The Acta Group (Acta®) offers comprehensive global services in responding to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). The manufacture, transport, labeling, and distribution of chemicals are a global business that must be managed correctly to avoid mishaps and ensure compliance. In 1992, the United Nations (UN) recognized, at the Rio Earth Summit, that developing the GHS on chemical classification, labeling, and handling of chemicals was the surest way to achieve international consistency on labeling and managing chemicals. The GHS is intended to standardize the criteria for classifying chemicals and hazard communication elements for material labeling and safety data sheets (SDS). The UN model is reviewed and revised frequently.
On May 25, 2012, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) revised and updated the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to align with Revision (Rev) 3 of the UN GHS. In May of 2024, OSHA issued a final rule amending HCS 2012 to align with Rev 7 and certain elements of Rev 8. The newly coined HCS 2024 implementation is staggered over the next several years, with final implementation expected by 2028. The business implications of the new rule are enormous, and companies need to think strategically and carefully about how to manage the many legal, regulatory, and communication challenges the new HCS presents.
What We Do
Acta offers comprehensive global solutions for complying with GHS regulations:
- Substance classification to conform with GHS;
- SDS preparation and/or review to ensure compliance;
- Label preparation/review for UN GHS compliance;
- UN GHS training;
- UN GHS program development and strategic consulting;
- EU CLP services;
- OSHA HCS 2012/OSHA HCS 2024 services
- WHMIS 2015/WHMIS 2023 services
Our Experience
Acta’s global presence, with offices in North America, Europe, and Asia, is key to our ability to advise and guide clients on GHS issues in every territory.
Our North American team includes Lynn L. Bergeson, who counsels clients on issues pertaining to chemical hazard, exposure and risk assessment, and risk communication, with particular expertise in nanotechnology and other emerging technologies. Karin F. Baron, M.S.P.H., Heather F. Collins, M.S., and Karen L. Lorusso are skilled in the assessment and application of GHS globally, including comprehensive knowledge of classification criteria, SDS development and templates, and labeling requirements. They are also well versed in the various requirements regarding the transport of dangerous or hazardous goods. Other members of the North American team include Jane S. Vergnes, Ph.D., DABT® who provides toxicology support to the classification, labeling, and SDS preparation process based upon over 20 years of experience; Lara A. Hall, M.S., with ecotoxicology, environmental fate and physical chemical properties experience to offer in support of GHS compliance; David Peveler, Ph.D., a chemist whose areas of specialization include UN GHS, CLP, and WHMIS 1988 compliant SDSs and labels; and Scott J. Burya, Ph.D., who managed compliance activities for a multinational coating manufacturer and is trained in the classification and labeling of hazardous materials according to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) codes.
In the EU Emma Louise Jackson, provides expertise regarding supply chain and downstream user communication.
Representative Engagements
- Provided GHS training for a Fortune 50 company;
- Provided comprehensive webinar on GHS and HCS obligations for a major trade association;
- Routinely provide strategic global counseling on rationalizing GHS obligations across jurisdictional boundaries for product lines and businesses; and
- Authors, assesses, and revises SDS for products marketed globally.