Introduction of HazCom 2012 in the US posed problems for manufacturers and distributors of chemicals. The simple reason is that in existing MSDS the chemical had a lower hazard classification but the UN GHS classification put it in an entirely different hazard category.
Further complicating the process is that OSHA makes a distinction between hazard and risk of a chemical. Hazard is the inherent nature of the chemical and its properties. Risk pertains to conditions of storage, transport and use and consequent damage. UN GHS has reclassified chemicals into various categories with the result that simply transplanting data from MSDS into SDS is not a simple task anymore. The first thing to do is to find out the nature of hazard of the chemical and the category in which it falls. This is not easy, especially when formulations are involved. The aspects to consider are toxicology, fire risks, health hazards, physical hazards and safety hazards. A chemical, by its nature, may be hazardous on its own. Mixed with others in a formulation, the hazard may be elevated or it may be reduced. How does one decide? These and similar other questions arise when it is time to classify chemicals for SDS. Due to all these complications OSHA recommends professionals take care of the classification and categorization of chemicals and chemical products. It needs experts in health, toxicology, fire, safety and hygiene to precisely determine the category and classification of a product. GHS for classification by ICSDS is precise and perfect because the task is handled by relevant teams of experts based on minute examination of the appropriate guidelines. The guidelines give information but it is for technical experts with experience and knowledge to interpret them the right way.
ICSDS experts get it right each time. Expertise does not only mean topic expertise but also a wider, general knowledge of how chemicals are stored and handled during transport and how workers tend to handle chemicals, either alone or for formulating other chemicals. In fact, a lot of information and knowledge has to be factored into the classification process and justification must also be provided in case of query as to why that specific category has been chosen. ICSDS has experts who go beyond mere technicalities to adopting a wider view in classification, preparation of SDS, updates, labels and review existing documents.
The expertise goes beyond classification for local markets. It is international in nature. Today’s local manufacturer may enter the international markets tomorrow. ICSDS is prepared because they handle GHS at a global level, whether it is European markets or Asian markets or South American markets. SDS are tailored for each country according to how they adopted GHS and interpreted it. What is considered highly hazardous in the US may not rank that high in hazard level in some other countries and vice versa. Besides preparing compliant SDS, ICSDS also tackles the task of translating to local languages. A manufacturer of chemicals needs a trusted professional company that can handle this task and ICSDS does it well.
Further complicating the process is that OSHA makes a distinction between hazard and risk of a chemical. Hazard is the inherent nature of the chemical and its properties. Risk pertains to conditions of storage, transport and use and consequent damage. UN GHS has reclassified chemicals into various categories with the result that simply transplanting data from MSDS into SDS is not a simple task anymore. The first thing to do is to find out the nature of hazard of the chemical and the category in which it falls. This is not easy, especially when formulations are involved. The aspects to consider are toxicology, fire risks, health hazards, physical hazards and safety hazards. A chemical, by its nature, may be hazardous on its own. Mixed with others in a formulation, the hazard may be elevated or it may be reduced. How does one decide? These and similar other questions arise when it is time to classify chemicals for SDS. Due to all these complications OSHA recommends professionals take care of the classification and categorization of chemicals and chemical products. It needs experts in health, toxicology, fire, safety and hygiene to precisely determine the category and classification of a product. GHS for classification by ICSDS is precise and perfect because the task is handled by relevant teams of experts based on minute examination of the appropriate guidelines. The guidelines give information but it is for technical experts with experience and knowledge to interpret them the right way.
ICSDS experts get it right each time. Expertise does not only mean topic expertise but also a wider, general knowledge of how chemicals are stored and handled during transport and how workers tend to handle chemicals, either alone or for formulating other chemicals. In fact, a lot of information and knowledge has to be factored into the classification process and justification must also be provided in case of query as to why that specific category has been chosen. ICSDS has experts who go beyond mere technicalities to adopting a wider view in classification, preparation of SDS, updates, labels and review existing documents.
The expertise goes beyond classification for local markets. It is international in nature. Today’s local manufacturer may enter the international markets tomorrow. ICSDS is prepared because they handle GHS at a global level, whether it is European markets or Asian markets or South American markets. SDS are tailored for each country according to how they adopted GHS and interpreted it. What is considered highly hazardous in the US may not rank that high in hazard level in some other countries and vice versa. Besides preparing compliant SDS, ICSDS also tackles the task of translating to local languages. A manufacturer of chemicals needs a trusted professional company that can handle this task and ICSDS does it well.