By June 1, 2015, all chemical manufacturers need to have their chemicals reclassified, shipping labels updated, and MSDSs converted to GHS compliant SDS’s. Due to the lengthy transition period, there are many opportunities for errors. Therefore, we wanted to provide a few tips to help you ensure that your SDS’s comply with GHS standards.
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Since the make up of mixture formulations tend to change overtime, chemical manufacturers and/or importers are required to update their SDS’s within the timeline provided by their Competent Authority upon discovering any new and significant information regarding the composition of the product. Note that information is only considered as new and significant if it changes the GHS classifications and label information.
Additional methods to ensure your SDS’s are up-to-date and remain compliant with GHS standards may include:
· Archiving old MSDSs to keep a good record of your chemicals
· Cleaning up your chemical inventory by disposing obsolete and outdated chemicals
· Continuously update your SDS library to ensure each chemical has accurate GHS classifications
Even though converting to GHS SDS is a one time investment, employers are expected to maintain and distribute accurate SDS’s whenever the chemical composition changes, and hence, by regularly managing your chemical inventory and continuously updating your SDS library, you will be on track to remain GHS compliant!
