Globally Harmonized System (GHS) News
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The latests news relating to the UN's proposed Globally Harmonized System (GHS).
Corrigenda 2 and 3 have been published for the second revised edition of the GHS. Corrigendum 2 applies to the English and Russian versions, while Corrigendum 3 applies only to the French version.
On September 3, 2008, the European Union's (EU) Parliament adopted legislative reports (the "compromise package")
concerning the EU proposal for a Regulation on classification, labelling and packaging (CLP) of substances and mixtures,
in their first reading agreement. The next step in the EU legislative process, was final adoption by the European Council of
the new CLP regulation.
New GHS requirements for classification and labelling will be in force soon. On September 3, 2008, the European Union's (EU) Parliament adopted legislative reports concerning the EU proposal for a Regulation on classification, labelling and packaging (CLP) of substances and mixtures, in their first reading agreement. The first reading agreement came after the approval of a compromise package on June 27, 2008, which the Permanent Representatives Committee ("COREPER") developed.
The world of hazard communication faces one of the most far-reaching initiatives for change: the Globally Harmonized System (GHS). Developed by the United Nations to improve international trade efficiency for hazardous materials by coming up with a standardized method of hazard communication, GHS encompasses three critical areas: classification of materials, labeling of containers and Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).
Updated February 11, 2008. This 2-page chart includes the status of over 20 countries worldwide, across 6 continents. Each country's role in achiving GHS compliance is color-coded into 4 main categories.
Our world today is filled with products based on the chemical industry. Look around and you'll find everything from floor laminates to toys, computer screens to poly grocery bags, all manufactured from chemicals. Chemicals can contribute to safer, cleaner and more entertaining lifestyles, however the flip side is the inherent danger posed by their use, transportation and final disposal.
August 9, 2007—The Occupational Safety and Health Administration plans to release a final rule implementing the Globally Harmonized System for Chemical Classification and Labeling (GHS) by December 2008, as reported by an OSHA official on August 9. This rule adopting GHS would amend the agency's hazard communication standard. The projected date was announced by Maureen O'Donnell, a senior industrial hygienist with OSHA, during a two-day, ANSI-organized conference—Action and Reaction: Developing a Sustainable Approach to Emerging Chemical Issues on Aug. 9-10. An extensive, but unspecified amount of time would be provided to phase in the new GHS standards.
June 27, 2007—The European Union has adopted a proposed act which will align the EU's regulations of dangerous goods classification, labeling and packaging with the standards set forth in the GHS.
The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) has released a status updated for the level of implementation of the Globally Harmonized System for Chemical Classification and Labeling (GHS) from 65 countries spanning the globe.
