BOS 3640 Unit I Journal Reflection

Unit I Journal Reflection

Name

BOS 3640 Interactions of Hazardous Materials

Columbia Southern University

Unit I Journal Reflection

For this journal entry, I am being asked to reflect on the aspects of chemical management that the GHS system covers, then describe how I believe the GHS system will affect me or others in my field as I perform my various job functions.

Currently I am not working in an environment that requires the use of information gained from my academic journey at Columbia Southern University but hope to do so after I retire from the military. The GHS was developed by the United Nations in an effort to streamline and improve the multiple systems that were in place in regards to identifying hazards and classifying and labeling chemical products, (Meyer, 2014). After the creation of GHS other countries adopted the GHS regulations or revised their own to better align with the GHS system. In layman terms the GHS system offers greater consistency for classifying and labeling of hazardous chemicals to better safeguard employees and workplaces. Additionally, the use of the three major hazard groups through pictograms makes labeling and identification easier. In my eyes I see the use of the GHS system as a benefit to all users. The ability to have information that is globally the same and meets safety requirements in today’s ever-changing atmosphere is an amazing feat in and of itself. As stated previously I do not currently work in an environment that require the use of the GHS system so I have an outsiders perspective that may borderline on idealistic but I think that the simplistic approach that is provided by this system can streamline the labeling, use, transport, and storage of hazardous materials. In an everyday setting where one’s job doesn’t change or the tasks are menial a complacency can be bred and by utilizing this system with proper training and management oversight that complacency can be tempered or even eliminated. When one uses hazardous chemicals on a daily basis the use of a system such as this aids them in having a good working knowledge of the basic principles and characteristics of the hazardous materials that might affect their health and safety.

Reference:

Meyer, E. (2014). Chemistry of hazardous materials (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.