The Chemical Hazards Communication Society aims to provide information and training guidance to as many individuals as possible, regardless of whether they work in small or large companies, for associations or for government, involved with the ever increasing complexity of chemical hazards regulations and international codes.

The Chemical Hazards Communication Society (CHCS) aims are, in brief, to:

• Promote the awareness of chemical hazards and improvements in their identification and communication, such as the classification of chemicals and preparations, their clear labelling and understandable safety data sheets
• Provide a forum for sharing experiences, views and information on chemical hazards
• Register members active in general or specialist areas of chemical hazards
• Promote the need for specific training and aim toward the setting of competency standards
• Make chemical hazards information available to members and other relevant bodies

The Chemical Hazards Communication Society was launched at an inaugural meeting held at the Health and Safety Executive in London on the 14th April 1994.

About 40 individuals, employed by leading companies, regulatory bodies, and associations, attended the inaugural meeting, agreed the aims and objectives, and elected the initial Steering Committee (now the Council).

The Society, which has the backing of the Health and Safety Executive, now has annual membership of over 400 members and holds regular events, and issues regular newsletters.

This new and specific forum has since attracted professionals engaged in all aspects of chemical hazards communication, independent of politics or vested interests.

It has been established as an unincorporated, non-profit-making Society, and its affairs are managed by a Council of volunteer members. A formal constitution is available.

In February 2001, CHCS launched its modular scheme for the training, principally, of compilers of Safety Data Sheets. In 2005 the training was extended to include systems used outside the EU, and the scheme is currently being reviewed and revised to take account of the Globally Harmonised System, with some 'bridging' courses being run in 2006/2007.