GHS Information October 2008 Merck Chemicals / Basic Information GHS GHS Overview (page 1) The UN-developed system GHS stands for Globally Harmonized System of Classication and Labelling of Chemicals. With GHS, globally harmonized criteria have been created for the classication and labelling of chemicals. GHS wants to ensure internationally comparable high standards for health and consumer protection, occupational health and safety, and environmental protection. GHS regulates ... criteria for the classication of physical, toxicological, and environmental relevant properties ... classication and labeling ... harmonised hazard communication ... (e.g. harmonised label statements and harmonized safety data sheets) ... of chemicals. Seite 2 More information is available on the Internet at www.merck-chemicals.com GHS Information October 2008 Merck Chemicals / Basic Information GHS GHS Overview (page 2) GHS affects manufacturers, suppliers, and users of chemicals
The global implementation of GHS should take place during 2008. The registration phase of REACH, the uniform chemical law applicable within the EU, also begins in 2008. Because of the numerous interconnections between GHS and REACH, the European Commission has scheduled the implementation of the two regulations to follow each another in quick succession. The implementation of GHS is progressing at different paces around the world. In many Asian countries, for example, GHS has already been introduced. More information is available on the Internet at www.merck-chemicals.com page 3 GHS Information October 2008 Merck Chemicals / Basic Information GHS What must be done? The conversion to GHS has signicant effects on the handling of chemicals. All products have to be checked to be in line with the requirements of GHS. Within the transition periods, labelling shall be adapted to the new requirements. safety data sheets shall be correspondingly changed. All substances which meet the criteria for classication as hazardous and are placed on the market shall be notied to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) for inclusion in the classication and labelling inventory. More information is available on the Internet at www.merck-chemicals.com page 4 GHS Information October 2008 Merck Chemicals / Basic Information GHS The Timeline The implementation timeline provides the following critical milestones: On January 1, 2009, GHS enters into force By December 1, 2010, all substances shall be classied and labelled in accordance with GHS criteria By June 1, 2015, all mixtures shall be classied and labelled in accordance with GHS criteria More information is available on the Internet at www.merck-chemicals.com page 5 GHS Information October 2008 Merck Chemicals / Basic Information GHS What essential changes does GHS involve? GHS introduces globally harmonized criteria for the classication of physical, toxicological, and environmental relevant properties. GHS establishes globally harmonized criteria for hazard communication. In the overview, this relates to the introduction of new or modied: hazard classes, hazard categories, hazard pictograms, signal words, hazard statements, precautionary statements. GHS offers the opportunity to bring product safety to a high level all over the world. GHS will thus contribute to improving measures for protecting human health and the environment on a global scale. More information is available on the Internet at www.merck-chemicals.com page 6 GHS Information October 2008 Merck Chemicals / Basic Information GHS New Labelling Elements Signal word The signal word on the label gives information about the relative hazard level of a substance or mixture and alerts the reader to a potential hazard. Hazard pictogram Square set on a point, Red border, White background, Black symbols. Danger Warning More information is available on the Internet at www.merck-chemicals.com page 7 GHS Information October 2008 Merck Chemicals / Basic Information GHS New pictograms the most striking GHS feature Physical Hazards Health Hazards Env. hazards More information is available on the Internet at www.merck-chemicals.com page 8 GHS Information October 2008 Merck Chemicals / Basic Information GHS Hazard statements, denition and coding A hazard statement is a phrase, assigned to a hazard class and category that describes the nature / intrinsic property of a hazardous product as well as the hazard level. Hazard statement group 2 Physical hazards 3 hazards 4 al hazards Hazard statement H300 Fatal if swallowed Sequence in the group More information is available on the Internet at www.merck-chemicals.com page 9 GHS Information October 2008 Merck Chemicals / Basic Information GHS Precautionary statements, denition and coding A precautionary statement is a phrase (and/or pictogram) that describes the recommended measures that should be taken to prevent / minimize adverse effects resulting from exposure to a hazardous product. Precautionary statement group 2 Prevention 3 Response 4 Storage 5 Disposal Precautionary statement P 380 Evacuate area Sequence in the group More information is available on the Internet at www.merck-chemicals.com page 10 GHS Information October 2008 Merck Chemicals / Basic Information GHS The labelling must be adapted to the new regulations Current Merck label New Merck label Labelling Elements: Pictograms, Symbols, Signal words, Hazard statements and Precautionary statements. More information is available on the Internet at www.merck-chemicals.com page 11 GHS Information October 2008