GHS Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
GHS is an acronym which stands for Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. It approaches the hazard communication at an international level. The system provides the standards that should be followed when classifying chemical hazards. It also provides an approach in elements labeling routines and safety data sheets. The system was developed by communication guru from different countries. International organizations and other stakeholders also had input in the process. The system is also an integration of different systems in the world.
The purple book is another name for GHS. The document entails the standardized details of Safety Data Sheets. Another component of the document is the systemization criteria for health, physical and environmental threats that can be caused by the chemicals. also, it also has the criteria for standardized label elements that are assigned to these hazard classes and categories. Further, the basis for standardized label elements assigned to hazard categories and descriptions are a part of the document. As a result, the document, therefore, has appropriate signal words, pictorials and hazard and precautionary statements which can be used to communicate effectively on hazards to the users.
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is the initial name for Safety Data Sheet (SDS) The main reason for changing the term was to accommodate the information gotten from different countries. Improving the information received from different countries is the main reason for the name change. The standardization of labels and SDSs is important because it enhances information received from and exported to other countries. The international standards and GHS reduce the conflict caused by the diversification of the different national and international standards.Hence, better global communication is enhanced.
A (Material) Safety Data Sheet is a system that contains information regarding the properties of a specific substance. It provides the users of these substances with procedures for safe handling of the substance. For safety and product stewardship SDS is a requirement in any workplace. The content of the SDS include physical data, health effects, toxicity, storage and safe disposal.
Some of the requirements that the SDSs should meet is that they should be readily available for reference in the area where the chemicals are being stored or in use. This enhances the storage safety of these chemicals and spill-handling procedures. Generic users are not the only ones that the SDS should be designed for. The design should be such that any person that comes into contact with the chemicals should be in a position to understand the hazards and the components of the chemical substances. It is especially crucial for the personnel working in confined workplaces. Safety in these working places becomes enhanced as a result.
It is very important that these SDSs are managed properly. To properly manage the SDSs come companies are using the soft wares developed by different skilled people. But before one can use these soft wares it is very important to determine whether these soft wares meet the international standards set by the GHS.