Overview of GHS (Globally Harmonized System) in Korea and the direction of further development

Many chemicals are being developed with the growth of science technology. Such chemicals bring many advantages to humans but also cause many social problems because of the hazards of the materials. Therefore, it is necessary to have a system which identifies the hazards of chemicals. Some acts or regulations about information on warning labels or MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) information for chemicals are similar in each country but there are differences in definitions of degree of hazard, standard classification of harmful level, and indication methods. GHS is the indication method of worldwide integrated classification standard in order to prevent damage caused by disease or risks of accidents resulting from confusion by the users. In keeping pace with the world trend, Korea has conducted translation of the GHS manual from UN and selected it as the official GHS manual of the Korean government. The official Korean GHS translated version was published in July 2005. After that, the Korea Ministry of Employment and Korea Labor and the Ministry of Environment have implemented GHS MSDS for chemical substances since July 1, 2010 so that manufacturers and importers are required to apply it. The full implementation for compound materials will start on July 1, 2013. In Korea, database information for chemicals is provided by four organizations including The Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency. However, domestic information on chemicals provided by domestic information providers has problems including differences in basic content and incorrect recording because of trade secrets. Efforts for improvement including reinforcing training for manufacturers and importers on recording consistent information for different organizations are urgently needed.