GHS Compliance Guide for Safety Data Sheets
Everything you need to know about making your Safety Data Sheets compliant with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals.
What is GHS?
The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) is an internationally agreed-upon system for classifying chemicals and communicating hazard information. Developed by the United Nations, GHS creates a unified approach to chemical safety that works across borders.
Why GHS Compliance Matters
In the United States, OSHA adopted GHS through the revised Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom 2012). This means all employers who use hazardous chemicals must ensure their Safety Data Sheets comply with the GHS 16-section format. Non-compliance can result in OSHA citations and fines up to $15,625 per violation.
The 16-Section SDS Format
GHS requires all Safety Data Sheets to contain exactly 16 sections in a specific order. This standardization ensures that emergency responders, workers, and safety professionals can quickly find the information they need.
Common Compliance Issues
- Using the old 8-section MSDS format instead of the 16-section SDS
- Missing or incorrect GHS pictograms
- Absent signal words (Danger/Warning)
- Incomplete precautionary statements
- Outdated chemical classification data
- Missing sections 12-15 (ecological, disposal, transport, regulatory)
How MsdsToSds Helps
Our automated conversion tool takes your old MSDS documents and restructures them into the GHS-compliant 16-section format, complete with proper hazard classifications, pictograms, and signal words. This saves hours of manual work and reduces the risk of compliance errors.
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