Your Right to Know

Global Harmonization Systems (GHS)New

Information!

Your Right to Know: Global Harmonization System0What is it?0Why do I need to know about GHS?0What are the changes?0What if I have questions?

GHS – What is it?0The Global Harmonization Standard (GHS)

is an international agreement among nations to use a common classification and labeling system for chemicals0New Labels will be on products0Online information about chemicals will become

consistent

0GHS is part of OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) Law.

Why do I need to Know?0Chemicals are located throughout every

building of the College0One of your rights as an employee is to know

what chemicals –including cleaning supplies – are being used the in the buildings where you work.

What are the Changes?

0New labeling system

0New product information sheets

Hazard Communication Safety Data Sheets

Changes: Labeling System

0The key components are:0 Product Identifier0 Pictogram0 Signal Word0 Hazard Statement0 Precautionary

Statement(s)

0 All labels on chemical containers will have the same information.

Changes: Labeling System – What is a “Pictogram?”

0Picture-based communication, similar in concept to traffic signs

0Each pictogram consists of a diamond shaped symbol, with a white background and a red border

Changes: Labeling - Pictograms

Health Hazard• Carcinogen• Toxicity• Respiratory Sensitizer

Skull & Crossbones• Acute Toxicity

Exclamation Mark• Irritant

Changes: Labeling - Pictograms

Flame• Flammables• Pyrophorics• Organic

PeroxidesCorrosives• Skin burns• Eye damage• Corrosive to metals

Flame over Circle• Oxidizers

Changes: Labeling - Pictograms

Gas Cylinder• Gases under pressure

Bomb Exploding• Explosives

Environmental Hazard• Aquatic toxicity

Changes: Labeling System – Signal Word

0A signal word is a single word that indicates the severity level of the hazard.0The new system has two signal words:

0Danger – more severe hazards0Warning – less severe hazards

Changes: Labeling System – Hazard Statement

0Describes the nature of the chemical hazard, and sometimes includes the degree (i.e., “highly flammable liquid” instead of “flammable liquid”)

Hazard Statements:

• May cause fire or explosion; strong oxidizer

• Causes severe skin burns and eye damage

Warning

Harmful if swallowed Danger

May cause fire or explosion; strong oxidizer

Causes severe skin burns and eye damage

Changes: Labeling System – Precautionary Statements

0Precautionary Statements describe recommended measures that should be taken to minimize or prevent adverse effects.First aid:IF ON SKIN (or hair) or clothing: Rinse immediately contaminated clothing and skin with plenty of water before removing clothes. Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.IF SWALLOWED: Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting.Immediately call poison center.Specific Treatment: Treat with doctor-prescribed burn cream.

Changes: Safety Data Sheets0Under the current system, the Material Safety Data Sheets

(MSDS) contain the important information, but manufacturers use different formats so it can be difficult to find the information you need quickly in an emergency.

Changes: Safety Data Sheets0The GHS Safety Data Sheets

(SDS) are standardized. The data sheets list the important information about each chemical:

0by section0 in the same order0using standardized language0no matter which country

created the chemical

Changes: Safety Data Sheets

0There are 16 sections – 0Sections 1-5 state the same types of information

found on the labels of chemical containers0Sections 6 -8 contain safe handling and storage

types of information0Sections 9-16 are the more technical information

about the chemical

SDS Library Access

0The College’s SDS library can be accessed through the William and Mary website by searching for “Safety Data Sheets”0 The first search result will take you to the College’s SDS

website0 The electronic library link is contained on this page.0 Your College username and password will allow you

access.0 Once in the system you can search by chemical name,

manufacturer, or building and room.

WAIT! There is an easier Way!

0EHS has a QR Code

What if I have Questions?

0Contact the Office of Environment, Health & Safety

http://www.wm.edu/offices/facilities/services/safety/index.php

phone: 221-2146

0Watch this video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCI7XXExs7s

Quiz1

PROPERTIESOn passing, 'Finish' button: Goes to Next SlideOn failing, 'Finish' button: Goes to Next SlideAllow user to leave quiz: After user has completed quizUser may view slides after quiz: At any timeUser may attempt quiz: Unlimited times