GHS SDS Solutions to Data Sheet and Labeling Issues Post GHS Deadlines

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The OSHA deadline for compliance has long since passed but even today, nearly a year after, and some companies are struggling with compliance issues. This could be due to a variety of reasons. Companies may be lackadaisical about inventory and cross checking such inventory with safety data sheets to make sure whether what they have in their possession is the previous MS SDS or the current SDS. Even if a company is willing to comply it may not be able to do so because the upstream supplier has not provied current data sheets.

What happens in this situation is that OSHA inspectors may ask as to why that company has not updated the SDS. The Company may have to furnish proof that it is in touch with the original supplier to obtain updated SDS and that it has made efforts to obtain the updated SDS for shipments that arrived after June 2015. In the meanwhile the company has to make do with existing MSDS and this creates some issues. If they use chemicals in a process then they need to use appropriate labelling with the GHS SDS label taken as the standard upon which secondary and workplace labels are based. There are ambiguities here in that a product identifier may be used with a combination of words, pictures and symbols but these are not clearly specified by OSHA. Employers may find it advisable to use existing labels with product identifier and make sure that words and pictograms communicate hazards. This is for companies that use chemicals for processes. For companies that manufacture and supply chemicals it is obligatory to prepare GHS SDS but their efforts may also be blocked in case they rely on GHS SDS for some chemicals that form part of their formulation but which SDS has not been supplied to them by the original manufacturer. The situation is not simple to resolve but ICSDS GHS SDS Solution comes to the rescue of users of chemicals, be they manufacturers or end users.

It must be kept in mind that updating MSDS to GHS SDS is simple in many cases and complex in others simply because some chemicals have been reclassified. This puts chemical manufacturers in a quandary but they need not worry about it. ICSDS has scientific experts at its command to unravel the complex interpretations and prepare the right GHS SDS along with labels.

One of the objectives of GHS SDS is greater safety at workplaces through training of employees. GHS SDS solutions from ICSDS include training along with conversion of printed documentation to electronic formats and making them available on portable devices or on the internet or in a networked environment. It is worthwhile to assign the task of creating SDS from the ground up or updating existing MSDS to SDS to experts at ICSDS because it is necessary for compliance with current regulations and also for the future because OSHA has declared that it will keep on modifying its rules to align with GHS as may be amended by the UN from time to time. 

Top steps within the classification of hazards and the class identification

The chemicals manufactured are not harmless. Exceeding quantity can affect the human kind. The danger is caused widely to the kids. Transition of chemicals from manufacturer’s warehouse to end user can create hazard to the middlemen. The individuals carrying these through transport can get harm. The workers in factory are not safe. The Global harmonized system is a way to create a harmless environment. Classification of the hazards is again important. The chemical manufacturers must go ahead with proper labeling. Distributors too must work on the communication of hazards. The effect of each product and the mixtures present is vital to know.

Steps in classifying hazards

You must know step by step process involved in hazard classification. The United Nations Organization has implemented the GHS for Classification. Following are some of the points:

•    Find the data related to the chemical hazards

•    What type of hazards will take place by which chemical? This fact too is vital to find out. Some can give rise to environmental hazards, some causes physical hazards and another group of chemicals contributes in health hazards. The data sheet will contain all such classification.

•    Identification of hazard class is vital. Also you need to know which one apple to which chemicals.
•    Proper test of chemical is vital. If the test is risky, consult with the expert in this field.
•    The chemical identity of each ingredient and mixture is vital to find out. 

The physical hazard class

It is easily find out the hazard class. GHS for Classification speaks about the following within the physical hazard class:

•    Flammable aerosols
•    Gasses under pressure
•    Flammable solids
•    Self-reactive substances
•    Self-heating substances
•    Oxidizing liquids
•    Flammable gasses
•    Substances that are corrosive to metal

Each one of these are classified under the categories 1 to 4. There are also sub divisions further. For example, the flammable aerosols are present under the category 1 and 2. The explosives come under the category of division 1.1 to 1.6. 

The physical hazard class

You should know the names of items that comes within the category of ‘Health hazard class’. Following are the list:
•    Oxidizing gases
•    Explosives
•    Pyrophoric solids
•    Pyrophoric liquids
•    Organic peroxides
•    Substances corrosive to metals
•    Flammable gases
•    Gases under pressure.

Health hazard category

Under this class, you will get the chemical items which can lead to following effects:

•    Skin corrosion
•    Sensitivity to eye or skin
•    Germ cell mutagenicity
•    Reproductive toxicity
•    Skin irritation
•    Eye irritation
•    Aspiration toxicity
•    Carcinogenicity
•    Organ system toxicity

Environmental hazards

The chemical effects in this category give rise to effects like:

•    Chronic aquatic toxicity
•    Acute aquatic toxicity

This means, the chemicals are going to hard the living beings that stays under the water. These can be fishes, aquatic plants and other aquatic animals. 

Thus, the classification of each chemical with its effect is vital to note. You will get the precautions against the hazards.

GHS Implementation by ICSDS is Superior and Customer Oriented

 

Whenever there is a change there are issues during the transition period. It is no different since the US adopted UN GHS and OSHA implemented HazCom 2012. Manufacturers, exporters, importers and traders must comply and implement the new regulations.

Implementation is simple in some cases where chemicals have not been reclassified. If they have been then simply updating MSDS to the globally uniform SDs format is not a simple task. This is more the norm than the exception. Besides, HazCom 2012 lays greater emphasis on worker training and awareness. Both the SDS and training materials must also be made available in an electronic format for easy access by floor workers and supervisors in processing units as well as those involved in the transport and warehousing chain. GHS implementation by ICSDS takes care of preparation of the 16 section SDS as well as safety labels. It also includes training to workers and conversion of printed documents to electronic databases easily accessed by users with their mobile devices using internet, local storage or a networked environment.

ICSDS is fast becoming an acknowledged leader in this segment primarily owing to the expertise and knowledge of its personnel about the various GHS revisions and updates. When entrusted with the task of preparing the safety data sheets or updating MSDS the experts select the right classification, category and sub-category. It may be a simple task in the case of a single chemical but when a formulation is in question, making the decision calls for technical expertise. This is but one aspect of implementation. As a single point source of all GHS SDS related service, ICSDS goes beyond these basics in its implementation. 

One area where ICSDs shines is in the training of personnel. Companies can engage ICSDS and expect fast preparation of SDs and conversion to electronic format supported by training staff members about use of SDS, use and understanding of terminology, implementation of systems that monitor employee awareness and availability of video and electronic materials to let employees remain updated. Another area is global expertise in SDS. Various countries have implemented various versions of GHS. Take for instance Mexico. It has adopted GHS 5^th revision and its NOM-018-STPS-2015 categorizes hazards in a different way. Ecological toxicity is required for Mexico SDS. This is just one example of the expertise of ICSDS helping out international traders in chemicals to stay compliant with local regulations of the countries to which they export, supported by expert translation services.  

ICSDS implementation also includes consultations and guidance, key to SDS implementations not only locally but also internationally. Whether it is new products, single chemicals or formulations, local trade or international trade, ICSDS assists clients every step of the way with its expert professionalism. Shipments are no longer held up. International exporters can gain access to more countries and enjoy faster turnover and sales. Local or international, manufacturers and dealers enjoy peace of mind knowing their employees are perfectly trained in handling any eventuality and this also contributed to an enhanced reputation.  

Hazard Communication Standard by ICSDS.Com Helps Employers Assure Better Safety at Workplaces

OSHA introduced GHS into its Hazard Communication Standard in 2012 with the objective of assuring that employees and employers are better informed about the nature of chemicals they handle. MSDS need to be updated to the GHS SDS formats. This could be perceived as a chore but, in the end, it leads to uniformity and easy communication. The result is reduced injuries and risks at workplaces.

The accent is on employee training that will improve hazard communication and make them informed so as to read, interpret and understand data sheets as well as safety labels. Employers benefit by applying safety leadership methods such as a plan to reduce accidents at workplaces and motivate employees to take to the new system; support the change and engage staff in the program; ensure employees become proficient and be proactive in adjusting methods to the new hazard communication standards.

Helping employers achieve their objective is the hazard communication standards by icsds.com effort. MSDS need to be updated to SDS or entirely new SDS and labels need to be developed should a chemical have been reclassified. Data sheets need to be prepared in the 16 section format that gives out vital safety information while safeguarding trade secrets. 

At the same time emphasis is placed on preparing labels the right way with the right choice of symbols and warning words that give precise information at a glance. This part is supported by professional training conducted in-house by experts of ICSDS to ensure all employees who are connected in some way or the other with the hazardous chemicals become thoroughly familiar with the data sheets and labels.  This is necessary because the old data sheets focused on hazard definitions that were not detailed. The new HazCom goes into more details about physical, health and environmental hazards with specifics on severity of impacts of the chemicals according to their classification and sub-classification.

The changes may also call for testing based on hazard assessment in which case too ICSDS proves helpful with its professional team of knowledgeable experts providing assistance to help manufacturers do it right and comply with regulations while taking care of safety of employees. This goes hand in hand with product composition reviews and assessment of all raw materials.

As can be seen, updating old MSDS to new SDS may appear straightforward and simple, which it is in many cases. It is only where new information is available and where chemicals have been reclassified that a new SDS needs to be prepared with relevant labels and training programs. In this area ICSDS excels and helps manufacturers/distributors overcome the compliance barrier. Training conducted side by side helps employees re-evaluate a product and take precautions. Transforming printed data sheets to electronic formats is part of the process that gives users easy access even while they are on the shop floor, something they may not find easy to do with paper documents. ICSDS can claim with pride that its involvement has helped save lives and prevent injuries at workplaces.

Compliance and Training for Hazard Communication Standard by ICSDS

OSHA revised HazCom standard in March 2012 with training to be the starting point of scheduled compliances. OSHA issued technical guidelines in February 2016 for classification of chemicals. The new guidelines call for use of pictograms, revised product labels and new format SDS, all of them contained in a lengthy document running to 432 pages. The guidelines apply to manufacturers and importers of hazardous chemicals and employers using such products in workplaces.

The original HazCom standard is complex and amendments make it even more so. Hazardous nature of a chemical is determined by scientific tests and the hazard class defined just how hazardous it is from the perspective of physical or health. The hazard class has further subdivisions of hazard category according to toxicity and flammability of chemicals. There are four categories. The hierarchy can be confusing, especially when existing MSDS must be updated to SDS and this may necessitate reclassification of a product into the appropriate section. Labels too must reflect the change and provide the right information in the form of signal words, text and pictogram. SDS and labels by themselves are of little use unless workers can learn to interpret them and implement guidelines or follow instructions. This means worker training is imperative to the success of the hazard communication program. Assistance for compliance and training for Hazard Communication Standard by ICSDS proves invaluable for manufacturers/importers mired in the complex maze of hazard class and category distinctions.

What is complex for the layman is not so for experts at ICSDS. They understand the intricacies of the guidance and the multiple appendixes that must also be referred to in the classification of a product and preparation of SDS and labels. The task would be easy if OSHA had a ready to use list from which one can pick the appropriate class and category. ICSDS experts rely on their knowledge of chemicals and draw from other authoritative sources to arive at the right classification/categorization. It must also be kept in mind that there are other agencies involved. For instance, the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists has a list of threshold limit values of carcinogenic substances.

Though deadlines for compliance have passed and OSHA is lenient, the situation may not continue and non-compliance could result in fines. Speedy updates or preparation of new SDS and labels by ICSDS helps manufacturers avoid this likelihood. At the same time, ICSDS also offers general training on OSHA hazard communication standard 29CFR1910.1200 to bring workers and employees to speed in latest labeling methodologies, pictograms, interpretations and guidelines on safe handling. The concise yet comprehensive course endows workers with full knowledge about 5 key elements of HazCom, their rights under the standard, capability to identify label symbols and other information.

There is no getting away from compliance and it is not possible for staff or employees of a manufacturer or importer to take on the task of SDS/labels or even training given the complexity and chances of errors. Engaging ICSDS, on the other hand, makes it an easy and quick process.