The Importance of the GHS

GHS is a way to label or categorize the different hazardous chemical substances. This kind of classification system was made by the United Nations since they believe that each country has an unharmonious of method of having the dangerous substances like inflammables and explosives classified. Moreover, there were serious problems when the dangerous substances were delivered to different countries that are not familiar about these and on how to deal with the related hazards. It was a great thing to have created a common platform that could be used by different countries that people could understand.

The GHS was made to be able to let people know about the potential danger that could occur from the different hazardous chemicals and how these can affect health and the environment. Moreover, the classification was linked to different hazards and the protective measures necessary and also the way that such substances need to be labeled. The different countries should be able to comply after a specified duration or time frame.

However, it must be understood that using the GHS is not a law or regulation. However, it is best to move to such new system to associate the chemical with the danger and also prepare the label or the safety data sheet or the SDS. It is best to have the label and also the SDS. With the implementation of this, then there is a reduce in the number of accidents which are related to chemicals. There will also be a reduction of the health costs. Also, there will be an increased protection of the workers in a dangerous environment that will lead to an increase in profits to the company because of the reduce in incidents and accidents.

Using the GHS, the different parties and the chemical producing industry as a whole benefit from this. Such system has benefited the different countries that utilized different systems and regulations for handling as well as labeling chemical products. There are also countries that have different systems used for similar chemicals. Because of this, the GHS training has been very useful.

There are lots of advantages offered by the GHS or the globally harmonized system of classification and labeling of chemicals. With this, it is a lot simpler and easier method of selling and purchasing things because every obtains similar information as well as regulations. Also, the operation costs among different companies are reduced because of the standard method for delivering chemicals instead of changing containers or the label according to where the chemicals are located. Moreover, the GHS can improve the safety in handling these chemicals because the public safety officials and workers have the information on how to respond to chemical spills or accidents the right way.

For more facts on the purpose of GHS, checkout HazCom 2012.