(800) 995-4466
CONTACT US TODAY

GHS Update – What To Expect From WAXIE

WAXIE Sanitary Supply is your trusted partner for ongoing resources, compliance training and support.

WAXIE and our Manufacturer Partners have updated all packaging, case labeling, and Safety Data Sheets (formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheets) for all chemical products to comply with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).

These modifications to the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) were mandated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and allow for an internationally standardized approach to hazard communication and classification.
 

CTA-sds-instructions

FAQ’s

What are my responsibilities as an employer to be in compliance with GHS?
 
  • Employers are responsible for ensuring that employees know and understand the hazards associated with chemicals being used in the workplace. To accomplish this task, employers should take the following steps:
  • Learn the Hazard Communication Standard 2012, and identify responsible staff
  • Prepare and implement a written Hazard Communication Program
  • Ensure all containers are properly labeled
  • Maintain Safety Data Sheets
  • Inform and train employees
  • Evaluate and reassess program

Do all products need to have a new GHS-compliant Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?
Yes.  All chemicals being used in the workplace should have an associated SDS to help workers know and understand the potential hazards. It is also advisable to maintain any associated MSDS on file for any chemicals purchased prior to GHS transition.
 

What is the difference between a new SDS and an old MSDS?
The most obvious difference is that one document will be called a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and the other document will be called a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). The other aspects to look for are that an SDS will have sixteen sections, while an MSDS is more likely to have fewer sections (typically between eight and twelve). Finally, an SDS will potentially also have a pictogram (or pictograms) and a signal word of either “Warning” or “Danger” to identify potential hazards.
 

Do all products need to have new GHS-compliant labels?
No.  Products which are classified as hard surface disinfectants and sanitizers, hand sanitizers and antibacterial soaps, cosmetics and hand soaps, and consumer products are regulated by other agencies (such as EPA, FDA and CPSC) and are exempt from GHS labeling requirements.
 

What is the difference between a “new” GHS label and an “old” label?
The most noticeable differences are that a new label will most likely have a pictogram (or pictograms) and a signal word of either “Warning” or “Danger” to identify potential hazards. However, not all products contain materials which will trigger the need for a pictogram or signal word – one prominent example is WAXIE’s line of Bioactive Products, which do not contain any hazardous materials which require a pictogram or signal word.
 

Do all “new” GHS labels have pictograms and signal words?
Not necessarily.  Only products which contain materials in sufficient quantity to pose a potential hazard are required to include a pictogram and signal word.
 

What if I have both “old” label product and “new” label product in my facility after the December 1, 2015 deadline?
It is OK.  As long as employees understand the potential hazards presented by the chemicals being used at their workplace, it is acceptable to maintain inventory of both “old” HCS-1994 labeled products along with “new” HCS-2012 labeled product. It is recommended that the “old” labeled product be rotated to the front of the inventory so that it can be used first.
 

What if I have both “old” label product and “new” label product in my facility after the June 1, 2016 deadline?
It is OK.  As long as employees understand the potential hazards presented by the chemicals being used at their workplace, it is acceptable to maintain inventory of both “old” HCS-1994 labeled products along with “new” HCS-2012 labeled product. It is recommended that the “old” labeled product be rotated to the front of the inventory so that it may be used first.
 

Should I seek to return “old” label product in an attempt to prepare my facility for June 1, 2016 deadline?
It is not necessary.  A facility may maintain inventory of both “old” and “new” labels going forward provided training has been provided to employees so they will know the difference between the two labels, and they are able to understand the potential hazards presented by the chemicals. It is recommended that “old” labeled products be rotated to the front of inventory so that they may be used first.
 

WAXIE – The Most Trusted Name in Clean. Since 1945.
WAXIE is committed to working with our customers to help them comply with GHS requirements, and we are committed to working with our manufacturer partners to continue to manage the conversion process – we thank our customers very much for their business, and for their ongoing trust in us to be their partner as we work with them to successfully navigate this transition.