GHSs, or the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, is an international system designed to standardize the classification of chemical hazards and communicate them through standardized labels and safety data sheets.
Context
This system operates within the domain of chemical safety and public health, providing a consistent framework for identifying and communicating the potential risks associated with chemical substances and mixtures across different jurisdictions.
Significance
GHSs plays a vital role in preventing occupational injuries and illnesses, facilitating international trade in chemicals, and enhancing consumer protection by ensuring that hazard information is clear, understandable, and readily accessible.
Mechanism
The system establishes criteria for classifying chemical hazards (physical, health, and environmental) and specifies the elements required for hazard communication, including pictograms, signal words, hazard statements, and precautionary statements on labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
Application
GHSs is applied in manufacturing, transportation, use, and disposal of chemicals, requiring businesses to classify their products, train employees on hazard recognition, and provide compliant labeling and SDSs to downstream users and emergency responders.
Metric
Compliance with GHSs is monitored through regulatory inspections, audits of safety documentation (labels and SDSs), and assessment of workplace incident rates related to chemical exposures.
Risk
Failure to comply with GHSs can result in misclassification of chemicals, inadequate hazard communication, leading to accidental exposures, injuries, environmental damage, and legal penalties for non-compliant entities.
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