GHS Answer Center
Welcome to the GHS Answer Center, brought to you by MSDSonline. If this is your first experience with the GHS, you probably have a lot of questions:
- What is it?
- What does it mean to me and my company?
- How much time do I have to get ready?
Whether you need a quick introduction to the GHS, or sophisticated answers to difficult questions, the GHS Answer Center is here to help. To get started, click on a link:
10 GHS Facts in 60 Seconds
GHS 101: An Overview
GHS 101: History of the GHS
GHS 101: Classification
GHS 101: Labels
GHS 101: Safety Data Sheets
GHS 101: U.S. Adoption
GHS 101: Links to Useful GHS Info
GHS 101: GHS Definitions
5 Great Questions on GHS
GHS Pictograms
GHS Transport Pictograms
OSHA to Publish Final Rule On GHS at the End of 2011 or Early 2012
OSHA announced earlier this year that it planed to publish a final rule on the GHS, revising the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) in August of 2011.Then in July, that date was pushed back to September. As of September 27, our best guess for a final rule is December 2011 or early 2012.
In the U.S., changes to the HCS to align with GHS are expected affect over 40 million workers in 5 million workplaces. Major changes to the HCS will center on:
- Hazard classification
- Labels
- Safety Data Sheets
- Information and training
Costs to businesses are expected to be limited to a one-time transition that is phased in over a three year period with the greatest costs stemming from:
- Re-classification of all chemicals
- Re-authoring of all Safety Data Sheets
- Training of workers on new label and SDS elements and familiarization with modified HCS system
Other costs are expected to be the same or lower. OSHA expects the revised standard will prevent 43 fatalities and 585 injuries annually, with a net annualized savings of $745 million a year in the U.S.
If you’ve been thinking about implementing an electronic MSDS Management solution and/or an on-demand Chemical Inventory Management solution, the time is now. With all of the changes coming, you’ll save time and money and more importantly stay compliant throughout.

{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
When do we expect the Global SDS system to be in function?
Thanks,
Greg
I would expect we’ll see something in Q1 of 2012. I would not be surprised to see something as early as January/February.
Why do you schedule the webinars for 11:00am eastern time that is 8:00am Pacific time and not have any later in the day
This makes attending these very difficult
Please add a couple of later times
Tom – Thanks for the feedback. Based on your request, we’ve added a couple of West Coast friendly times. Please visit check out our GHS Webinar page for details.