Where Can I Find Information On How To Author A GHS MSDS? Article

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Where can I find information on how to author a GHS MSDS?

The GHS manual, known formally as the 'Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), Second revised edition' and informally as 'the Purple Book' contains information on GHS. The 'Guidance on the preparation of Safety Data Sheets' is contained in Annex 4.

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One important thing to note is that GHS uses the term 'Safety Data Sheet', which is currently used in Europe rather than 'Material Safety Data Sheet' which is used in the United States and Canada. Because of this, a safety data sheet in the GHS format is more accurately called a GHS SDS rather than a GHS MSDS.

Annex 4 contains, among other things, a list of the 16 sections required on a GHS SDS and the information required under each section. Other pieces of advice are given, such as:

Under GHS, MSDS authors are discouraged from using vague generalizations and ambiguous terms. GHS SDS authors are required to use the most plain language possible. A4.2.2.3 states that "[l]anguage used in the SDS should be simple, clear and precise, avoiding jargon, acronyms and abbreviations. Vague and misleading expressions should not be used. Phrases such as "may be dangerous", "no health effects", "safe under most conditions of use", or "harmless" are also not recommended. If it is stated that a particular hazard does not exist, the safety data sheet should clearly differentiate between cases where no information is available to the classifier, and cases where negative test results are available."

The document notes that the author still needs to consider country-level requirements for safety data sheets: "[T]he use of this guidance is dependent on importing countries requirements for SDS. It is hoped that the application of the GHS worldwide will eventually lead to a fully harmonized situation."

The GHS manual also specifies the importance of using clear dates on SDSs. "The date of issue of the SDS should be stated and very apparent. Revised SDSs's should clearly state the date of issue as well as a version number, revision number, supersedes date or some other indication of what version is replaced."

This is just a taste of the GHS SDS recommendations and rules given in Annex 4 of the GHS manual, second revised edition.

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

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Where can I find information on how to author a GHS MSDS?