What Required Information Must GHS Labels Include? GHS Labeling Requirements, Pictograms, and More

In 2012, OSHA revised its hazard communication standards to align with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). The GHS is an international system created by the United Nations (UN) to achieve unified labeling and classification of chemicals. OSHA’s revision of the previous hazard communication standard is known as HazCom 2012.
In order to comply with OSHA’s 29 CFR 1910.1200(e) regulation, companies must develop and maintain a written HazCom plan to document how the company responds to hazardous chemicals. While proper labeling is the foundation of GHS compliance, labels also enable companies to effectively organize inventory and keep it updated.
These labels, however, must contain required information and other elements, and they must be easily understood. For instance, all shipped hazardous chemical containers must be labeled with a signal word, pictogram, hazard statement, and a precautionary statement for each hazard class and category. These requirements impact chemical manufacturers, importers, and distributors.
More than 65 countries are using the GHS system or are currently in the process of adopting it, resulting in enhanced transparency in chemical safety use and shipping.
GHS-compliant labels contain six main elements. Note that these requirements apply to primary containers (which includes the containers received from the manufacturer), but not specifically to secondary containers (such as smaller jars or spray bottles that hold chemicals transferred from the primary container). Secondary containers are typically used by employers that make use of hazardous chemicals and products received from manufacturers.
Secondary containers may contain information required by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) or Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS), while some companies opt to include all or some combination of the information provided on primary container labels. Secondary labels should contain elements consistent with the HazCom 2012 / GHS standard.
Here’s a look at each requirement for GHS-compliant primary container labels.
GHS pictograms are the visual, graphic element present on GHS-compliant labels. They’re used to communicate the type of risk across three different categories: environmental risk, chemical/physical risk, and health risk.
In all, there are nine pictograms, each representing certain risks in one or more categories:
Chemical Risk Pictograms:
Health Risk Pictograms:
Environmental Risk Pictograms:
A comprehensive hazard communication program includes not only GHS-compliant labeling, but also adequate training to ensure that employees understand the purpose of the chemicals and other hazardous materials in the workplace and how to properly handle them. When employees are well trained on precautionary measures, workplace safety is enhanced.
For more information on safety labels and regulations, visit the following resources:
Images via Safety.BLR and OSHA.gov
Our sales engineers are experts in automatic asset tracking, tagging and identification,a nd can answer all your questions. Get in touch now.
Lets Talk ›