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Mexican Laws in English

 

 

OCTOBER 10, 2018

GHSimplementation
 
 

GHS - October 9, 2018 – effective date for the full implementation of GHS in Mexico.

In Mexico, the NOM-018-STPS-2015, Harmonized System for the identification and communication of hazards and risks from hazardous chemical substances in the workplace, was published October 9, 2015 in the DOF and took effect on October 9, 2018. Manufacturers and commercial distributors have had 3 years to prepare and implement GHS in Mexico and must now be compliant.

What is GHS?

The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) is an internationally agreed-upon standard managed by the United Nations that was set up to replace the assortment of hazardous material classification and labeling schemes previously used around the world. The goal is that the same set of rules for classifying hazards, and the same format and content for labels and safety data sheets (SDS) will be adopted and used around the world.
The Mexican version of GHS is the standard NOM-018-STPS-2015, Harmonized System for the identification and communication of hazards and risks from hazardous chemical substances in the workplace.

 

What are the specific obligations for manufacturers and commercial distributors?

Requirements that must be supported by documentation and physical evidence:

To have implemented in the workplace, the harmonized system of identification and communication of hazards and risks from hazardous chemical substances and mixtures.
▪ To have the Safety Data Sheets of all the hazardous chemical substances and mixtures that are handled in the workplace, pursuant to NOM-018-STPS-2015. SDS must be in Spanish and available in areas where chemicals are used – electronic SDS are permitted but there must also be printed SDS where the substances are used.
▪ To make available to workers for consultation the Safety Data Sheets in areas where hazardous chemicals and mixtures are handled. (SDS in the format from NOM-018-STPS-2015). All workers in areas where chemicals are used must have access to the SDS.
▪ To place signs on the tanks, containers, shelves or storage areas containing hazardous chemical substances and mixtures based on Chapter 10 of NOM-018-STPS-2015.
▪ To inform all employees and contractors who handle hazardous chemicals and mixtures, on the elements of the Safety Data Sheet and the proper signage, including those workers that perform some type action in case of an emergency.
▪ To qualify and train workers in the workplace that handle hazardous chemical substances and mixtures on the contents of the Safety Data Sheets and signage. Training for NOM-018-STPS-2015 is an annual requirement and should have been done before October 9, 2018. Manufacturers must verify that employees and employees of contractors have effective training to read and understand an SDS and have been informed of risks.
▪ To deliver to their clients the Safety Data Sheets of the hazardous chemical substances and mixtures that are commercially distributed. Manufacturers are required to deliver with the chemical substances the appropriate SDS.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Review the list of obligations and verify that your company is compliant - in the event of an inspection or accident, you must be able to demonstrate with documentation that you have provided training, your signs and labels are compliant with GHS, and you have SDS in Spanish in the 16 section format required by GHS and the NOM-018-STPS-2015.

WHAT WE OFFER

▪ We offer professional certified training in Spanish or English to your personnel that complies with the training requirements in NOM-018-STPS-2015 – Email or call for a quotation.
▪ We offer professional preparation of your SDS in the Mexican GHS format. A compliant SDS must be produced for all chemical substances in your workplace, the SDS must accompany all shipments, exports or imports and be available wherever chemicals are used, stored or handled.
▪ We provide a translation to English of the NOM-018-STPS-2015 for your convenience.
▪ Subscribers to the Deluxe Package or Health and Safety Package may download a copy of the Standard. If your subscription has expired, contact us for a quotation, payment link and a DISCOUNT.

CONTACT:

Lic. Glenn Louis McBride

Mexican Attorney - Certified Instructor

Mexican cell. (011-521) 664-204-1257

US cell 1-619-513-0556

Office tel. (011-52) 664-681-9524