1. Globally Harmonized System
Understanding
Courtesy of Schools Insurance Authority

2. Right to Know and Understand
Employers are required to inform their employees of the hazardous substances they are exposed to at the work site.
Requirements for developing, implementing, and maintaining a hazard communication program are found in Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations

3. Globally Harmonized System (GHS)
Established to standardize and streamline chemical information worldwide
Developed by the United Nations in 1992 and formally adopted in 2002
What is different:
Harmonized classification of hazardous substances and mixtures
Standardized signal words, pictograms, and hazard statements
Specified formats for safety data sheets and labels

4. Chemical Inventory Survey workplace for chemicals
Chemical inventory should be done annually
Include inventory with written program

5. Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
Ensure you have a SDS for all chemicals in your inventory
Contact manufacturer or look online
GHS standardizes the order of information for ease of use and improved accuracy
SDS are to be available to all employees on-site
Keep all MSDS/SDS for 30 years, even if you no longer use the chemical. Documentation can be kept as paper or electronically

6. SDS Order and Elements
1. Identification of the substance or mixture and of the supplier
2. Hazards identification
3. Composition/information on ingredients
4. First aid measures
5. Firefighting 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 i.e. preparation and revision of the SDS

7. Labeling New labeling will come from manufacturer
Employer responsible for ensuring secondary containers are consistent with revised labels
Labels should link with the SDS and chemical inventory

10. Secondary containers
Any container being used beyond the original manufacturer’s bottle that the chemical was shipped in
All secondary containers must be labeled except when the container will be immediately used by the employee who performed the transfer
Label must:
Identify the hazardous chemical
Identify appropriate hazard warnings (words, pictograms or a combination)
Provide specific information regarding the physical and health hazards of the chemical

11. Getting Ready… Stay alert for new SDS’s and update files
Review labels on chemicals for understanding
Ensure secondary labels meet GHS standards
Full GHS compliance expected by June 2016