The importance of transporting hazardous chemicals safely is obvious, but the vast size of the global chemical industry underscores just how critical the task is: Annual global chemical sales have surpassed $5.2 trillion. That鈥檚 a lot of chemicals, and they cross paths with a lot of people. More than 3 million workers in the U.S. alone were employed directly or indirectly in the chemical industry in 2015, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce, so protecting people through awareness is paramount.
Fortunately, there is a system in place for labeling hazardous materials so that the dangers associated with chemical handling and transport can be universally understood. The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS), which recently was modified, uses pictograms to alert all handlers to the hazards according to the chemicals鈥� classifications.
There鈥檚 one set of pictograms for labeling containers and workplace hazards, and a second set of pictograms to be used for transport. Companies worldwide can communicate the hazards using this system, offering consistent protection on a global scale. In the U.S., the GHS modifications resulted in a June 1, 2016 deadline for employers to update their workplace labeling and hazard communication programs.
The accompanying fact sheet displays the latest GHS transport pictograms, and information about the related hazard classes.
Author bio: After spending time in the metal finishing industry, Joe joined Global Chemical Resources in July of 2009 as the Import-Purchasing Manager. 聽Since then, Joe has been involved in just about every aspect of the organization, and now serves as the General Manager.