When you move towards GHS compliance, you may find yourself confused by the acronyms that it entails. Below you will find some of the most commonly encountered phrases during conversion explained.
GHS is shorthand for the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. This standard was passed by the UN in order to create and maintain a system of chemical labeling that would make it both safer and easier to exchange chemicals across the world.
A MSDS is a Material Safety Data Sheet. This is the commonly used term for non-GHS compliant safety data reporting sheets.
An SDS is a Safety Data Sheet. This is the term used for safety data reporting sheets that are GHS-compliant. By June 1, 2015, all MSDSs in the US must be converted to SDSs.
HCS is short for the Hazard Classification Standard published by OSHA. The HCS has been recently modified to match up with GHS standards, and so new SDSs are commonly referred to as GHS SDSs.
CLP is shorthand for the European Union regulation commonly referred to as Classification, Labelling, and Packaging. It is the EU equivalent of the HCS and is rarely called by any other name.
