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By now, may have heard about OSHA’s new form, the SDS. This form, also known as the GHS Safety Data Sheet, is a component of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), system that standardizes chemical classification and labelling. The SDS will replace the older and less efficient form, the MSDS.

Why the new form? To best answer that question, let’s get some background. All economies across the globe rely on chemicals in some capacity. According to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (“The Purple Book”), the worldwide chemical industry encompasses more than $1.7 trillion dollars. Chemicals are a large part of everyday life in the 21st century. Countries’ laws and regulations regarding the safe chemical management tend to be similar; however, differences abound in required information that’s included on chemical labels or material safety data sheets

In 1992, the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) adopted the following mandate: “A globally harmonized hazard classification and compatible labelling system, including material safety data sheets and easily understandable symbols, should be available, if feasible, by the year 2000.” This mandate led to the GHS Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

Is the SDS the same as the MSDS? Yes and no. Prior to the GHS, there was no international standardized form. A chemical product could have several different safety data sheets and labelling formats, both in the United States and in other countries. In the U.S. alone, government agencies had their own classification and labelling requirements. Such variations led to difficult regulatory obligations and safety concerns. The SDS, then, provides a consistent format for hazards classification and information that’s efficient and understandable for everyone. For more detailed information, see “The Purple Book” online at the OSHA website.

What are the effective dates for the new SDSs? The table below shows completion dates and requirements for the GHS formats.

Effective Completion DateRequirement(s)Who
December 1, 2013Train employees on the new label elements and safety data sheet (SDS) format.Employers
June 1, 2015 December 1, 2015Compliance with all modified provisions of this final rule, except: The Distributor shall not ship containers labeled by the chemical manufacturer or importer unless it is a GHS labelChemical manufacturers, importers, distributors and employers
June 1, 2016Update alternative workplace labeling and hazard communication program as necessary, and provide additional employee training for newly identified physical or health hazards.Employers
Transition Period to the effective completion dates noted aboveMay comply with either 29 CFR 1910.1200 (the final standard), or the current standard, or bothChemical manufacturers, importers, distributors, and employers

Source: OSHA website.

What do I need to do? We advise you to be proactive in this changeover. Notify your distributors that you’ll be expecting the new SDSs to be fully in place by the December 1, 2015, deadline. Arrange for any necessary employee training, workplace chemical labelling, and hazard communications well in advance of the June 1, 2016, deadline. You’ll find a wealth of useful information on the OSHA website by searching for “global harmonization.” A search for “SDS” also yields valuable materials.

If you use chemicals in your operations, then this change to the SDS affects you. Make certain you have the facts you need to be fully compliant.