Global chemical labelling system coming to Australia

As manufacturers and importers of chemicals are aware, it is very difficult to synchronise the chemical labelling system in order to optimise safety. As a result of this universal challenge, the United Nations has published the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). In Australia, the GHS will come into effect on 1 January 2017 - signifying a dramatic change in industry compliance and management.

GHS is a single internationally agreed system of chemical classification and hazard communication through labelling and safety data sheets (SDS). GHS includes harmonised criteria for the classification of physical, health and environmental hazards.

The new requirements will impact all businesses that are in contact with hazardous chemicals. The GHS will result in harmonised methods of classifying chemicals, with classification rules being used globally. Hazard communication through pictograms and labels and the structure of classification will also be harmonised.

Although GHS promotes global synergy, it does not mean that a product classified under GHS will have the same classification around the world, nor does it mean that SDS and labels can be used globally. This is due to the fact that different countries have variations in their chemical classification databases. Each country can also choose to adopt different GHS building blocks and classification criteria. This can lead to variations in final classifications. There are also a number of GHS editions that give each country the ability to adopt different editions of the system. However, as the GHS is considered a system and not a law or regulation, no country is obliged to adopt all or any part of the system, leading to differences between countries.

“The GHS will provide benefits to the workplace through internationally recognised hazard pictograms and standardised safety methods,” said Shawn Samuel, CEO of Chemical Safety International. “That being said, there are some challenges businesses need to be aware of before implementing.”