In our spring newsletter, we introduced you to the new Global Harmonization System (GHS). GHS is an international approach to standardized hazard communication through a single set of hazard ratings, product labels, and Safety Data Sheets (SDS). In June 2015, all United States chemical manufacturers adopted this new standardized classification and labeling system. Customers have until June 1, 2016 to have all products on-site GHS compliant.
In compliance with GHS regulations, U.S. Water customers who purchase U.S. Water manufactured products received GHS labeled products throughout the month of June. In addition to newly labeled product, new SDSs were also distributed to customer sites. The SDS mailing included an electronic SDS opt-in form allowing customers the option to receive SDS updates electronically in the future.
What’s next with GHS?
By December 1, 2015, raw materials and distributor products must be GHS compliant. In the near future, you can expect to see a hard copy mailing of SDSs for reagent products that you’ve purchased in the past 12 months. Later this year, there will be a final hardcopy mailing for any other raw materials or outstanding products. Included in these mailings will be another SDS email opt-in form. If you have already returned this, you can disregard. Beginning in 2016, we will be emailing any SDS updates to those that have opted-in to receive SDSs electronically.
In early 2016, U.S. Water will roll-out a strategy to update onsite products that have not yet received GHS compliant labels (this will primarily affect EZFeed™ tanks).
As a reminder, SDSs can be obtained by contacting U.S. Water Customer Service (1-800-663-7633), contacting your U.S. Water Representative, accessing U.S. Water Reports™ or requested at sds@uswaterservices.com.