GHS Chemical Labels

Finding the Right GHS Chemical Label Printer for Your Business

Companies that manufacture or transport certain chemicals will soon be required to label such chemicals using the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling – more commonly referred to as GHS. The GHS system is a global system that allows chemicals to be categorized and labeled according to a universal standard, ensuring that chemicals can easily be identified worldwide.

In 1992, a number of international organizations, including the International Labor Organization and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, convened at the United Nations conference for the purpose of developing a universal system of labeling and identification for all chemicals being manufactured, distributed and transported. Before the current global standards were established and implemented, there were multitudinous regulations from many different countries with as many labeling systems.

The GHS standard was designed to reduce the diversity in the labeling and classification system, presenting a universal standard that can easily be monitored on an international level. The system provides a complete and sound infrastructure that will allow countries to implement regulations and standards for hazard classifications – something that many less-developed countries would have not been able to afford to do otherwise.

The Importance of GHS Compliance

There are literally millions of pounds of chemicals being shipped internationally on a daily basis. The GHS labeling system is designed to aid in the communication of the risks involved with each chemical being transported. It is the responsibility of every company that is involved in the production, distribution and transportation of all chemical to ensure that the chemicals have been properly classified and labeled.

Because not everyone in the world speaks or reads the same language, the GHS had to develop a system of pictograms. Each pictogram is representative of a specific chemical or chemical type. For instance, the pictogram can express whether a chemical is corrosive, poisonous, flammable, explosive, etc. The current GHS standards are in the transitioning process in which the current OSHA Hazard Communication Standards in the U.S. will remain acceptable for the time being. By June 1, 2015, all manufacturers will be required to ship their chemicals with GHS approved labels, and no later than December 1, 2015, all manufacturers will have to have their entire inventory completely flushed out. This means that all chemicals labels will have to be labeled using GHS labeling. In June of the following year, all users of the chemicals will have to have their inventory labeled using GHS labeling.

GHS Label Printers

In order to ensure that are GHS labeling requirements are met, companies will have to invest in label printing software and printers. Companies such as OptiMedia Labs supply a number of GHS label printers that can be used by companies to print their GHS Chemical labels.

OptiMedia has GHS label printers and accessories to fit almost every budget and situations. They have GHS printers that are designed to handle industrial capacity tasks such as the VIPColor VP495 or Epson GP-C831 label printers. They also have printers such as the Primera CX1000 and Afinia R635 which can print high speed GHS labeling for large monthly production. Anyone having questions should contact OptiMedia Labs directly to speak with a GHS chemical label specialist concerning the number options that are available to them. This is will ensure that you will find the right GHS label printer for your business.