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Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for Classification and Labelling of Chemicals
Quick Resources
- Materials/Presentations from October 2006 Public Meeting on GHS
- White Paper: GHS Implementation Planning Issues (PDF) (17pp, 88K, about PDF)
- Comparison of Current EPA Requirements and the GHS (PDF) (22 pp, 157K, about PDF)
- Sample GHS Labels (PDF) (1 p, 155K, about PDF)
- Benefits of GHS: PowerPoint Presentation (PDF) (15 pp, 425K, about PDF)
The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals is a worldwide initiative to promote standard criteria for classifying chemicals according to their health, physical and environmental hazards. It uses pictograms, hazard statements, and the signal words “Danger” and “Warning” to communicate hazard information on product labels and safety data sheets in a logical and comprehensive way. The primary goal of GHS is better protection of human health and the environment by providing chemical users and handlers with enhanced and consistent information on chemical hazards.
Elements of GHS
- Glossary of Label Elements Included in GHS
- Pictograms and their Benefits
- Chemical Hazard Classes
- Elements that GHS Does Not Affect
- Resources for More Information
Implementation of GHS
The Benefits of GHS
Enhance the protection of human health and the environment: Consistent and widespread use of GHS will enhance protection of human health and the environment by providing an internationally comprehensible system for hazard communication. GHS will help ensure more consistency in the classification and labeling of all chemicals, thereby improving and simplifying hazard communication. This improved communication system will alert the user to the presence of a hazard and the need to minimize exposure and risk, resulting in safer transportation, handling and use of chemicals.
Promote sound management of chemicals worldwide: GHS will provide a harmonized basis for the first step in the sound management of chemicals, identifying hazards, and communicating them. This will be particularly useful for countries without well-developed regulatory systems.
Facilitate Trade: GHS will reduce costly and time-consuming activities needed to comply with multiple classification and labeling systems, promoting more consistency in regulation and reducing non-tariff barriers to trade.