Globally Harmonized System

The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) provides a framework for improved hazard communication on the part of the chemical industry. This “world language” for chemicals developed by the United Nations not only changes classification and labeling systems, but also introduces globally standardized labeling elements and safety data sheets, an optimized global understanding of communication, and facilitated international trading. Unfortunately, the system has not yet been fully harmonized.

 

This makes it all the more important for us as a globally active company to establish our own GHS network at the corporate level, which includes experts from Japan, China, India, Singapore, the U.S. and Europe. The challenge is primarily to monitor the implementation into national laws in order so we can respond quickly. The following development shows how far the implementation has advanced: All substances and mixtures at BYK have already been converted to the GHS regulation, although the conversion for mixtures will only become mandatory in the EU from 2015. Furthermore, all IT systems for environmental management, occupational health, and occupational safety have been successfully adjusted. This involved reclassifying over 350 BYK products, making new product labels, and adjusting 350 safety data sheets in 27 languages. The effort also included a report to the classification and labeling inventory, employee training, and advance information to our customers and global representations.