GHS- Globally Harmonized System
What is GHS?
We would like to update you on the recent government GHS mandate for transportation, workplace and product labeling. If this is not on the forefront of your projects, it should be. The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) is an internationally agreed upon labeling system created by the United Nations. The governing body in the U.S. is the United States Department of Labor, more specifically the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). The Department of Transportation (DOT), Environmental Protection Agency, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission actively participated in developing the GHS and may play a role in its enforcement. The new directive includes a variety of Physical, Health, and Environmental labels that need to appear on most, but not all chemical product containers, packaging, and shipping bundles. The GHS Purple Book is a rather long document containing the full definition of the new guidelines and labeling requirements. It can be read online on OSHA’s website or purchased from www.thecompliancecenter.com website.
GHS Deadlines
There are three GHS deadlines of which you should be aware. The first phase of Training should have already happened in your workplace. The next two deadlines have a definite impact on the entire Sealant and Adhesive industry. As of June 1, 2015 chemical manufacturers and distributors must be using GHS labels where applicable. Distributors may ship products labeled by manufacturers under the old system until December 1, 2015.
Do we need to do GHS?
The risk for non-compliance of GHS labels lies on you and the entity transporting goods. We have heard through our suppliers that many large manufacturers in our industry have changed their minds in the last 6 months and decided to implement GHS labeling, although the mandate may not be applicable to their industry or end use. Manufacturers or distributors that sell primarily to the retail/consumer market, but not exclusively, are concerned that a transportation or HazCom agent could slow or stop their shipments for fear of non-compliance. They, and we, believe it better to be safe than sorry.
Silco is prepping for GHS. Are you?
Many companies have hired new personnel or entire teams to handle their GHS implementation. Silco has also allocated new personnel to this project, and is leveraging our network resources for your benefit. Our team is working with packaging suppliers, studying knowledge-bases and consulting with the largest trend setters in our industry to ensure we are doing our best to comply with GHS guidelines. We have investigated the various nuances of the GHS guidelines and their interpretations: chemical applications, layout & design, hazard and precautionary statements, container screen printing limitations and other issues. We are currently revising all Silco Label products that are applicable under the new GHS mandate. Silco will have our new artwork submitted to our packaging suppliers prior to the June deadline. We will also have updated Safety Data Sheets available for distribution of Silco Label products, containing the important GHS labeling.
To our Private Label customers, we are accepting production ready artwork now in order to be prepared for the June, 1st deadline. Please note that cartridge and other container manufacturers have longer processing times due to the heavy influx of submissions. We are also willing to share our gained knowledge to assist Private Label customers in their GHS artwork changes. For a small, fixed fee our team will advise you on GHS guidelines for product container artwork and edit your supplied artwork in preparation for submission per your instructions. *Please note, although our team and outside resources are knowledgeable on the topic of GHS. We cannot offer you legal advice or guarantees regarding GHS fitness. It is the sole responsibility and liability of the Private Label to determine GHS suitability and context
Please contact orders@silco-inc.com if you are interested in our help. We will schedule time for you to work with our graphic staff.
Here are a few online resources if you are in need of further information regarding the other portions of the GHS mandate – Safety Data Sheets, Transportation Labels and Workplace Environment & Training.
https://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/ghs.html#1.1
https://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/hazcom-faq.html
As always, your sales representative and I will be involved to make this a smooth transition.
Thank you!
John Boland
Sales & Product Development Manager
Silco, Inc