What is GHS?

GHS stands for Globally Harmonized System. It is used for the purpose of chemical classification and labeling. The GHS identifies and categorizes chemical product dangers and conveys health and safety information through labels and safety data sheets. The objective is for labels and safety data sheets (SDS) to follow the same set of classification guidelines for hazards and to have the same structure and content globally.

What is the Process of Organizing GHS?

Three major hazard groups come under GHS. They are:

• Physical
• Health
• Environmental

Each of these groups comprises various categories and classes.

What is a Designated Substance?

According to OHSA, a designated substance can be described as “a biological, chemical or physical agent or a combination thereof prescribed as a designated substance to which the exposure of a worker is prohibited, regulated, restricted, limited or controlled”. Exposure here means skin contact, ingestion, and inhalation. For your reference, designated substances comprise various materials that are risky. For instance,

• Arsenic
• Asbestos
• Benzene
• Coke Oven Emissions
• Ethylene Oxide
• Isocyanides
• Lead
• Mercury
• Silica
• Vinyl Chloride