Chemical labeling is changing to help make it easier for us to understand the products we use so we can continue to be safe. The GHS is an international.

• Chemical labeling is changing to help make it easier for us to understand the products we use so we can continue to be safe.

• The GHS is an international approach to hazard communication.

• Many different countries have adopted the GHS including Canada, the European Union, China, Australia and Japan.

• Washington State’s Hazard Communication (GHS) Rule, Chapter 296-901, WAC became effective April 15, 2013.

Globally Harmonized System

• Labels are changing to conform with the Globally Harmonized System or GHS.

• Worldwide effort by the United Nations to have common ways to describe chemicals and how to use them safely.

• The system is very similar to what is already on today’s labels.

What’s on the Label?

Labels must contain five items:• Product Identifier – what is this chemical• Signal Words – to tell us about the danger level• Hazard Statement – what kind of harm could the chemical

cause• Pictograms – a symbol that tells us about the hazards• Precautionary Statement – what do we need to do to be

safe around this chemical

Product Identifier

Signal Words

• Danger• Warning

Hazard Statement

Describes what kind of hazards this chemical has, such as:• Highly Flammable Liquid• Causes Serious Eye Irritation• May cause drowsiness and dizziness

Precautionary Statements

Pictograms

• Symbol for the hazards of the product.• Product can have one or more pictograms.

Health Hazard

• Could cause cancer• Can impact breathing

and may cause asthma

• May cause reproductive problems and birth defects

• May be toxic to organs and damage lungs

• Mutagenicity

Flammables

• Solids, liquids and gasses

• May react with other substances to cause a fire

• Could burn on its own simply by coming in contact with air

Oxidizers

• Flame over the letter “O”

• Oxidizers can cause organic materials to combust

• Oxygen is the most common

Irritant

• Indicates Irritants or Skin Sensitizers

• Can cause problems with skin, eyes and respiratory system

• Generally short-term (acute) irritations or rashes upon contact

• May make you light-headed or sleepy

Gases Under Pressure

• May be flammable, oxidizing or reactive compressed gas

• Accidental release causes cylinder to rocket or pinwheel

• Liquid contents may cause skin to freeze

Explosives

• Explosive materials• Self-reactive or self-

heating• Pyrophoric – burns if

it contacts air• Organic Peroxide –

burns or explodes

Corrosives

• Can cause skin burns

• Will damage eyes• Can damage metals

or other materials

• Harms plants or animals

• Impacts air or water quality

• Could contaminate soil

Environmental Toxicity

Acute Toxicity

• Severe Hazard• Can Be Fatal• Extremely Toxic

Summary

READ THE LABEL!!!! KNOW THE PICTOGRAPHS!!!!

• KNOW what you are working with.• KNOW if it can harm you.• KNOW how to protect yourself.• KNOW what to do if something goes wrong.