What are chemical manufacturers and importers required to develop under the Global Harmonized System?

Under the Global Harmonized System (GHS), chemical manufacturers and importers are required to develop Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for each hazardous chemical they produce or import. The purpose of an SDS is to provide detailed information about the properties of a chemical, including its hazards, safe handling, storage, disposal, and emergency procedures. The SDS serves as a crucial resource for workers, employers, and emergency responders, ensuring that everyone is informed about the risks associated with the chemical and how to minimize those risks.

This requirement is essential for promoting chemical safety and standardizing the information provided about hazardous substances globally, thus facilitating communications between manufacturers, employees, and regulatory bodies. The format and content of SDS are defined under GHS guidelines, ensuring consistency across industries and regions. This requirement underscores the importance of documentation in chemical safety management and informs users on best practices for safe chemical handling.