Countries around the world are adopting the United Nations-recommended global classification and labelling system for chemicals to achieve a number of goals.
One goal is to protect the health of workers involved in the processing, storage, handling and transport of chemicals. The other is to protect the environment. A unified classification system will promote cross-border trade and correctly identify chemicals and their extent of harm. Some countries do not have a classification system, while others use a variety of classification and classification methods that lead to confusion and dangerous situations. The development of the GHS Safety Data Sheet is based on an extensive study designed to address differences and achieve consistency while ensuring that protection levels are not compromised. The classification process takes into account the essential hazard characteristics of a single chemical and its formulation and reactivity with air, water and other chemicals, except when released into the environment. Therefore, GHS SDS is developed in a structured manner, with the exception of the end user, each part being easily referenced by the people involved in the chain, such as processing, storage and transportation. Over the years, GHS has undergone various revisions, and countries have accepted one of them in addition to introducing their own specifications. One of the quirks of the SDS is that the hazard must be fully disclosed, but confidential information about proprietary recipes must not be disclosed. A key feature is the training of employees to use SDS and appropriate procedures related to the chemicals they handle. This training includes an explanation of safety data sheets and safety labels.
Then there are further suggestions for implementation. For example, an importer-dealer may simply receive a sealed chemical container with a GHS label. They are responsible for ensuring that the label remains intact. If the manufacturer receives a sealed container and subsequently opens it, he must retain the data sheet and make the employee handling the chemical ready for use and further mark the secondary container. Therefore, the application method of the dangerous communication part contained in the tag varies depending on the product category and the stage of the use cycle.
There are also surprising exceptions and anomalies that should be known to those involved in handling hazardous chemicals. The GHS does not provide for uniform testing methods, but relies on tests conducted by internationally recognized testing institutions [such as the OECD] or relies on WHO data on health and environmental hazards. In the case of physical hazards such as flammability and explosiveness, reference can be made to the UNSCETDG test. GHS is based on available data, but with the advent of new data, the classification system may change and manufacturers or distributors must be aware of these changes in a timely manner. Certain chemicals may not need to be labeled. These exceptions apply to pesticides, fungicides and rodenticides or chemicals that are subject to special regulations.
It can be seen that GHS plays an important role in achieving uniformity in the classification and classification of chemicals, but it is very complicated due to exceptions and anomalies. It requires experts to prepare GHS SDS and labels that are fully compliant, while taking care to protect proprietary recipes while noting exceptions and anomalies.
Orignal From: Some aspects of the GHS Safety Data Sheet
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