Originally developed by the United Nations in 2003, the Globally Harmonized System is just that: a system and not a law. It is a set of guidelines for ensuring the safe production, transport, handling, use and disposal of hazardous materials. Included in that is a standardized system for hazmat warnings to appear on labels of chemicals in a uniform manner.
In March, 2012, OSHA decided to adopt most of this system for use in the U.S. and align itself with GHS. It became an additional part of the Hazard Communication Law. A timeline was developed for compliance, and the first date on the schedule involves worker training, which is due Dec. 1,2013. Employers whose employees use, sell or could come into contact with chemicals must receive training on what the label warnings mean. Many GHS training programs are available online, as well as GHS labeling system wall charts.
MSDS’s will now be called SDS’s. They will appear in uniform 16-section format. Here is a sample.