Transitioning to the GHS

Currently, manufacturers and importers of hazardous chemicals are either:

• Preparing to re-classify and re-label their products, and re-issue safety data sheets in accordance with the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS); or
• Distributing, or building stock levels, of their products with GHS compliant classifications, labels and safety data sheets.

Between now and the GHS’s mandatory changeover (1 January 2017), consumers will see a combination of product containers, descriptors and safety data sheets – a mix of the superseded system and the GHS. One of the key areas of change include the use of internationally recognised pictograms, used to categorise and easily identify, associated hazards.

The following table displays the nine (9) GHS pictograms which represent the physical, health and environmental hazards:

Whilst the use of the GHS pictograms simplifies hazard classification remember, these are not mandatory until 1 January 2017. Keep an eye out for these pictograms on a chemical label, container, SDS coming to you soon.