One of the difficulties with creating compliant GHS Chemical Labels that meet new standards is that some producers may be more familiar with rules that are no longer applicable. While there may be some basic similarities between old and new requirements, without a firm understanding of the most recent changes, as well as the tools needed to meet them, chemical companies could make mistakes that leave their products more harmful to others.
As readers of this blog know, the Hazard Communication Standard requires several elements to appear on a single label, including hazard statements, product identifiers and special precautionary statements for safe use. The pictograms used as part of these labels are red, white and black and feature simple symbols designed to communicate a type of danger.
In a 2014 article for Industrial Distribution, Chris Palmisano said that GHS labeling changes will be difficult for companies that relied on the Hazardous Material Identification System (HMIS) standard for workplace containers in the past. This is because the GHS has a broader focus and looks completely different.
“Holding on to an antiquated HMIS system is a recipe for potential disaster and certain to be a great way to get someone hurt or receive an OSHA Hazcom citation,” Palmisano writes. “Employees will rather not label a secondary container than try to figure out the appropriate hazard class numbers.”
GHS label software and compatible printers make it easy for companies to adapt to the new system more easily and print chemical labels that are up-to-date. You can purchase everything you need at once, simply replacing old systems all at once.
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