Missing the GHS deadline: Avoiding possible consequences

Chemical manufacturing companies that want to adhere to government regulations need to be aware of the deadlines for the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS).

Companies were expected to comply with the final rule of the Hazard Communication Standard by June 1. Shipping was the only exception to the rule and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states that products bearing older labels can be shipped until this December. According to a quote cited in Chemical Watch, OSHA believes that many manufacturers complied with the deadline.

Creating appropriate safety data sheets and labels may be a requirement for producers that need to update previous materials. In addition, company employees should be prepared for the standard and understand workplace safety risks.

In an article for Occupational Health & Safety Online, Glenn Trout notes that the companies that didn't meet this most recent deadline have to take action to avoid causing further problems and missing other deadlines later on.

Some of the measures Trout advises employers to take for better adherence to the chemical deadline include performing a thorough inventory of chemical products and training employees successfully. He also mentions the new "six standard elements" now required as part of shipping container labels.

"Manufacturers and other entities that ship hazardous chemicals from one facility to another must now include the appropriate product identifier, signal word, pictogram(s), hazardous statement(s), precautionary statement(s), and supplier information on the label of the immediate container being shipped," Trout writes.

When it comes to GHS labeling, software and hardware are equally important for creating the right labels. OptiMedia sells BarTender GHS Labeling software for easy integration with printers like the VIPColor VP495. Used together, these can create labels that match the mandated requirements and render pictograms and text in adequate style.