When we think of the Hazard Communication standard, our first thoughts are probably labels and safety data sheets (SDSs). These are the two ways that the hazards of a chemical are conveyed to employees. They are also where we get the information needed to protect ourselves from the chemical when we use it. The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) provides the framework for both labels and SDSs.
Labels are a condensed listing of the hazards of that chemical. The GHS sets the standard for what information is required to be on the label. All chemical containers from the manufacturer are required to have a GHS compliant label on them. However, we often transfer some of the chemical into a smaller, secondary container. We must apply a label to these as well.
