™ Globally Harmonized System (GHS)
of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals
Produced by SCHC-OSHA Alliance
GHS Information Sheet Workgroup
Page 1 of 3
Info Sheet #3
What is the GHS?
Januar
y
,
2010
The GHS is an acronym for The Globally Harmonized System of
Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. It is a system for
harmonizing hazard classification criteria and chemical hazard
communication elements worldwide. The GHS is not a regulation; rather
it is a framework or guidance for classifying and labeling hazardous
chemicals. The purpose of classification under the GHS is to provide
harmonized information to users of chemicals with the goal of enhancing
protection of human health and the environment.
Many countries already have regulatory
systems in place for chemical classification
and hazard communication. These systems
may be similar in content and approach, but
their differences are significant enough to
require multiple classifications, labels, and
safety data sheets (SDS) for the same
product. This leads to inconsistent protection
for those potentially exposed to the
chemicals, as well as creating extensive
regulatory burdens on companies producing
chemicals.
The GHS document (referred to as “The
Purple Book”) establishes agreed hazard
classification and communication provisions
with explanatory information on how to
apply the system. Regulatory authorities in
countries adopting the GHS will take the
agreed criteria and provisions, and
implement them through their own
regulatory process and procedures. The GHS
document provides countries with the
regulatory building blocks with which to
develop or modify existing national programs
that address classification of hazards and
transmittal of information about those
hazards and associated protective measures.
Why do we need the GHS?
According to the U.S. Department of Labor and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration,
there are many benefits to global implementation of the GHS. It is anticipated that application of the
GHS will:
Enhance the protection of human health and the environment by providing an
internationally understood system,
Provide a recognized framework to develop regulations for those countries without
existing systems,
Facilitate international trade in chemicals whose hazards have been identified on an
international basis,
Reduce the need for testing and evaluation against multiple classification systems.
Benefits to companies include:
A safer work environment and improved relations with employees,
An increase in efficiency and reduced costs from compliance with hazard communication
regulations,
