Globally Harmonized System

Chemical manufacturers are supplying products all over the world, so we all need to "speak the same language."

To that end, the United Nations introduced the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS), and OSHA has revised its Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to align with it.

Now, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) are standardized Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), and chemical labeling has changed to include signal words, pictograms, and hazard and precautionary statements.

GHS affects all of us, and Fisher Scientific has you covered. Training programs and materials, resources and products that comply with the new requirements are accessible in one place: right here!

ChemAssist App

Are you looking for a convenient and reliable way to track your on-hand chemical inventory? Look no further. Now you can easily manage your chemical stockroom using ChemAssist. View the ChemAssist App

Start GHS Training Here

You're probably already seeing the new GHS label and SDS formats. But do you know how to read and use them? OSHA mandates that workers be trained in the new formats by December 1, 2013. So if you haven't already started GHS training, start here.

Brady Training Programs:

Brady offers GHS workshops and instructor-led seminars at their site or yours. More information »

CLMI Safety Training:

Conduct onsite training with the CLMI "GHS Labels and Safety Data Sheets" training program. It will help workers understand the new GHS label elements, identify the new GHS pictograms and read and interpret the new GHS Safety Data Sheets. Package includes two DVDs, Instructor Guide, two PowerPoint presentations and five student handbooks. More information: English or Spanish.

UL Workplace Health and Safety:

Hazard Communication (HazCom) training covers everything from the content of the HazCom Standard to the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) to how to use Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) and chemical labels to prepare for hazards or react to exposures. Request more information »

OSHA:

OSHA is offering a variety of GHS online and onsite training programs. Check there frequently for information about the additional GHS requirements that must be implemented by June 1, 2016. More information »

Frequently Asked Questions

In response to the overwhelming number of questions posed during the November 7, 2013 Globally Harmonized System (GHS) Webinar sponsored by Fisher Scientific and Brady we've organized responses into these easy-to-use categories:

General program information
Employees
Safety Data Sheets (SDS) or former MSDS
Pictograms
Labeling and Signage
Chemical Inventory
Containers
Training
Chemical

Download the pdf for the complete FAQs

What You Should Know About GHS

Take a few minutes to get more information about GHS requirements. They affect chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors, buyers and users all over the world. OSHA, for example, has set the following deadlines to implement the entire initiative, and you'll want to be ready to meet them.

December 1, 2013: Workers must be trained on the new label requirements and Safety Data Sheet format
June 1, 2015: Chemical manufacturers must comply with all final rule provisions
December 1, 2015: Chemical distributors must ship containers using GHS-compliant labels
June 1, 2016: Employers must update labeling and HazCom programs as needed and provide training for newly identified hazards

2013 Hazcom Seminar

OSHA has updated its Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to align with the United Nations' Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). View the webinar from HazCom Webinar November 7, 2013 hosted by Fisher Safety and Brady.

Watch the Hazcom Seminar webinar online

Download the PDF (2.1 MB)

The information contained within the presentation DOES NOT MEET THE DECEMBER 1, 2013 TRAINING REQUIREMENTS for the OSHA updates to the Hazardous Communications Standard. This presentation is an overview only. For complete training solutions visit our Training Information page.

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