{"id":22402,"date":"2016-10-20T01:21:26","date_gmt":"2016-10-20T05:21:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/?p=22402"},"modified":"2025-12-11T14:42:59","modified_gmt":"2025-12-11T19:42:59","slug":"ghs-sds-conversion-infographic-whats-the-best-way-to-get-it-done","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/ghs-sds-conversion-infographic-whats-the-best-way-to-get-it-done\/","title":{"rendered":"GHS SDS Conversion: What You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

Let’s talk about the big GHS SDS<\/strong> 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<\/strong> (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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Why the Change from MSDS to GHS SDS?<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The new GHS SDS<\/strong> 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<\/strong> and know that first-aid info is *always* in Section 4 and firefighting measures are *always* in Section 5.<\/p>\n

Your Employer Responsibilities<\/h2>\n

This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s the law. OSHA is clear on your responsibilities:<\/p>\n

“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.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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

The 16 Sections of a GHS SDS<\/h2>\n

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