GHS Label Compliance and Why It Matters

  Technological advancements know no bounds and it seems like, with every passing day, the word smart is added to a new inanimate object around us. This rapid growth in technological potential has also given the chemical industry and industrial label printers and an overall boom. But with that being said it is important now more than ever, that the chemical industry be on top of their production. Even though business continues to see a gradual increase and interested investors continue to build a crowd – production can not be rushed. Turnaround time is of the utmost importance when it comes to your product labels, and it is even more important to make sure they are right!

The Creation of GHS

For the chemical production process, there are pages upon pages that entail guidelines and compliance standards that have to be followed to the letter. But even though the process lists instructions thoroughly, people often forget that what’s on the outside matters, too – the Globally Harmonized System, or GHS label. In 2012, the UN created a labeling system that is dedicated to the chemical sector. To make sure this labeling system is followed to the bone, the OSHA started overseeing the operations of GHS. When OSHA started governing the process, they added a Hazard Standard so that every step in the process was under constant surveillance. Since the OSHA took over, safety has been a crucial element of the creation, chemical-making, supplying, labelling, and distribution processes.

GHS Requirements

OSHA’s takeover did not only mean a plan for hazards created but specific requirements were also set so that every label could be printed with a conforming GHS label. These are the requirements that every GHS label must have: ·        Precautionary Information: a small explanation of how a person should respond if they come in contact with hazardous contents of a package. This section must also have instructions for disposal, response, and storage. This information must be indicated with the code “P.” ·        Manufacturing Party Information: the name, the telephone number, and the address has to be on the label ·        Signal word: a word that clarifies the level of risk associated with the chemical. ·        Product Identifier: the name of the chemical, or the name of the product. Other relevant information can be added here, too. ·        Hazard Statements: a small explanation of the dangers that can be associated with this product. This information must also align with the safety data sheet OSHA provides. This information starts with the alphabet “H.” ·        Pictogram: Every label must also have a pictogram that shows the dangers associated with this product It is also important to understand that these requirements are not for solid objects like steel beams, wood, metal castings, or plastic items. If the object is solid, the label only has to be on the initial shipment. You don’t have to include the label on every shipment you send. However, if you’re shipping a liquid chemical, you need to follow all of the requirements listed above, regardless of how many times you send the product. Every chemical drum must have a corresponding label design that matches the GHS requirements. If your product is considered hazardous, or is being shipped internationally, it is likely that it will also require BS-5609 compliance. This can be accomplished utilizing a digital press that can print on high quality substrates like PET or BOPP which are waterproof. Conclusion To make sure you take compliance seriously, it is vital you have a state-of-the-art digital label printer that helps you follow OSHA instructions religiously. You can utilize digital label printing technology to stay ahead of the curve for any changes in GHS label requirements. Visit our website to check out some amazing deals on industrial label printers that will allow you to print your own custom GHS labels.