For most workplaces, the heart of Hazcom has been the compilation of material safety data sheets (SDS) housed in 3-ring binders and made available to employees. In the GHS version of Hazcom, the heart is label elements found in Appendix C to the standard.
While classification of chemicals sets the stage and the consistent 16-section format safety data sheet will be a major vehicle to transmit information, label elements with mandatory phrases best reflect global harmonization. Example of label elements is shown in Figure 1.