Globally Harmonised System for the Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)
The Globally Harmonised System for the Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, usually abbreviated to GHS, creates a new, internationally standardized, way of classifying and communicating the hazards of chemicals. It aims to ensure that information on physical hazards and toxicity from chemicals is available, in order to enhance the protection of human health and the environment during the handling, transport and use of these chemicals.
The Globally Harmonised System of Classifying and Labelling Chemicals (GHS) sets out:
- Criteria for the identification of the intrinsic hazards of chemicals
- Classification processes that use the available data on chemicals and compare it with defined hazard criteria
- Tools for hazard communication on labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
GHS is voluntary, but governments across the world have committed to implement the new system; at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 1992 governments committed to having the system fully operational by 2008.
In many cases implementation of GHS will require a re-writing of current laws on classification and labeling of chemicals.
- For a more detailed introduction to GHS, see CPSI's "REACH and GHS Update ".
- For comprehensive information about GHS, see the UNECE GHS web site.
Implementation of GHS
A large number of projects are now underway in order to build capacity around the world, enabling GHS to be implemented globally. For more information, see UNITAR's Global partnership for capacity building site.
GHS Implementation in the United States
GHS implementation in the US will be the responsibility of a number of agencies, including:
- The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)
- The US EPA (only for Pesticides)
- The Department of Transportation, Office of Hazardous Materials Safety
The US government believes that there is "positive momentum" toward implementation of the GHS in the US. However, there is some resistance in the agricultural sector which is being addressed by some pilot activities to work through the actual and perceived problems. The pesticide sector is considered to be more supportive. The consumer sector is undergoing a preliminary analysis of the issues associated with GHS implementation. OSHA is the furthest forward, having undertaken a considerable amount of necessary internal preparation. For example, it has prepared a cost-benefit analysis which is being peer reviewed. OSHA has prepared a draft implementing text which is due to be made public in 2008. There is a high level of support in OSHA for GHS implementation.
GHS Implementation in the European Union
After public consultation on drafts, a proposal for a regulation to implement the GHS into Community law has been adopted by the European Commission and is being discussed by the EU Parliament and Council with a view to implementing it alongside REACH. The new legislation will replace, after a transitional period, the currently existing provisions on classification and labeling of chemicals. See the European Commission (DG Enterprise) GHS web site for more details.
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