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Etichette di pericolo e schede di sicurezza, i due documenti della compliance GHS

What is the difference between GHS Hazard Labels and Material Safety Data Sheets?

GHS Compliance

The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals(GHS) is a standard for classifying chemicals. It was developed by the United Nations to make information on chemical hazards more consistent across countries. The goal is to facilitate the communication of information essential to the safety of those working with chemicals, especially internationally. The GHS system includes two main documents: hazard labels (or ghs labels) and the
safety data sheets (SDS)
. Both documents contain information on the hazards associated with the use, handling and transportation of chemicals.

Hazard labels and Material Safety Data Sheets: two GHS documents.

The Hazard Labels (GHS Label).

The hazard label (or
GHS label
) is a label that must be placed on chemical packages to inform customers and transporters regarding the chemical and physical hazards of a substance. Hazard labels consist of information about the substance, hazards and precautions to be taken, and procedures in case of an accident, with relevant emergency contacts.

To write a hazard label, it is necessary to follow the outline given in the GHS.

The
GHS standards
 provide for the classification of chemicals into different categories, such as flammable, corrosive or carcinogenic. Each type of hazard is associated with a different pictogram, making it easier to read the labels by overcoming language barriers.

The purpose of this system is to ensure that workers can understand what hazards they are exposed to in the workplace so that they can take appropriate precautions. Likewise, they are needed to ensure that consumers are aware of the potential risks of using products containing hazardous substances in the home.

The Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

Material Safety Data Sheets (SDS) also contain information on the hazards associated with chemicals. Unlike hazard labels, MSDSs are more detailed documents that are attached to chemical products. It is an organic and comprehensive document that touches on all points related to
HSE compliance
(Health, Safety & Environment), pointing out hazards and precautions to protect health, safety and environment

They can be in hard copy or digital format and must be prepared, again following the guidance found in the GHS, by the manufacturing company.

Common purpose: to facilitate safe handling

The main difference between a hazard label and an MSDS is in their purpose.

Precisely because it is listed directly on the packaging, the goal of ahazard label is to be comprehensive, yet easy to read. This is also done through the use of pictograms: through the use of coded symbols, it is possible to quickly communicate the type of danger presented by the substance, and without resorting to a textual explanation (which suffers from the translation problem).

On the other hand, MSDSs are presented as accompanying documents. SDSs are not directly printed on the chemical they refer to; they are more complex to read, but at the same time they are extremely comprehensive.

However, the essential information is present in both documents.

Different format, common goal

In conclusion, the differences between the
GHS labels
 and the
safety data sheets
 are not great.

As we have seen, MSDSs and hazard labels both contain hazard information about the chemical substance or mixture to which they relate. The format of each document may be different, but the information on hazards and safety precautions for handling chemicals is the same. They both have the same purpose: to make sure that anyone who comes into contact with that product is aware of the necessary precautions to be taken to protect their health, the health of other workers and the environment, the dangers they may face, and what to do in the event of an accident.

Making Hazard Labels and Material Safety Data Sheets with one GHS software

GHS Software for HSE Compliance Management
Chemilla
 is designed to draft both types of documents. With Chemilla, you can design GHS labels and print them directly from your business devices. Again with just a few clicks, you can also draft MS DSs by drawing directly from information in the ECHA database. By simply entering the substance, Chemilla can draft an SDS and related hazard labels in the different GHS regulations (EU CLP, US HazCom and China), translate them into more than 30 languages, print them or send them digitally.

Learn about all of Chemilla’s services now or request a
free, no-obligation demo
 of our safety data sheet software. Start optimizing your HSE management today!

GHS Compliance
Schede di sicurezza miscele

Mixture Safety Data Sheets (SDS): reading and understanding them

SDS

Mixture Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) are informational documents that briefly and clearly describe the chemical hazards present in a given preparation.

What are mixture Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)?

Mixture Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are documents that provide information on the harmful effects and precautions to be taken when using and handling chemicals. SDSs are available in the original language and in all officially recognized international languages. The translated version can be used as an aid to consulting the original. Some
software to manage GHS regulatory compliance
, such as
Chemilla
, are able to automatically translate the Mixture Safety Data Sheets into different languages by adapting them to the specific regulations of the target country.

The Mixture Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) list the following data:

  • General description of the product (main ingredient, extract or derivative, etc.).
  • Main components (for example: solvent or volatile organic substance)
  • Harmful effects of the product on the human body (risk category)
  • Precautions/warnings/special instructions for use

What is the content of the Mixture Safety Data Sheets?

The Mixture Safety Data Sheet contains important information about the chemical, such as:

  • name, CAS number (where available), EINECS/ELINCS number (where available), chemical formula;
  • physical properties and thus the physical characteristics of the chemical;
  • toxicological properties and thus the toxicological properties of the chemical;
  • ecotoxicological properties and thus the ecotoxicological properties of the chemical;
  • Exposure pathways and contact with other materials or people.

What is the classification of chemical hazards?

Mixture Safety Data Sheets are the main tool for communicating the nature of hazards present in the work environment. Knowing and understanding MSDSs is critical to protecting the health and lives of people who work with chemicals, as well as any person who comes in contact with them.

Chemical hazard classification is a coding that describes the degree of risk a chemical substance may pose to human health and the environment. The classification is based on a combination of two factors:

  • The likelihood that a substance will give rise to harmful effects,
  • How serious these effects are.

Chemical hazards are divided into groups according to their degree of danger:

  • very dangerous substances
  • dangerous substances
  • harmless substances

Why is classification important for chemical hazards?

Classification for chemical hazards is important for understanding chemical risk.

The classification is based on the probability of exposure and severity of consequences. Hazard classes are defined by the source of nature of the chemical agent, which may be toxic, carcinogenic or mutagenic. Risks may also be influenced by other factors such as individual sensitivities and experience in using or storing the product subject to an emergency assessment.

Safety Data Sheets Mixtures

What does the MSDS say in the information part?

In the section titled “Hazard Information” of the Mixture Safety Data Sheets, you will find information on how to identify the hazards of this chemical and what to do if you are exposed to it.

These are some of the questions you can answer from this section:

  • What are the risks of exposure to this chemical?
  • What are the dangers of this chemical?
  • What are the symptoms of exposure to this chemical?
  • What first aid measures should be taken at home or on site?

How to read the numbered item “Precautions for safe use”?

The Mixture Safety Data Sheet ( MSDS) includes information on the hazard and how to control the chemical. The “Precautions for Safe Use” section contains key information regarding precautions that should be taken when using the chemical.

The advice is one that everyone should follow: read the sheet carefully before using or handling the product, paying particular attention to the following parts:

  • Safety precautions for handling (items 4 and 5)
  • Precautions for use and handling (item 6)

What is the purpose of first aid information?

First aid information is an integral part of the
SDS
. Inside we find:

  • Name of product or material that may cause harm to humans (if applicable)
  • Signs or symptoms indicating exposure to chemicals or hazardous materials
  • First aid treatment
  • Special medical care needed for exposed persons with technical details for health care workers and physicians (if needed)

What is the purpose of medical treatment news?

Within the
SDS
 there are also guidelines for health and medical personnel. It is a good idea for anyone handling or using chemicals to have the SDS (or, for commercial products, the GHS Label affixed to the packaging) with them at all times. In the event of an accident, it is necessary to report the information on these documents to the medical personnel in charge of the case. This information is critical for health care personnel to easily and without error understand the correct first aid maneuvers or prescribed therapy.

Product Description.

Also found within the Mixture Safety Data Sheet is a more descriptive section, which goes on to list the characteristics of the product. These are not strictly safety data (the risk of a substance, hazards, behaviors to avoid, etc. are not stated), but they are still useful information for understanding the chemical. Specifically we discuss:

  • physicochemical data
  • physical stability
  • chemical interference

What does the information on environmental effects mean?

Data on environmental effects are important because they give you an idea of how your product will affect the environment.

  • “Environmental Hazard Classification” indicates the type of impact a chemical could have on the environment: acute toxicity to aquatic organisms, chronic toxicity to aquatic organisms, and acute toxicity to terrestrial organisms are three examples.
  • “Terrestrial Toxicity Classification” indicates whether this chemical is expected to be harmful if it enters soil or groundwater: for example, it may cause skin irritation or harm animal life in soil.

What do the exposure data and toxic properties say?

In this section is an indication of whether the chemical is flammable, toxic, corrosive, or reacts with water (e.g., will cause corrosion in pipes or containers). The leader also provides details on any special precautions needed when working with the material.

The Mixture Safety Data Sheets

In conclusion, Mixture Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) are an essential document for the chemical industry. This is because it contains all the information needed to understand and use different products safely. The MSDS must be present at all times throughout the life of the product, as well as its reading and understanding by the people who use it.

For best create and manage your SDSs, so that you can ensure total compliance with the GHS compliance of each country in which you operate and the safety of people and the environment, you can rely on Chemilla, the cloud-based software from F1 Consulting & Services for the GHS compliance management!
Contact us for a FREE demo!

 

SDS