GHS: Understanding Safety Data Sheets

© 2012 Grainger Safety Services, Inc.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this presentation, you will:

► Recognize the new GHS format for Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

► Know how to read and understand the new GHS format of Safety Data Sheets effectively

Agenda

Presentation Agenda:

► Section 1: Overview of the GHS Standard

– Purpose of the GHS Standard

– Benefits of the GHS Standard

– Highlights of changes made to the Hazard Communication Standard

► Section 2: Safety Data Sheets

– Overview of the new format

– 16 parts of the SDS

– Key sections of the SDS

Overview of the GHS Standard

►Section 1

What is GHS?

GHS stands for Globally Harmonized System:

► Uniform set of criteria used internationally to classify and label chemicals

► Negotiated from many different countries, international organizations, and stakeholders

► Commonly referred to as the “Purple Book”

► “Uniformity Oriented”— more of a “Right to Understand” than a “Right to Know” Standard

Purpose of GHS

1. Identify the hazards of the chemical:

o Physical

o Health

o Environmental

2. Provide information on how to protect yourself:

o Information supplied on Shipping Labels

o Information supplied on Workplace Labels

o Information supplied on Safety Data Sheets

Benefits of GHS

►Maintain consistency between countries and agencies

►Reduce trade barriers

►Help decrease workers’ compensation costs by:

o Reducing fatalities

o Reducing injury

►Enhance the protection of human health and the environment by:

o Minimizing exposure

o Ensuring safer transportation

Highlights of Changes to Hazard Communication Standard (HCS)

► Essentially, same as the existing HCS: o Main framework does not changeo There are terminology changes

► Changes for Hazard Classification include:o Definition changeso Terminology from evaluation to

classificationo Classification of mixtures

► Changes for Labels include:o Standard format is now usedo Significant changes to the appearance

► Changes for Safety Data Sheets (SDS) include:o Name change from MSDS to SDSo Standard format is now used

►Section 2

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

► Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) will now be known as Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

► The new SDSs:

o Specified16-section format

o Mandatory to be in English

o Will ensure consistency

o Will always follow the same format order

► Sections 12-15 will not be enforced by OSHA

Overview of Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)

16 Section Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Format

1. Identification

2. Hazard(s) identification

3. Composition/Info 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 including date of preparation or last revision

Sections in bold require special attention and provide important information on everyday work.

Section 1: Identification of Substance

► 2 of the required 6 label elements are found in this section:

o Product Identifier and Supplier Identification

► Other important information in this section includes:

o Trade names, stock numbers, recommended use of the chemical, restrictions on use, supplier address, and emergency information contacts

► Always check that product name(s) match those on the shipping label

Section 2: Hazard Identification

► 4 of the 6 required label elements are found in this section: Signal Word, Hazard Statement, Pictogram(s), and Precautionary Statements

► If the hazards shown below are physical hazards, read sections 9 and 10

► If the flame pictogram below is shown, read section 5

► If the hazard(s) shown below are health hazards, read section 11

► If the hazard(s) shown below are environmental hazards, read section 12

Section 4: First-Aid Measures

►Informs what to do if someone is accidentally exposed to the chemical

►Exposure is subdivided according routes of exposure:

o Inhalation

o Skin and eye contact

o Ingestion

►Symptoms/effects, acute and delayed are described

Section 7: Handling and Storage

►Informs of any special handling and storage needed, such as listing incompatibilities with other chemicals

►Example: a substance that reacts with water or light

►Section will indicate if special storage facilities or non-sparking tools are needed for handling

Section 8: Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

►Provides information about exposure controls for the chemical and how to make sure you do not exceed exposure limits

►Applicable exposure limits are listed from:

o OSHA – Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) – legal enforceable limits

o ACGIH – Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) – recommended limits

o NIOSH – Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) – recommended limits

Section 13: Disposal Considerations

►Includes description of waste residues and information on safe handling and methods of disposal, including disposal of contaminated packaging

►Always consult local or national regulations for proper disposal

►Consult a licensed hazardous waste disposer for proper disposal, as needed

►This section may include suggested cleaning agents, if applicable

Section 16: Other Information

►The chemical’s date of preparation

►Age of safety data sheet and if a new revised edition is required

►Where changes have been made to a previous version

►Other relevant risk phrases

►“Catch-all” for all other relevant information related to chemical

Where to Find Important Information on the SDS

►Identityo Is it the right SDS? – Section 1

o Is it up to date? – Sections 1 or 16

o Does the description match the material you are working with? – Section 1

o Composition? – Section 3

►Emergencyo Emergency contact? – Section 1

o What to do if exposed? – Section 4

o Do you know how to extinguish a fire? – Section 5

o Do you know what to do in case of accidental release? – Section 6

o Proper disposal? – Section 13

Where to Find Important Information on the SDS

►Protectiono Is special handling or storage needed? – Section 7

o Do you need PPE to control exposure? – Section 8

►Hazardso Do you know the physical hazards? – Sections 2, 5, 9, and 10

o Do you know the health hazards? – Sections 2, 4, and 11

Your Responsibilities

Your employer expects you to:

► Recognize the new GHS Safety Data Sheets

► Understand how to use them and access the information effectively

Additional Information

►OSHA Hazard Communication Landing Page

►Globally Harmony System of Classification and Labeling Chemicals (GHS) third edition, 2009