Handling chemicals and hazardous substances is risky both for the manufacturer and consumer, and one must be extremely careful. To avoid any sort of misplacement of information or warning signal that could lead to danger, in 1992, the United Nations introduced the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS).  

In 2012, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) revised its hazard communication standards to align with the GHS. Here is what you need to know about GHS labeling requirements and its hazard classification system for a safer labeling and environment.

Also read: All You Need to Know About OSHA's Final Rule for Chemical Products

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What is GHS labeling?

The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) is an internationally agreed-upon system for standardizing the classification and communication of chemical hazards.  

GHS labeling is a key component of this system, providing clear and consistent information about the hazards associated with a chemical product. Proper GHS labeling can help consumers worldwide identify the chemical in the container and what risk does it poses.

GHS labeling requirements

To improve consumer safety and to protect the environment, it is important to understand and implement GHS labeling requirements. It is equally important to stay updated on the latest GHS regulations and ensure that all chemical products are labeled correctly.  

Here are the key elements in a GHS label that you should include:

1. Signal word  

2. Pictograms with red outline

3. Product identifier

4. Hazard statements

5. Precautionary statements

6. Supplier identification

Moreover, these label elements are divided into two categories - standard label elements and harmonized label elements.

Standard label elements are pre-defined and must align with the GHS regulations. Even though there is no specific format, the standard label elements must be shown together on your label.  

Elements included in the standard label elements are,

• Signal word

• GHS symbols

• Hazard statements

Harmonized label elements are not pre-defined and are listed in the label depending on the product or its process. There is no rule of placement here as well but make sure your label is easy for your users to understand the product.  

Harmonized label elements include,

• Manufacturer information

• Precautionary statement

• Product identification
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Standard label elements

Standard label elements ensure consistent and clear communication of core hazard information and its potential risks. The labeling elements here include:

Signal word  

It indicates the severity of the hazard. Signal words are usually placed at the top of the label printed in bold with all capital letters in large font sizes. It is to emphasize the signal message from the rest of the information on the label.  

There are two types of signal words – Warning and danger. While danger signal denotes severe life-threatening hazards, warning is a signal to represent less severe hazards.

Few of the hazards where “warning” is used are:

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Whereas “danger” is used for hazards such as:

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In cases where a chemical contains more than one hazard, only one signal will appear on the label. If one hazard denotes a warning signal and another denotes a danger signal, you will find the danger signal word on the label.  

GHS symbols

GHS symbols or pictograms are symbols that convey specific hazard information of a product. There are nine pictograms approved by GHS used to group products. The GHS classification system divides these group products in terms of their risk level including chemical/physical risks, health risks, and environmental risks.

Chemical/physical risks

	Gas cylinder It denotes chemicals with gases under pressure.
	Oxidizing It denotes chemicals with oxidizers.
	Flame It denotes chemicals with flammables, pyrophoric, self-heating, self-reactive, organic peroxides, and flammable gas.
	Explosive It denotes chemicals with explosives, self-reactive, and organic peroxides.
	Corrosive It denotes corrosive metals and chemicals that cause a risk of eye damage or skin corrosion.

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Note: Corrosive pictogram also comes under the health risks category.  

Health risks

	Health hazard It denotes chemicals with carcinogen, mutagenicity, reproductive toxicity, target organ toxicity, and aspiration toxicity.
	Severe toxic It denotes chemicals with fatal toxicity.
	Acute toxic It denotes chemicals with hazards such as skin and eye irritants, risk of acute toxicity, narcotic effects, respiratory tract infections, and even hazardous ozone layer (non-mandatory).

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Environmental risks

Environmental (not necessary in U.S.) It denotes materials that cause aquatic toxicity.

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Hazard statements

Hazard statements help you identify the nature of the hazardous products and the degree of hazard. Such statements are to warn the reader and make them aware of the consequence of mishandling.  

Hazard statements can be identified by a code called H-code followed by three digits. The H-code is used for reference purposes and is divided into three areas.

• H200 series (H2xx) – Identifies physical hazards

• H300 series (H3xx) – Identifies health hazards

• H400 series (H4xx) – Identifies environmental hazards

A few examples of hazard statements with their codes are:  

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Harmonized label elements

This is the extra information on the label to provide more detailed instructions or precautions. The label elements here include:

Manufacturer information  

Under this section on the label, you can find the manufacturer, supplier, or importer responsible for the product container, label, and its contents. Details here include name, address, and telephone number.

Precautionary statement  

Precautionary statements are the measure to minimize or prevent adverse exposure to a hazardous chemical.

Like hazard statements, precautionary statements are denoted by a code known as P-code followed by three digits. This is also used for reference purposes and there are five types of precautionary statements that you should know:  

• General statements starting with code P100 series (P1xx)

• Prevention statements starting with code P200 series (P2xx)

• Reaction statements starting with code P300 series (P3xx)  

• Storage statements starting with code P400 series (P4xx)

• Disposal statements starting with code P500 series (P5xx)

Examples of precautionary statements

To find the precautionary statement of a chemical, first, you must identify its hazard class and category. Once it’s defined, the rest of the label elements are assigned.

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Product identification

This is a unique identifier for chemical products. The hazardous substance is usually identified by its chemical name, code number, or batch/lot number.

GHS labeling in primary and secondary containers

It is mandatory to include GHS labeling in primary and secondary containers.

Primary containers

Primary packaging is the immediate container in which the chemical substance must be retained until use. It is supplied by the manufacturer or supplier directly. They are typically larger containers designed for storage and transportation and must include all six GHS label elements. Examples of primary containers include:

• Drums    

• Bottles

• Cylinders    

• Tanks

Secondary containers

These are smaller containers into which chemicals are transferred from primary containers for use in the workplace or retail sale. Examples include:    

• Spray bottles    

• Jugs    

• Jars    

• Vials

Secondary containers must comply with all GHS labeling requirements unless:

1. The person making the transfer uses the material during their work shift.  

2. During use, the employee who made the transfer remains in the workspace the entire time.

3. The container remains in the possession of the employee who filled it and within the work area.

In case your primary or secondary container is small to include all the labeling information, you can attach pull-out labels or tags, multi-page fold-out labels or a booklet label of up to 56 pages.  

If these options are not feasible, manufacturers are even permitted to include the complete labeling information on the shipping cartons.

GHS labeling requirements across the world

Even though the GHS labeling requirements are brought in action to harmonize rules across the globe, there are slight variations when it comes to regulations in specific regions in terms of languages or differences in regulation details. However, everyone is required to add labeling elements such as signal words, pictograms, hazard, and precautionary statements.  

Let us look at specific GHS labeling requirements of different regions below.  

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*CLP regulation – Introduced by EU, the Regulation on the Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures (CLP) merges the classification criteria and labeling rules listed at UN level (GHS).

Wrapping up  

GHS labeling is crucial for safe handling of chemicals. By implementing GHS regulations, manufacturers can prioritize safety and compliance, creating a safer environment for the workers and consumers.  

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