With the issuance of Resolution 0773/2021 on April 9, 2021, Colombia determines that employers must implement GHS in the workplace. Chemical products should be classified in accordance with the sixth revised edition of the Globally Harmonized System of Classifying and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS Rev. 6), as well as the labeling and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
As per the Resolution, GHS implementation is scheduled to be carried out as follows:
From April 7, 2023 for pure chemicals and diluted solutions;
From April 7, 2024 for mixtures.
The Resolution applies to public and private employers, contractors under the modality of civil, commercial or administrative contracts, among others who handle chemical products in the workplace, whether pure, diluted solutions, or mixtures of these.
Labeling
The labeling shall be in Spanish and contain at least the following information:
Product identification. It must be the same as the one used in the Safety Data Sheet;
Identification of suppliers, whether they are manufacturers, importers or distributors;
Hazard pictograms;
Signal words (danger or warning).
For mixtures or alloys, the labeling must indicate the chemical identity of each component or element that may cause acute toxicity, skin corrosion, serious eye damage, germ cell mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity, skin or respiratory sensitization or specific target organ toxicity. For small containers (less than 30ml), the labeling should at least record the name of the product contained and the hazard pictograms.
SDS
SDS should be prepared with the following considerations:
Prepare in a free format;
Be available in Spanish;
Register the local emergency line or toll-free number through a landline or cell phone available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week;
Be located in a visible and safe place;
The type of recommended personal protective gear must be indicated, specifying characteristics such as, for example, glove material, filter type, etc.
Confidential Business Information (CBI)
For chemical products that are considered CBI, the names of the substances, the description of their composition in mixtures and the CAS numbers may be omitted. The employer shall guarantee that the use of said product does not compromise the health and safety of workers.
