What is GHS:
The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) is an international approach to hazard communication, providing agreed criteria for classification of chemical hazards, and a standardized approach to label elements and safety data sheets.
What is the phase in periods of GHS:
| Effective Completion Date | Requirements | Who |
|---|---|---|
| Dec. 1, 2013 | Train employees on the new label elements and safety data sheet (SDS) format | Employers |
| Jun. 1, 2015* Dec. 1, 2015 |
Compliance with all modified provisions of this final rule, except: The Distributor shall not ship containers labeled by the chemical manufacturer or importer unless it is a GHS label |
Chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors and employers |
| Jun. 1, 2016 | Update alternative workplace labeling and hazard communication program as necessary, and provide additional employee training for newly identified physical or health hazards | Employers |
| Transition Period to the effective completion dates noted above | May comply with either 29 CFR 1910.1200 (the final standard), or the current standard, or both | Chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors, and employers |