If you are working with metalworking fluids at a facility in the United States, you are very familiar with the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).  You should also be familiar with the Hazardous Communication Standard promulgated by OSHA.  As you may also know, some of the most popular metalworking fluids in the United States are imported from Europe and Asia.  Every country has their own laws and regulations, and the differences create barriers to international commerce. 

The Global Harmonized Standard of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals was intended to lower these barriers.  It provides a new format for Safety Data Sheets and product labeling.

The March Issue of TLT Magazine (an STLE publication) has a Feature Article by Dr. Neil Cantor describing the several aspects of the new system.   This is an excellent article, and like it or not  - you need to read it.  Learn more about GHS at the upcoming STLE Annual meeting in Detroit. (STLE.org)