What Is The Difference Between A Current MSDS And A GHS MSDS? Article

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What is the difference between a current MSDS and a GHS MSDS?

Under the Globally Harmonized System, an MSDS is now referred to as an SDS (simply, a Safety Data Sheet). A GHS SDS provides thorough information about the use of a chemical in the workplace setting.

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Employers and employees alike can refer to the SDS as a source of information about the hazards of a substance and what safety precautions should be in place. In this regard, a GHS SDS is very similar to other versions of MSDSs that are available.

A GHS SDS will always have 16 sections on it, unlike some other MSDSs currently used in practice. One main difference between the GHS requirements, in terms of the headings and sections compared to the international industry recommendations, is that the order of sections 2 and 3 have been reversed. The sixteen sections are as follows:

1. Identification
2. Hazard(s) identification
3. Composition/ information on ingredients
4. First-aid measures
5. Fire-fighting measures
6. Accidental release measures
7. Handling and storage
8. Exposure control/ personal protection
9. Physical and chemical properties
10. Stability and reactivity
11. Toxicological information
12. Ecological information
13. Disposal considerations
14. Transport information
15. Regulatory information
16. Other information

There are additional changes that will be noticed on GHS Safety Data Sheets compared with another type of MSDS. The GHS requires the recommended use of the chemical and any restrictions on its use that is not currently required under all regulations. Also, the classification labels under GHS regulations will need to be reproduced, either in text or graphically. In addition, the Safety Data Sheets will be required to list the CAS number of the hazardous components in the substance, as well as any hazardous impurities. GHS also requires accidental release measures for containment and cleanup as well as complete toxicological and ecological information regarding the substance.

Many of these changes are currently underway and have already been incorporated into some of the current MSDSs in place. Because the Globally Harmonized System builds on current regulations in place, some of these changes may already be standard practice in the country where you reside. Over time, these changes will slowly be replacing the various systems that are in place, until there is only one common system internationally.

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For further information on GHS and MSDS please visit http://www.nexreg.com/

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What is the difference between a current MSDS and a GHS MSDS?