What is GHS Compliance? 

The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) is an international standard for classifying and labeling chemicals. Developed by the United Nations, GHS aims to establish consistent labeling and safety protocols for hazardous chemicals across borders, enhancing safety for employees and protecting the environment. As regulatory bodies worldwide have adopted GHS, businesses managing hazardous substances must adhere to this standard for chemical classification which has impact on local regulations for safe handling, transport, and storage practices. 

With centralized, automated tools that streamline Safety Data Sheet (SDS) management, businesses are empowered to navigate regulatory demands with confidence, seamlessly meeting evolving standards and maintaining compliance. Trace One is here to support your journey, helping you stay proactive and focused on what matters most—building a trustworthy, compliant brand in a dynamic world. 

Understanding GHS Compliance 

Why GHS Compliance Matters 

Compliance with GHS standards is crucial for several reasons: 

• Employee Safety: Clear labeling and up-to-date SDS information help employees handle chemicals safely. 

• Environmental Protection: Proper classification ensures chemicals are disposed of responsibly. 

• Legal Compliance: Non-compliance can result in fines, penalties, and potential harm to brand reputation. 

Failing to maintain GHS compliance exposes businesses to significant risks, from regulatory fines to potential safety hazards within the workplace. Using Trace One’s SDS authoring and GHS compliance solutions can help companies manage these risks proactively, reducing liabilities and protecting their workforce. 

Key Components of GHS Compliance 

Labeling Requirements 

GHS compliance mandates specific labeling components, such as: 

• Signal Words: Indicators like “Warning” or “Danger” to denote hazard levels. 

• Hazard Statements: Descriptions of potential hazards. 

• Precautionary Statements: Guidance on safe handling, storage, and disposal. 

Effective labeling is essential to ensure that hazardous materials are properly handled, significantly reducing the risk of accidents. Accurate labeling fosters safety and helps maintain trust with consumers and regulators alike. 

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) 

An SDS is a vital component of GHS compliance, detailing the necessary information about a chemical’s hazards and safe handling requirements. Regular updates to SDS are critical as regulatory standards and formulations evolve. The authoring tool in Trace One SDS retrieves several pieces of information from different parts of the software to quickly generate a compliant SDS. Each document meets a predefined structure for a specific market, dictated by the related regulation.  

Challenges Businesses Face with GHS Compliance 

Managing GHS compliance can be challenging due to: 

• Constantly Changing Regulations: Keeping up with updates requires a flexible and responsive system. 

• Documentation Complexity: Maintaining accurate documentation across multiple products and regions can be overwhelming. 

• Risk of Manual Errors: Tracking SDS and labeling updates manually can lead to costly errors and compliance risks. 

For example, Trace One’s SDS software offers management and calculation for GHS classification, allowing businesses to streamline these tasks and mitigate compliance risks. By reducing manual work, companies can ensure data accuracy and enhance compliance across their operations. 

How Trace One’s SDS Solutions Support GHS Compliance 

Centralized SDS Management 

Trace One’s platform centralizes SDS management, consolidating all chemical data in one secure, accessible location. This ensures that businesses have up-to-date, accurate information readily available, simplifying the process of GHS compliance. With centralized SDS management, companies can efficiently update and track safety data, improving accessibility and regulatory adherence.  

Regular Compliance Updates 

Always stay up to date with new templates and regulatory amendments. Trace One’s team of experts proactively track changes to the EHS landscape and update the system with any major or minor regulatory changes. 

Benefits of GHS Compliance with Trace One 

With Trace One, businesses achieve GHS compliance more seamlessly, benefiting from: 

• Enhanced Safety: Up-to-date, accurate information promotes safer handling of hazardous materials. 

• Risk Mitigation: Automated processes reduce the likelihood of non-compliance, helping businesses avoid costly fines and safety incidents. 

• Regulatory Confidence: Comprehensive tracking and reporting provide businesses with peace of mind, knowing they are meeting GHS standards globally. 

Achieving GHS compliance does more than protect your business—it builds a foundation of trust and integrity, reflecting your commitment to safety and transparency. By meeting these standards, you’re not only safeguarding operations but also elevating your brand reputation as a responsible, forward-thinking leader in your industry.  

Ready to turn compliance into a competitive edge? Book a demo with Trace One today to see how our solutions can empower your journey toward seamless, proactive compliance management.