Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals now in full use
September 29, 2016
Employer’s updated written hazard communication program, employee training and alternative workplace labeling need to be in place.
By Jeff Jensen
The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) is a worldwide initiative to promote standard criteria for classifying chemicals according to their health, physical and environmental hazards. The primary goal of the GHS is better protection of human health and the environment by providing chemical users and handlers, emergency first responders and the public with enhanced and consistent information on chemical hazards.
GHS will also help reduce trade barriers and result in productivity improvements for American businesses that regularly handle, store and use hazardous chemicals while providing cost savings for businesses that update safety data sheets and labels for chemicals covered under the Hazard Communication Standard.
GHS is not a law, but a system of best practices that OSHA (including Cal/OSHA) aligned itself with in March of 2012 through its already established Hazard Communication Standard. Over the course of the last four years, employers, manufacturers, distributors and importers have had to meet a number of requirements that culminated with the complete adoption of GHS on June 1 of this year.
What does this mean for the golf industry?
Below are some key areas that employers should be aware of in regards to the revised Hazard Communication Standard aligning with the GHS of classification and labeling of chemicals.
Suppliers have developed new product labels that include signal words, pictograms, hazard statements and precautionary statements for chemicals, based on their classification and category (see pictured sample). Employers need to insure that employees who are exposed to these chemicals have a complete understanding of the meanings of each of these elements on the new labels.
New Safety Data Sheets (SDS) have replaced the previous Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). Suppliers have prepared these sheets in a standardized 16-section format that includes identification, ingredients, first aid measures, handling and storage, disposal, transport and a host of other information. SDS’s need to be readily accessible during each work shift to employees in their work areas and a record of all SDS’s should be kept on file.
All employers must continue to provide training and updated information to employees who are exposed to hazardous chemicals in the workplace. This training must be provided at the time of their initial assignment and whenever a new chemical hazard is introduced to the workplace. The training must be presented to employees in a manner and language they can understand.
Lastly, all workplaces where employees are exposed to hazardous chemicals must have a written plan that describes how hazard communications are addressed and implemented in that facility. Facilities should already have this document in hand, but it’s important to make updates based on the new labels, SDS’s and training. This document makes sure that all the required elements are coordinated. To learn more about GHS, GCSAA has developed a webinar that is available for viewing. The webinar is approximately 60 minutes and provides a good overview of the changes. Additionally, training materials and resources can be found at OSHA’s Hazard Communication website.
Jeff Jensen serves as the Southwest field staff representative for the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America covering Arizona, California, Hawaii and Nevada.