What is the Globally Harmonized System?

Many countries have workplace rules similar to OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard. But, because individual countries had their own ideas about how to classify and label hazardous chemicals, the differences in such rules created inconsistencies and confusion within the international community.

In order to prevent confusion (and potential harm) when the workers of one country interact with hazardous chemicals originating in another country, the United Nations and other global organizations agreed that a worldwide standard for classifying and labeling hazardous chemicals should be developed. The result was the Globally Harmonized System, or GHS, which ensures that workers around the world are safer, international trade is simpler, hazardous chemicals are better understood, and the elimination of certain hazardous chemicals is more likely to occur.

Once the Globally Harmonized System was ratified, countries around the world began to alter their individual national regulations to reflect the new international accord. In the US, OSHA revised the Hazard Communication Standard in order to bring it into alignment with the international agreement. The countries who have agreed to at least some parts of the GHS include the US, nations in the European Union, Russia, China, Brazil, Japan, Australia, and other countries throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, and North and South America.

The development and adoption of the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for the classification and labeling of hazardous chemicals indeed mark a significant step towards ensuring consistency and safety in workplaces worldwide. By establishing a standardized approach to classifying and communicating chemical hazards, the GHS aims to enhance the protection of workers' health and safety, facilitate international trade, and promote better understanding and management of hazardous chemicals.

The adoption of the GHS by countries around the world signifies a collective commitment to promoting safety and reducing the risks associated with chemical exposure. With major economies such as the United States, members of the European Union, China, Japan, and others aligning their national regulations with the GHS, there is a broader recognition of the importance of harmonizing standards to address global challenges effectively.

By harmonizing classification criteria, labeling requirements, and safety data sheets, the GHS streamlines communication about hazardous chemicals across borders. This not only benefits workers who handle these substances but also simplifies regulatory compliance for businesses engaged in international trade. Additionally, the standardized approach to hazard communication promotes transparency and helps users make informed decisions regarding the safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous chemicals.

Moreover, the GHS facilitates the exchange of information on hazardous chemicals between countries, enabling better cooperation in managing chemical risks and responding to emergencies. This collaborative effort contributes to building a safer and more sustainable global environment.

Overall, the adoption of the Globally Harmonized System represents a significant milestone in global chemical safety management, fostering safer workplaces, facilitating international trade, and advancing efforts to protect human health and the environment on a global scale.