What is GHS?
- GHS stands for the Globally Harmonized System.
- It is a world-wide, simple way to classify chemicals and label them so everyone understands the risks.
- It uses standard labels and pictures so language barriers or complicated terms do not hide a danger.
The 3 Main Parts of Chemical Safety
1. Container Labels
Every container of hazardous material must have a clear label. Look for these key items:
- Product Name: Tells you what chemical is inside.
- Signal Word: Danger means severe hazard; Warning means less severe.
- Pictograms: Red-bordered diamond pictures showing the specific hazard (like a flame for fire, or a skull for toxic poison).
- Secondary Containers: If you move a chemical into a spray bottle or small bucket, you must label it too!
2. Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
- An SDS is a fact sheet for a chemical.
- Every chemical has a standard 16-section sheet explaining its properties, safe handling, and storage.
- It tells you what Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to wear (like gloves or goggles) and what to do in an emergency or spill.
- Ask your supervisor where your workplace keeps the SDS binder or digital access folder.
3. Your Employee Responsibilities
- Never use an unlabeled chemical container.
- Always read the label and know the risks before you start.
- Report missing labels or damaged containers right away.
Discussion Questions for the Team:
- Where do we keep our Safety Data Sheets on this site?
- Who should you talk to if a chemical label is missing or unreadable?
**If you are a Contract or Brokered labor employee of the Berg Group. Please consult your company/employer specific GHS and Right to know program. All GHS/Right to Know training and programs must comply with OSHA standards, Berg Group policy and client/GC standards. Please reach out to your specific company supervisor or representative with questions concerning their company GHS training and program.
