The GHS (Globally Harmonised System) of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals becomes fully effective in the UK at the end of May 2015, and replaces the previous standards for marking of dangerous or hazardous substances and mixtures. So are you ready for the changes?
The GHS standards form part of the CLP Regulations, which make the regulations legally binding throughout the EU. The standards are aimed at protecting human health and safeguarding the environment by preventing chemical-related incidents or accidents where multiple classification systems previously existed and by streamlining health and safety training to reduce the level of injuries or illness.
While many of the GHS pictograms may be familiar to you, since they are closely based on the old EU classifications, there are some subtle changes plus the introduction of health hazards to humans (such as carcinogenic or mutagenic). Therefore, the new classifications replace the longstanding black on orange format classification structure, and these become legally binding on the 31st May.
Click here to purchase your new GHS labels and stay up-to-date with the latest regulations.