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GHS, or the Globally Harmonized System of Classification
and Labeling of Chemicals, is an international system
that will be replacing Canada's WHMIS program in the
coming years. This will have major impacts on
manufacturers of controlled products, distributors and
also on companies who have to offer WHMIS training to
their staff.
As it
stands now, there are variations of Canada's WHMIS program in
other countries. For example, in the United States, the
equivalent to WHMIS is called HAZMAT (Hazardous
Materials). Although similar, many of the
regulations are different, which makes cross border
business difficult. For example, when a Canadian
manufacturer produces a controlled product, it's labeled according to
the Canadian WHMIS Regulations. The product is shipped
and used in the US. However, some of the labeling
requirements are different, which causes confusion.
Here's where GHS comes in. This new system will help
international business by providing a standard for
classifying and labeling controlled products and relate
that information through standard labels and safety data
sheets.
So, what does this
mean, exactly?
It means that WHMIS is in for an overhaul. All
forms of communication through WHMIS will be changing;
including Material Safety Data Sheets, Labels and
Symbols.
Material
Safety Data Sheets
First of all, the name
is changing to just Safety Data Sheets. Currently, the
standard Canadian MSDS has 9 headings. The new
version of the SDS will have 16 headings. This means
that all 9-heading MSDSs will have to be rewritten and
your company's MSDS binder will have to be updated with the
new version.
Labels
There will be no cross-hatched borders with the new GHS.
Also, the required information on labels will be changed
and some information will be standardized, such as
symbols (pictograms) and hazard statements.
Classification & Symbols
The classes of controlled products will also be
changing. All WHMIS symbols will be changing in
appearance and will reflect the look of the current TDG
(Transportation of Dangerous Goods) symbols.
Here's
an example of the changes to the symbols:
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WHMIS: |
GHS: |
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Implementation
The timeline to implement GHS in Canada was originally
2008. However, since it's such a huge undertaking, many are skeptical of this
timeline and believe it will not be in place for another few years.
For more
information on GHS, please visit:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/intactiv/ghs-sgh/index_e.html
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