Experience of the Globally Harmonized System’s Implementation at an Anatomy Laboratory
Authors: Vallejo Laura Daniela Baron , Giron Felipe , Umaña Alejandro Pizano , Rueda-Esteban Roberto Javier 
Published: April 2020

Anatomy laboratories and amphitheaters general practice requires constant chemical substances usage. Previous classification systems used in laboratories around the globe exposed wide margins of confusion, no symbology consensus and were open to interpretation, associated with occupational injuries, workplace related diseases and a lack of students and workers protection. For this reason, it was necessary to establish a universal, homogenized, technical and internationally recognized by scientific community system: the Globally Harmonized System of classification and labeling of chemical products (GHS).

The GHS was proposed with the purpose of harmonizing the characteristics and data sheets of different substances, reagents and components. When projected by the UN, this system was standardized according to international protocols. Even the Intergovernmental Forum for Chemical Safety recommends that all countries implement the GHS as soon as possible, being one of the main reasons the fact that student’s misunderstanding of labeling of chemical substances can result in unsafe behavior that may cause accidents or disasters.

Our aim is to describe and evaluate the main differences between the implementation of the GHS compared to previouslly used classification systems. A documentary analysis of United Nations purple book on the updated official report of the globally harmonized system was carried out, together with documents from previous organization systems.

As a main finding, nine danger pictograms are set (previously eight), that harmonize criteria to avoid physical, health and/or environmental danger situations. For each sheet the use of specific danger pictograms, warning words, hazard instructions and precautionary statements is stablished. These sheets must be accompanied by a hazard communication paper that includes detailed information about identification, manufacturer, importer and/or supplier, classification, hazards, precautionary measures and emergency procedures, among others.

The implementation of the GHS in an anatomy laboratory consists in four principles: checklist of hazardous materials in stock, labeling of hazardous materials, preparation of material safety datasheets with the format and the requirement of at least a 3‐h training course for eligible students and workers.

The GHS implementation together with an easy divulgation of hazards and the Occupational Health and Safety requirement (BS OHSAS 18001) which is a framework that contains necessary policies, procedures and controls that helps workspaces achieve the best possible working conditions, aligned with internationally recognized best practices, leads to optimized human and environmental protection, besides constituting a guide system for those countries that lacked one, reducing the need to test chemical products and facilitating the trade of dangerous substances.

Support or Funding Information

Anatomy Laboratory, Universidad de los Andes, School of Medicine.