Question

What is a hazard communication? What is the significance and in what way it is related with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals?

Answer 1

Hazard communication is a set of processes and procedures to be implemented in the workplace by employers and importers in order to effectively communicate hazards associated with chemicals during handling, shipping and any form of exposure. Hazard Communication makes the people understand about the risk and severity of a chemical component and keeps the people who are working around or handling these chemicals safe.

The hazard communication is important because:

• It ensures the chemical safety as workplace as the information about the chemical is mentioned over the containers workers interact with it safely.
• The hazard communications displays the risk over the packaging and containers in which the chemicals are carried therefore keeping the people away and safe from it.
• The hazard communication also mentions first-aid measures which are helpful when someone comes in contact with the chemicals.
• The toxicological information mentioned in the hazard communications helps the experts and doctors in case of some miss happening.
• Hazard communications also mentions fire-fighting measures which are important when these substances come under fire or it causes fire.

The hazard communication is related with is related with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals in the following way:

The Globally Harmonized Chemicals Classification and Labelling System (GHS) is an internationally agreed system administered by the United Nations that was developed to replace the multitude of previously existing, worldwide, hazardous material classification and labelling schemes.

The goal is to follow and use the same set of rules for hazard identification and the same format and material for labels and safety data sheets worldwide.

In other words Globally Harmonized Chemicals Classification and Labelling System (GHS) tries to set the hazard communication in a standard format which will be used all around the world. It will help people all over the world to understand about the risks associated with a chemical product and remain safe. The companies manufacturing these chemicals will now do not need to print the labels and communication in different formats even if they do their business all over the world.

The Globally Harmonized Chemicals Classification and Labelling System (GHS) is trying to simply the hazard communication standards.