What does GHS mean for Australian businesses?

The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) is a set of internationally agreed upon recommendations regarding chemical classification and hazard communication through labelling and safety data sheets (SDS). The majority of changes and impact to Australian businesses will be felt prior to the official introduction of the new GHS standards on 1 January 2017. Businesses will need to spend time and money to prepare their operations to meet GHS compliance standards before 2017.

With new standards come change, and this change will impact all businesses that deal with chemicals, from transporters to suppliers to manufacturers and users:

• Businesses will need to consider that labels must be reconfigured.
• New stock will need to be ordered.
• Old stock will need to be removed from sites and ordering systems.
• Containers will need to be relabelled with the new GHS label stock.
• Changes to placards and safety signs will have to be implemented.

To ensure the safety of the workforce, risk assessments will need to be reviewed in light of the GHS system. Staff training, induction processes and documentation must be updated, and emergency plans will need to be revised and prepared in light of the new standards.

“For a smooth transition to the GHS system, it is imperative that you conduct a GHS ready audit, so you know what needs to be done and when. This will reduce the stress later on and set up your business as GHS leaders,” said Shawn Samuel, CEO of Chemical Safety International.

“It is crucial that businesses do not wait for their competitors to implement the changes. Implementation plans need to be created and re-authoring of SDS should commence sooner rather than later. Workplace training sessions should start, educating staff on the GHS systems and their role in the transition.”

Chemical Safety International is Australia’s leading provider of GHS-related services with over 30 years’ experience in the industry. Chemical Safety International assists Australian businesses with GHS audits, implementation plans, emergency response plans, re-authoring, label development and much more. Each service provided by Chemical Safety International is based around compliance with the GHS standards and other domestic and international legislation.

For more information on GHS and Chemical Safety International, visit www.chemicalsafety.com.au.