Are you ready for Global Harmonization?

The Global Harmonization System will require pictograms like these on the labels of containers of large quantities of chemicals to alert users of the chemical hazards to which they may be exposed.

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Are you ready for Global Harmonization?

Published Aug. 28, 2013
By Vicki Peters, AEDC Contributing Writer
AEDC/PA

ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, TENN. -- No, we're not talking "world peace" or an agreement end to all war, but we are talking a global agreement - developed by the United Nations and adopted by over 65 countries. It standardizes information found on chemical material safety data sheets and product labels between countries, and it could be appearing on a product that you use at Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) or at home.

The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals is a result of an effort initiated by the U.N. in 1992. It seeks a worldwide system to facilitate recognition of chemical's physical hazards and toxicity through consistent labeling and terminology and through agreement of international rules and regulations for handling, transport and use.

Many of the hazardous products (chemicals, pesticides, etc.) we use daily pose a genuine threat to human health and the environment at some stage, whether it's through manufacturing, handling, use or disposal. People involved in these processes speak different languages and use different alphabets, creating issues for products sold and used internationally. To help resolve this issue, GHS employs eight standardized pictograms to identify hazard categories. An optional pictogram identifies certain environmental hazards. Manufacturers that produce or sell hazardous products in the countries that have adopted GHS must include one or more of these pictograms or symbols on the product label along with specific hazard statements and a signal word - either danger or warning - depending upon the hazard potential.

Last year the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) revised its Hazard Communication (HazCom) Standard to adopt GHS, thus making it law for the United States. OSHA calls this revised version "HazCom 2012," and full implementation is scheduled for 2016. The previous HazCom Standard guaranteed workers the "right to know" information about the chemicals they use. HazCom 2012 takes it to the next level, giving workers the "right to understand" risks and hazards.

According to Master Sgt. Brian Fair, of the Arnold AFB Bioenvironmental Engineering Department, "Exposure to hazardous chemicals is a serious hazard for military and civilian workers today. Revising OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard to harmonize with global standards will improve the quality and consistency of hazard information, making it safer for workers to do their jobs.

"The new standard enhances hazard communication and will ultimately make the workplace safer," Fair added. "Standardization will allow our airmen and civilians, including contract employees, to more accurately identify risks and take necessary precautions, especially when working with hazardous chemicals overseas or with chemicals that come from international manufacturers."

By December 1, 2013, all government personnel, including military, civilians, and embedded contractors must be trained on the new label elements and safety data sheet format. But GHS isn't limited to government installations. The Department of Labor estimates that over 5 million workplaces in the United States will be affected by HazCom 2012. These are the workplaces where employees - approximately 43 million of them - could be exposed to hazardous chemicals.

Bing Bragg, ATA Industrial Hygienist and GHS subject matter expert, noted that it will impact commercial manufacturers, shippers and distributors worldwide. "Manufacturers have until June 1, 2015, to fully comply with the changes in the HazCom Standard," Bragg said. "So it may be a while before we see labels and SDSs (safety data sheets) changing. Companies that manufacture or sell products in or to countries which have adopted the system earlier are already using GHS. They will be the first to come into compliance with HazCom 2012.

"We are already seeing label changes and the new SDS with some products received at AEDC," he added. "Consumers will probably see the first label changes on products in places like the Co-op, hardware, or home improvement stores where products are sold in larger quantities. Changes will be more gradual for products bought in small quantities at grocery or discount stores. Once the changes are in place, the universal symbols and standardized information should be an improvement over the old system."

To meet the requirements of HazCom 2012, ATA Safety, Health and Environmental has already provided initial training for ATA employees and primary support contractors via toolbox topic. Bragg is developing computer-based training to provide essential details and requirements for those who work directly with hazardous chemicals and must complete supplementary training before the deadline this fall. Anyone needing additional information should contact Bragg at 454-3627 or Fair at 454-5635.