GHS SDS Conversion: What You Need to Know

Let’s talk about the big GHS SDS conversion. If you’re in safety, you know that OSHA’s move to the GHS (Globally Harmonized System) was a massive shift. The old, familiar MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is out, and the new GHS SDS (Safety Data Sheet) format is in. This isn’t just a name change; it’s a whole new way to classify and communicate chemical hazards.

But what does that *actually* mean for you? And what’s the best way to get it done without losing your mind? This guide breaks it down.

Why the Change from MSDS to GHS SDS?

The old MSDS system was a bit of a wild west. There was no required format, so manufacturers could put information in any order they wanted. This made it incredibly difficult and slow for workers to find life-saving information in an emergency.

The new GHS SDS format solves this. As OSHA states, it requires a “specific minimum information” in a strict, 16-section format. This means a worker from *any* company, anywhere in the world, can look at any GHS SDS and know that first-aid info is *always* in Section 4 and firefighting measures are *always* in Section 5.

Your Employer Responsibilities

This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s the law. OSHA is clear on your responsibilities:

“Employers must ensure that the SDSs are readily accessible to employees for all hazardous chemicals in their workplace. This may be done in many ways. For example, employers may keep the SDSs in a binder or on computers as long as the employees have immediate access to the information without leaving their work area when needed and a back-up is available for rapid access to the SDS in the case of a power outage or other emergency.”

This means your old binder of MSDSs is no longer compliant. You must have a full library of the new, 16-section GHS SDS for every chemical you have on-site.

The 16 Sections of a GHS SDS

To understand the new format, you need to know the 16 sections. This OSHA PDF gives a great breakdown, but here’s the quick version:

• Section 1: Identification
• Section 2: Hazard(s) Identification (This is where the pictograms and signal words are!)
• Section 3: Composition/Information on Ingredients
• Section 4: First-Aid Measures
• Section 5: Fire-Fighting Measures
• Section 6: Accidental Release Measures
• Section 7: Handling and Storage
• Section 8: Exposure Controls/Personal Protection (PPE)
• Section 9: Physical and Chemical Properties
• Section 10: Stability and Reactivity
• Section 11: Toxicological Information
• Section 12: Ecological Information
• Section 13: Disposal Considerations
• Section 14: Transport Information
• Section 15: Regulatory Information
• Section 16: Other Information

The Big Question: What’s the Best Way to Convert?

This is where companies get stuck. You have two main options:

1. The “Do It Yourself” Method: This involves tasking an employee (or a team) to manually hunt down the GHS SDS for every single chemical in your inventory. They’ll have to contact manufacturers, search databases, and manage a massive library of digital or physical files. It’s cheap upfront but costs a ton in lost labor hours.
2. The “Outsource” Method: You can partner with a third-party service that specializes in GHS SDS conversion. These services often have huge existing libraries and can manage your inventory for you, updating your SDSs automatically.

As the infographic below shows, outsourcing is often the most efficient and cost-effective way to get compliant and *stay* compliant.

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Frequently Asked Questions About GHS SDS

What is the difference between GHS and SDS?

GHS (Globally Harmonized System) is the *system* or set of rules for classifying chemicals and communicating their hazards. The SDS (Safety Data Sheet) is the *document* that is created based on the GHS rules. Think of GHS as the grammar and SDS as the final essay.

What does SDS stand for?

SDS stands for Safety Data Sheet. This is the new, standardized 16-section replacement for the old MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet).

Is an MSDS the same as a GHS SDS?

No. While they serve a similar purpose, an MSDS had no required format, which made it hard to find information. A GHS SDS is globally standardized and *must* follow a strict 16-section format, making it much easier and faster to find critical safety information.