June 1, 2015 marked the GHS deadline for manufacturers to convert old MSDS into GHS-compliant SDS. While many chemical manufacturers have completed their conversion projects, many of them have not. If you are a chemical manufacturer and have not converted your MSDS sheets, it’s important to become compliant to GHS regulations as soon as possible. Listed below are the top three reasons you need to convert ASAP (if you haven’t done so).
- Improve worker safety and awareness
First and foremost, converting your MSDS sheets into GHS compliant SDS sheets increases chemical hazard communication and improves safety awareness for your employees. Your employees are your most valuable resource, and ensuring their safety should be your number one priority as an employer.
- Delay in hazard information flow through chemical supply chain
Downstream users, such as distributors, will request updated SDS sheets from suppliers. Not having updated SDS sheets may result in stop shipments as well as your distributor searching for alternative vendors who are in compliance with GHS regulations. The cost of non-compliance can lead to lost business opportunities.
- OSHA Fines
Hazard Communication citations attributed to more than $3 million in penalties in 2014. HazCom was listed as the # 2 most cited OSHA violation in 2014 and was again listed as the #2 most cited OSHA violation in 2015. With HazCom now aligned with GHS, companies out of compliance are putting themselves at a high risk for expense fines.
