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Return to NewsINDUSTRY LEADERS READY TO TRANSITION TO GHS
Nashville, TN (June 18, 2007) – talk of the forthcoming Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of hazard communication filled the corridors at the recent AIH Conference and Expo in Philadelphia. In an effort to educate and take the pulse of key industry leaders, SiteHawk (the leader in web-based MSDS and chemical information management) hosted a user forum to discuss the upcoming regulatory changes. The general consensus was, due to the overwhelming benefits of a harmonized system, industry is ready to move forward with the transition as soon as possible. The international corporations represented were especially eager to capitalize on the benefit of presenting consistent and clear messages for all facilities, regardless of geographic location. At the dinner and user discussion, SiteHawk presented a short overview of the GHS system as well as their plans for integration into their vendor MSDS management and authoring systems. Most attendees indicated that they would be interested in changing to the GHS immediately after OSHA completes the final rulemaking, expected in 2008, others indicated an interest in moving forward even before the final rules are in place. Kim Stier, SiteHawk co-founder and president stated, "The GHS is a great way for EHS Professionals to present a consistent message to their employees. We do not anticipate vendors will be updating their MSDSs immediately, however. At SiteHawk, we have created a means that allows our customers to move forward with the GHS as their timeline permits, instead of being forced to wait for vendors to update documents." SiteHawk reported they have already implemented tools in their software to support such a transition, by supplying the means to classify and track existing rules and ratings for HMIS, NFPA, and EU, as well as new GHS classifications.
At the expo, AIHce attendees approached SiteHawk seeking information on the GHS, eager to learn more. EHS professionals found SiteHawk prepared to answer questions about how to accomplish such a far-reaching change. Additionally, SiteHawk supplied interested attendees with a GHS Tool Kit that provided GHS information and educational resources, such as a CD with links to useful websites like www.ghsinformation.com. SiteHawk reported the response to the GHS Tool Kit was overwhelming and supplies were quickly depleted.
If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Kim Stier, please contact Sandi Pecora at 615/459.0064x22 or email: specora@sitehawk.com.
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