Frequently Asked Questions for cylinder customers
 What is GHS?
The UN’s Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) addresses the establishment of a global system for workplace communication that addresses classification of chemicals, labelling, and SDSs (Safety Data Sheets). In December 2008 European Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 on Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures (CLP Regulation) was adopted in the EU. The CLP Regulation allows for implementation in stages – by 1 December 2010 for substances and by 1 June 2015 for mixtures. It also allows for earlier implementation.
How does GHS affect me?
GHS affects both our cylinder labelling and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
When will Air Products be converting labels and MSDS to GHS?
The conversion will begin at the end of July 2010 for all gases. On 26 July 2010, our MSDS will be converted to SDS which contain GHS classification and our cylinder re-labelling will begin.
Will Air Products be converting both substances (pure) and mixtures (preparations) to GHS at the same time?
The EU regulation states the deadline for substances to be classified under the CLP is 1 December 2010. The deadline for mixtures to be classified under the CLP is 1 June 2015. Both substances and mixtures will be converted to GHS for our gases and electronics businesses from 26 July 2010.
What new information will appear on the SDS?
It is a requirement to list the existing classification scheme on the SDS until June 2015. So for pure gases, gas mixtures and electronics mixtures, the SDS will contain both the current classification and GHS classification of the product. In addition, from July 2010 until June 2015, our customers will receive SDSs for ALL products with both the existing classifications and the GHS classifications of the disclosed components in Section 3 of the SDS. To access your SDS, please click here.
What new information will appear on the labels?
For products that have been converted to GHS, the labels will now have red diamonds around the hazard pictograms. The GHS Signal Word will appear and the Hazard and Precautionary phrases will replace the Risk and Safety phrases. To see example of previous and new labels for various products, click here.
Why has the product classification changed?
GHS uses different end points for hazard classification. Therefore, the definitions of certain hazards have changed. Since the products are being classified against these new classification criteria, the product hazard classification may also change. The composition of the products has not changed. In addition, the hazard communication terminology has shifted from risk and safety phrases to hazard and precautionary phrases.
How will REACH affect my product classification?
The regulatory landscape in the EU will be quite dynamic over the next few years. With increased testing requirements for REACH registration we expect a lot of new information on the chemicals we sell. As we obtain this new information, it may impact the product classifications. For more information on REACH legislation, click here.
Where can I get more information?
- Information on GHS is available on the UN website, click here.
- For information on the CLP regulation on the HSE website, click here.
- To speak to a member of our Customer Services team, please Contact Us.
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