HazCom Globally Harmonized System: How GHS Fits into OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard
The HazCom Globally Harmonized System conversation matters to any workplace that uses, stores, or transports hazardous chemicals. OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom), 29 CFR 1910.1200, requires employers to inform and train employees about chemical hazards and protective measures. The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) is the framework OSHA adopted to standardize hazard classification and communication—making labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) more consistent across industries and borders.
In practical terms, ghs hazcom is about ensuring your hazard communication program uses standardized labels, pictograms, signal words, hazard statements, precautionary statements, and the 16-section SDS format employees can quickly understand.
What “Hazard Communication and GHS” Means Under OSHA
OSHA’s HazCom standard is often called a “right-to-know” rule. It requires chemical hazards to be identified and communicated to workers. With OSHA’s alignment to GHS, HazCom became a “right-to-understand” system: information is not only provided, but presented in a consistent structure.
OSHA’s legal foundation for GHS-aligned HazCom
Under 29 CFR 1910.1200, employers must maintain a written hazard communication program, ensure containers are labeled, keep SDSs readily accessible, and train employees. GHS is embedded in HazCom through:
- Hazard classification requirements (Appendix A for health hazards; Appendix B for physical hazards)
- Label elements requirements (Appendix C)
- SDS format requirements (Appendix D, standardized 16 sections)
Key takeaway: OSHA HazCom (29 CFR 1910.1200) is the enforceable regulation; GHS is the standardized approach OSHA uses for classification and communication.
Core Elements of GHS HazCom Compliance
To understand ghs hazcom, it helps to break HazCom into its operational pieces. Most compliance gaps happen when one of these elements is missing, outdated, or inconsistent.
1) Hazard classification
Manufacturers and importers must classify chemical hazards using OSHA’s criteria. Employers should verify that incoming chemicals are properly classified and that downstream labels/SDSs align with the hazards present.
Common challenges include:
- Receiving SDSs that are outdated or revised without notice
- Using secondary containers without consistent workplace labels
- Stocking chemicals whose hazards changed due to GHS updates or new data
2) GHS-aligned labels
GHS labels are designed to be quickly recognizable. Under HazCom, shipped container labels generally include:
- Product identifier
- Signal word (Danger or Warning)
- Hazard statement(s)
- Precautionary statement(s)
- Pictogram(s)
- Supplier identification
Employers also need workplace labeling systems for secondary containers, ensuring employees can identify the chemical and its hazards. Workplace labels must be consistent with HazCom and understood by employees.
3) Safety Data Sheets (SDS) in the 16-section format
OSHA requires that SDSs be readily accessible to employees during their work shift. GHS standardized the SDS structure to 16 sections so workers can quickly find critical information such as first aid, spill response, PPE, and exposure controls.
4) Employee information and training
HazCom training must cover:
- The details of the hazard communication program
- How to read and understand SDSs and labels
- The hazards of chemicals in the work area
- Protective measures (PPE, safe handling, emergency procedures)
Training should be provided at initial assignment and when a new chemical hazard is introduced.
Why HazCom Globally Harmonized System Matters for Real-World Safety
When hazard communication and GHS are implemented well, employees spend less time decoding chemical information and more time using it to work safely. Standardized pictograms and label elements reduce confusion—especially in multi-site operations, high-turnover environments, or workplaces with diverse language backgrounds.
GHS alignment also supports stronger emergency readiness. During a spill, exposure, or fire event, responders can locate key SDS sections quickly and follow consistent guidance.
Common Compliance Pitfalls (and How to Avoid Them)
Even safety-focused organizations run into HazCom/GHS challenges. The most frequent issues include:
- SDS accessibility problems: SDS binders missing pages, stored in locked offices, or unavailable during off shifts
- Outdated SDS versions: no version control or revision tracking
- Incomplete chemical inventories: chemicals on site that aren’t on the inventory list, or inventory not tied to SDSs
- Secondary container labeling gaps: spray bottles, transfer containers, or process tanks lacking appropriate workplace labels
- Training that isn’t job-specific: generic training without linking to actual chemicals and tasks
Addressing these issues typically requires a system-level approach: keeping inventory aligned to SDSs, ensuring rapid access, and providing repeatable workflows for updates.
How SwiftSDS Helps Support GHS HazCom and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200
Managing HazCom compliance across dozens—or thousands—of products can become complex fast, especially when SDSs are updated frequently and chemicals move between locations. SwiftSDS helps organizations reduce that complexity while supporting OSHA alignment.
Centralized SDS library and fast access
SwiftSDS provides a secure, cloud-based Centralized SDS Library so employees can quickly retrieve SDSs from any device. This supports HazCom’s requirement that SDSs be readily accessible during work shifts.
Chemical inventory management tied to SDSs
A strong hazard communication program depends on knowing what chemicals are present and where they are used. SwiftSDS supports Chemical Inventory Management to help track:
- Chemical locations and use areas
- Quantities (where applicable)
- Expiration dates and status
This makes it easier to keep your inventory aligned with the SDS library and reduces the chance of “mystery chemicals” showing up untracked.
GHS support and consistency
Because HazCom incorporates GHS elements like standardized hazard statements and pictograms, consistent documentation matters. SwiftSDS supports GHS-aligned organization so teams can find and interpret information reliably—especially across multiple sites.
Mobile access for frontline workers
When a worker needs first aid steps or PPE guidance, delays matter. SwiftSDS offers Mobile Access, enabling immediate SDS retrieval from the jobsite—supporting faster, safer decision-making.
Important: Technology supports compliance, but it doesn’t replace it. Your HazCom program should still include a written plan, training, and procedures consistent with 29 CFR 1910.1200.
Best-Practice Checklist for GHS HazCom Readiness
Use this checklist to pressure-test your hazard communication program:
- Confirm you have a written HazCom program that reflects current operations.
- Maintain a complete chemical inventory for each location.
- Ensure every chemical has a current SDS and a clear revision control process.
- Verify shipped container labels match HazCom/GHS requirements.
- Implement a consistent workplace labeling approach for secondary containers.
- Provide role-specific training on labels, SDSs, and protective measures.
- Make SDSs readily accessible on every shift, including nights/weekends.
For additional guidance on improving day-to-day access and organization, see SDS management best practices.
Conclusion: Turn Hazard Communication and GHS into Daily Practice
The goal of the HazCom Globally Harmonized System approach is simple: clearer, more consistent hazard information that workers can use immediately. By aligning your hazard communication program with OSHA’s 29 CFR 1910.1200 and the GHS framework for labels and SDSs, you reduce confusion, strengthen emergency response, and improve overall safety culture.
Call to action: If your SDS library is hard to maintain, your inventory is spread across sites, or workers struggle to access current documents, explore how SwiftSDS can simplify ghs hazcom compliance with centralized SDS management, mobile access, and inventory tracking. Visit SwiftSDS to request a demo and strengthen your HazCom program today.