The HCS and Global Harmonization System (GHS)
OSHA's HCS is intended to be consistent with the provisions of the United Nations' Globally Harmonized System for the Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). The goal of the GHS is to identify the intrinsic hazards found in substances and mixtures and to convey hazard information about these hazards.
Sample GHS Container Label
GHS hazard classification criteria are adopted by consensus for physical hazards and key health and environmental classes, such as acute toxicity, carcinogenicity, and developmental toxicity.
For each of these hazard classes, standardized label elements — including symbols, signal words and hazard statements — have been developed and agreed on, along with a standard format and approach to how GHS information appears on safety data sheets. The GHS includes the following elements:
- harmonized criteria for classifying substances and mixtures according to their health environment and physical hazards; and
- harmonized hazard communication elements, including requirements for labeling and safety data sheets.
For more information on the Global Harmonization System (GHS), see About the GHS
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1-2. What is OSHA's HCS standard intended to be consistent with?
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