Getting in Harmony with GHS, Part 2: Who Will Be Affected by GHS?
Getting in Harmony with GHS, Part 2: Who Will Be Affected by GHS?
Globally Harmonized System
© Globally Harmonized System
We’ve already discussed what HazCom GHS is. “GHS” stands for the new Globally Harmonized System for classification and labeling of chemicals. All manufacturers, suppliers, and users of chemicals have big changes in their future or already happening. New laws, regulations, or directives for the classification and labeling of hazardous materials will have to be complied with. And the timelines for compliance are short.
In most jurisdictions the unified GHS approach will be applied to the following products:
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Workplace chemicals
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Consumer chemicals (not in the USA at this time)
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Pesticides (not in the USA at this time)
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Products governed by the transportation of dangerous goods regulations (changes have already been completed in the USA)
Not only will systems be harmonized from country to country; they will also be harmonized from sector to sector within each country (consumer, transport and workplace). In the United States alone it is estimated that five million workplaces will be affected. Training will be required for more than 40 million workers. A similar, possibly even larger, impact can be expected in Europe, and even more in Asia, with proportionate impact in other developed countries around the world.
This is the second of a four-part series on the new GHS standards.
Part 3: What Must Be Done to Comply with HazCom GHS?
Part 4: When Will GHS Start?
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