The UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) has released the fifth revised version of the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals.
The GHS addresses classification of chemicals by types of hazard, and offers harmonized tools to communicate hazards.
July 2013: The UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) has released the fifth revised version of the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. The GHS addresses classification of chemicals by types of hazard, and offers harmonized tools to communicate hazards.
The fifth revised edition includes several updates: a new test method for oxidizing solids; clarifications for the criteria for the hazard classes skin corrosion/irritation, severe eye damage/irritation and aerosols; revised classification and labelling summary tables; a new codification system for pictograms; and revised and further rationalized precautionary statements.
The GHS aims to ensure that physical hazards and toxicity information on chemicals is available to enhance the protection of human health and the environment during the handling, transport and use of chemicals. The first version of this publication was released in 2005, and updated versions are released every two years. [UNECE GHS Website] [GHS Status of Implementation] [Publication: Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS, Rev.5)]