GHS Safety Datasheet Authoring

The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling (GHS)

In May 2012, OSHA implemented the most significant piece of legislation to come out of OSHA in years when the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) was completely revised to conform to the United Nations (UN) Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). The standard incorporated an analytical method for determining hazards rather than performance based.

  • The new system requires standardized signal words, pictograms, hazard statements, precautionary statements and a specified format for safety data sheets (SDS).
  • This required companies to relabel their products and train employee’s on the interpretation of the pictograms. Some of the OSHA standards such as flammable/combustible liquids were modified to bring them in line with the new standard for hazard communication.
  • The GHS standard is a system of “uniformity” in the dissemination of hazard information.

The GHS standard has been implemented across the globe, from North America to South America to Asia Pacific to Europe to Middle East and Africa. The challenge with GHS is that it was supposed to be a harmonized standard.  However, each country had the discretion on how it was implemented, which has led to different classifications around the world.  This has caused logistical issues labeling when shipping globally.

Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Authoring

EnviroNet has authored thousands of GHS SDS’s for Specialty Chemical, BioTechnology, Veterinary, Adhesives, Paper, Sheet Metal, Research Chemical industries to name a few.  Our approach is very customized to our client’s business.

  • We don’t employ a cookie-cutter approach or take existing suppliers raw material SDS’s at face value.
  • We review available information from competent authorities, as well as, available toxicological and environmental studies to determine the appropriate classification of raw materials.
  • This then feeds up into the classification of the final product.

In addition to GHS classification, we provide regulatory compliance services as an additional authoring cost.  This includes TSCA Chemical Inventory determination and State Right To Know Laws such as California Proposition 65. We are always available to discuss and advise clients as to how best to design compliance strategies for their business.

SAP Software Integration Services for SDS’s and Labels

EnviroNet professionals have worked extensively in the SAP EHS Module for SDS’s and Global label designs. The method of authoring using real groups or inheritance greatly enhanced the efficiency of creation and managing changes to SDS documents and labels. We provide SAP consulting services with respect to design, gap analysis and deployment of the SAP EHS Module.