Hazard Communication has undergone a few major renovations to adopt the Globally Harmonized Standard (GHS). This is the same standard adopted by many countries in an effort to streamline policies and procedures when working with and around hazardous chemicals. The additional uniformity allows chemicals to be shipped across borders in a more efficient way.
Hazard Communication has undergone a few major renovations to adopt the Globally Harmonized Standard (GHS). This is the same standard adopted by many countries in an effort to streamline policies and procedures when working with and around hazardous chemicals. The additional uniformity allows chemicals to be shipped across borders in a more efficient way.
Containers for hazardous chemicals now have a uniform warning label system that does not have to be revised when shipping between two countries that have adopted GHS. The United States, prior to adopting the Globally Harmonized Standard, could vary the labels which lead to confusion by the employees working with the containers. The same chemical might be labeled highly corrosive while another container might reflect very corrosive. The worker might then wonder which was more dangerous or treat, despite the chemical being the same. GHS has developed a classification process to ensure uniformity in the labeling process to eliminate any doubts. The labels also have a similar shape and color to allow the employee to quickly locate the warning label.
Information that ships with the hazardous material was known as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). GHS has made a few modifications, including changing the name to simply Safety Data Sheets (SDS). The name change also comes with a change of how the information is presented. The information on the sheet has not changed, but the order has been set by GHS to ensure each company uniformly presents needed information. A set order of information allows the workers to become familiar in how the information is presented, so they can quickly reference the needed information. This saves valuable time in case of an accident or spill of the hazardous chemical.
A Certified Safety Professional can work with your company to help implement all of the necessary changes that come with the adoption of the Globally Harmonized System. Employees have a right to understand the dangers they face on a daily basis and how to stay safe while working around hazardous materials. Employees that understand the dangers and how to be safe can lead to a safer working environment for everyone at the facility. A Certified Safety Professional can work with the employees on a periodic basis to provide continuing education about the hazards in the workplace. Successful companies are proactive in protecting the employees at the facility and take hazard communication seriously. Take the first step today and begin the partnership with a Certified Safety Professional.
Occupational Health Overcomes Everyday Hazards
Many workers face different types of hazards on a daily basis. Each company has a responsibility to proactively protect their employees from hazards encountered in the workplace. Accidents or injuries can bring production to a halt, reduce the workforce while the employee is recovering and lead to costly worker compensation claims. A Certified Industrial Hygienist can help your company improve the Occupational Health present at your facility.
The Risk from Asbestos
Asbestos poses a major health risk in many office buildings and homes due to the wide adoption and usage of asbestos as an insulator in the construction process. Asbestos can be found in the glue beneath vinyl flooring or in material applied to concrete to regulate the temperature between floors in an office building. These buildings and homes are being remodeled and modernized as an update to the space, but the demolition process can be hazardous if asbestos is present. Test for asbestos prior to starting your next remodeling project to ensure workers are safe.
Communicating the Dangers with HazCom
Hazard Communication focuses on explaining the dangers present at the workplace. The employees have a right to understand the hazards present and how to remain safe on the jobsite. A Certified Industrial Hygienist can work with your company to fulfill the HazCom requirement set forth by OSHA.
