Your Right to Know
Global Harmonization Systems (GHS)New
Information!
Your Right to Know: Global Harmonization System0What is it?0Why do I need to know about GHS?0What are the changes?0What if I have questions?
GHS – What is it?0The Global Harmonization Standard (GHS)
is an international agreement among nations to use a common classification and labeling system for chemicals0New Labels will be on products0Online information about chemicals will become
consistent
0GHS is part of OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) Law.
Why do I need to Know?0Chemicals are located throughout every
building of the College0One of your rights as an employee is to know
what chemicals –including cleaning supplies – are being used the in the buildings where you work.
What are the Changes?
0New labeling system
0New product information sheets
Hazard Communication Safety Data Sheets
Changes: Labeling System
0The key components are:0 Product Identifier0 Pictogram0 Signal Word0 Hazard Statement0 Precautionary
Statement(s)
0 All labels on chemical containers will have the same information.
Changes: Labeling System – What is a “Pictogram?”
0Picture-based communication, similar in concept to traffic signs
0Each pictogram consists of a diamond shaped symbol, with a white background and a red border
Changes: Labeling - Pictograms
Health Hazard• Carcinogen• Toxicity• Respiratory Sensitizer
Skull & Crossbones• Acute Toxicity
Exclamation Mark• Irritant
Changes: Labeling - Pictograms
Flame• Flammables• Pyrophorics• Organic
PeroxidesCorrosives• Skin burns• Eye damage• Corrosive to metals
Flame over Circle• Oxidizers
Changes: Labeling - Pictograms
Gas Cylinder• Gases under pressure
Bomb Exploding• Explosives
Environmental Hazard• Aquatic toxicity
Changes: Labeling System – Signal Word
0A signal word is a single word that indicates the severity level of the hazard.0The new system has two signal words:
0Danger – more severe hazards0Warning – less severe hazards
Changes: Labeling System – Hazard Statement
0Describes the nature of the chemical hazard, and sometimes includes the degree (i.e., “highly flammable liquid” instead of “flammable liquid”)
Hazard Statements:
• May cause fire or explosion; strong oxidizer
• Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
Warning
Harmful if swallowed Danger
May cause fire or explosion; strong oxidizer
Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
Changes: Labeling System – Precautionary Statements
0Precautionary Statements describe recommended measures that should be taken to minimize or prevent adverse effects.First aid:IF ON SKIN (or hair) or clothing: Rinse immediately contaminated clothing and skin with plenty of water before removing clothes. Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.IF SWALLOWED: Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting.Immediately call poison center.Specific Treatment: Treat with doctor-prescribed burn cream.
Changes: Safety Data Sheets0Under the current system, the Material Safety Data Sheets
(MSDS) contain the important information, but manufacturers use different formats so it can be difficult to find the information you need quickly in an emergency.
Changes: Safety Data Sheets0The GHS Safety Data Sheets
(SDS) are standardized. The data sheets list the important information about each chemical:
0by section0 in the same order0using standardized language0no matter which country
created the chemical
Changes: Safety Data Sheets
0There are 16 sections – 0Sections 1-5 state the same types of information
found on the labels of chemical containers0Sections 6 -8 contain safe handling and storage
types of information0Sections 9-16 are the more technical information
about the chemical
SDS Library Access
0The College’s SDS library can be accessed through the William and Mary website by searching for “Safety Data Sheets”0 The first search result will take you to the College’s SDS
website0 The electronic library link is contained on this page.0 Your College username and password will allow you
access.0 Once in the system you can search by chemical name,
manufacturer, or building and room.
WAIT! There is an easier Way!
0EHS has a QR Code
What if I have Questions?
0Contact the Office of Environment, Health & Safety
http://www.wm.edu/offices/facilities/services/safety/index.php
phone: 221-2146
0Watch this video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCI7XXExs7s
Quiz1
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