Globally Harmonized System (GHS) Information for customers

In December 2008, European Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 on Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures (CLP Regulation) was introduced in the EU as adoption of the UN’s Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). The purpose of this regulation is to establish a global system for workplace communication that addresses classification of chemicals, labelling, and SDSs (Safety Data Sheets). 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.

This change affects:

1. Labelling on our cylinders, cylinder packs and CryoEase® tanks

The current ‘banana’ labels which bear product and safety information have been re-classified and re-formatted for GHS. There will be red diamonds around the hazard pictograms. The GHS Signal Word will appear and hazard and precautionary statements will replace the current risk and safety phrases.

Previous label:

New GHS label:

A leaflet from the European Industrial Gases Association (EIGA) explaining the changes is also available from the left-hand menu.

2. Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Previously referred to as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), SDS have been re-formatted and re-classified for GHS although they will contain both the current classification and GHS classification of the product until June 2015. To access your SDS, please click here. Sections 2 and 3 of our traditional MSDSs have been switched; section 2 is the hazard overview and section 3 is the composition. The classification and labeling information will appear in section 2 of the SDS. GHS has its own classification logic, symbols, hazard and precautionary statements.

For further information on these changes, please consult our FAQs or Contact Us