First-aid Measures
  5. Fire-fighting Measures
  6. Accidental Release Measures
  7. Handling and Storage
  8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
  9. Physical and Chemical Properties
  10. Stability and Reactivity
  11. Toxicological Information
  12. Ecological Information
  13. Disposal Considerations
  14. Transport Information
  15. Regulatory Information
  16. Other Information

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