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?

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!

I software compliance EH&S: come gestire la normativa GHS

HSE compliance software: how to manage GHS regulation

GHS regulatory compliance software are IT tools designed to help companies comply with chemical safety regulations. The GHS, or Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals, is an international system of classification and labeling of chemicals designed to facilitate communication between different countries on health and risk prevention from chemicals.

GHS regulatory compliance software has been developed for this. This type of program enables companies to manage chemical information in a secure and regulatory-compliant manner. They facilitate the work of HSE employees and managers, ensuring compliance with national and international laws.

How does GHS regulatory compliance management software work?

A GHS regulatory compliance management software is designed to help companies comply with chemical safety regulations. Typically, these software offer a range of features to manage chemical information in a secure and regulatory-compliant manner.

The main main features

Here are some of the main features of a GHS regulatory compliance management software:

    1. Creating security labels
    2. Compilation of safety data sheets (SDS)
    3. Management of security communications
    4. Monitoring of production and distribution activities
  1. Creating security labels

GHS regulatory compliance management software can be used to create safety labels for chemicals according to GHS regulations. GHS labels for all products can be created in a few clicks and sent directly to printers already in the company. All product information will be quickly retrieved from the software database.

  1. Compilation of safety data sheets (SDS)

As with labels, GHS software can be used to create
SDS
(
Safety Data Sheets.
) by drawing on information in the software database. This makes it possible to automate processes and speed up work, with guaranteed compliance with safety regulations.

  1. Management of security communications

GHS regulatory compliance management software can be used to manage safety communications with customers and suppliers, such as sending them chemical SDSs or creating UFI code for notification to the European Poison Control Center.

  1. Monitoring of production and distribution activities

Through the use of GHS regulatory compliance software, it is also possible to monitor production and distribution activities to ensure that regulations are always met. By integrating with enterprise quality management systems (Q MS) or environmental management systems (EMS), a complete and constant view of the chemical safety activity of the entire company can be obtained.

The benefits of using GHS compliance software

GHS regulatory compliance management software for chemicals can be very useful for companies that manufacture, store, or use chemicals, as it helps ensure that their products are properly labeled and classified in a GHS-compliant manner.

The benefits of using GHS compliance software

The main benefits of using GHS regulatory compliance management software for chemicals are:

Increased security

GHS compliance software can help ensure that chemicals are labeled correctly and completely. It provides important information about hazards and how to handle them safely. In addition, regulations undergo continuous updates: by relying on GHS compliance software, all documents will always remain compliant with the latest released standard.

Time saving

The information already in the databases, the automatic retrieval of the necessary data, the automatic compilation into the different document formats needed, the translations-all this can be done with just a few clicks. Saving time is definitely one of the main benefits of using GHS compliance software.

Increased efficiency

The software can provide complete visibility into the management of chemicals within the company, allowing any problems or inefficiencies in processes to be identified and prompt action to be taken to resolve them.

Cost reduction

Using GHS regulatory compliance management software also reduces the costs associated with chemical classification and labeling, both in terms of time and materials.

Why choose regulatory compliance software?

Why GHS regulatory compliance software is an indispensable tool for companies working with chemicals. They must comply with chemical safety regulations, by legal obligation and to protect the health of their buyers and the environment.

These systems help to efficiently manage chemical product information, create labels, sheets safety data sheets and monitor production and distribution activities to ensure compliance with regulations.

Choose Chemilla

With Chemilla, you can simplify your work by integrating compliance software with your ERP business systems. Chemilla can adapt to your needs and communicate with your business systems, ensuring seamlessHSE compliance.

This will save you time and money, but most importantly it will improve the quality of the work you do.

Chemilla is an indispensable tool for companies working with chemicals. Take a look at our offers available now!