Walter Surface Technologies meets GHS compliancy in United States and Mexico
June 23, 2015
Walter Surface Technologies meets GHS compliancy in the United States and Mexico for all chemical products, including its Bio-Circle environmental solutions line.
In 2012, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States adopted the new Global Harmonized System (GHS) legislation created by the United Nations. This legislation is a standardization of classifications and hazards related to chemicals in the workplace. Mexico has voluntarily adopted the GHS standardizations set by the United Nations as well in order to facilitate the trades between countries. As of June 2015, all chemical products in the United States and Mexico must meet GHS requirements.
GHS serves to set rules for classifying hazards, in the same format and content for labels and safety data sheets (SDS) around the world. This initiative increases the quality and consistency of information provided to workers, employers and chemical users, and adopts a standardized approach to hazard classification, label and safety data and enhances the protection of human health and the environment.
Although GHS legislation requires Walter to reclassify all its chemical products, it will not affect the majority of the Bio-Circle environmental solutions product line as they are developed initially with green ingredients to reduce or remove all hazards that can affect the health and safety of workers.
“This is a great initiative adopted by OSHA and created by the United Nations” said Patrick Lapointe, VP Research and Development at Walter Surface Technologies. “As a company that consistently strives to develop new ways for our customers to work better and safer, Walter naturally adopted these standardizations. The safety of workers and the environment is a primary concern for us”.
All new Safety Data Sheets (SDS) have now been uploaded on our website at walter.com and biocircle.com.
As a globally operating company, Walter is committed to achieving international compliance for all its operating locations.
About Walter Surface Technologies
Walter Surface Technologies provides innovative solutions for the global metal working industry. From high performance abrasives, power tools and tooling to industrial parts washing systems, cleaners, degreasers and lubricants Walter focuses on helping its customers work better. Founded in 1952, the company is established in 7 countries throughout North America, South America and Europe. International headquarters is in Montreal and US headquarters is located in Windsor, Connecticut. Key certification and awards include ISO 9001: 2008, Wall Street Journal Award; Deutscher Material Preiz; American Eagle Award; CleanTech Cleaning Technology Award.