A package labeled with a GHS symbol for hazardous chemicals.
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Using GHS Symbols to Accurately Label Hazardous Material

When it comes to chemical safety, there’s no room for ambiguity. Which is why you need to be able to use and identify GHS Symbols accurately.

To protect people handling dangerous chemicals shipped around the world, the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations teamed up to create a universal labeling system. The result is the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). This standard for hazard labels is designed to allow small changes for local use while still being easy to read worldwide.

OSHA integrated GHS into HAZCOM regulations in 2016. Currently, GHS is in use in over 80 countries.

GHS labels are designed to be easy to read through the life of the product, requiring standard formatting on durable labels that are placed in a way that reduces the chance of damage during storage and use.

Since it would be impossible to cover every language in complying countries, GHS labels feature large pictograms that tell handlers potential hazards at a glance.

 

When Do You Need a GHS Label?

As a general rule, if a product requires a Safety Data Sheet (SDS,) it also requires a GHS label. Label requirements in the U.S. are covered by OSHA’s Hazardous Communications Standard (HCS), also called “HAZCOM.”

GHS labels are required on containers used for storing and transporting hazardous chemicals, but they usually aren’t required for retail containers.

If a retail product is shipped in a secondary container, the outer container needs a GHS label. For example, a case of household cleaner needs a GHS hazard label, but the bottles inside only need hazard labels that follow local end user guidelines.

Products shipped in bulk primary containers must have GHS-compliant hazard labels, even if they’re used directly by the consumer. For example, a quart bottle of oil doesn’t need a GHS label, since it’s shipped in a case. A 50 gallon drum of oil does need a GHS label, since it goes directly from the packager to the user without a secondary container.

The Format of GHS Pictograms and Labels

These labels have a standard format divided into sections that explain hazards and identify the product.

Hazardous products have a signal word, either “Warning!” for hazardous material or “Danger!” for extremely hazardous material. This must match the signal word used on the product’s SDS. If a product poses multiple hazards, the strongest warning is used.

Next to the signal word are pictograms describing the product hazards, as well as hazard statements that define each symbol. The label also includes a precautionary statement with first aid information, as well as product identification and manufacturer information.

Hazard pictograms communicate hazard information to handlers and users of chemicals at a glance without the use of text. There are 9 GHS symbols in use today, covering four categories of risk: chemical, physical, health and environmental. Here’s what they look like, and when they’re used.

The Meaning of GHS Pictograms and Hazard Classes

Flame: Fire

The GHS symbol for flammable materials. 

This substance can catch fire and burn. Chemicals under using this hazard symbol include flammable solids, flammable liquids, flammable gases, self-reactive substances, aerosols, pyrophoric (self-igniting) substances and organic peroxides.

Explosive: Exploding bomb

The GHS symbol of an exploding bomb. 

This is used by explosives, including self-reactive substances and organic peroxides.

Oxidizing: Flaming circle

The GHS symbol for oxidizers. 

These substances can contribute to combustion, even if there isn’t an ignition source.

Gases under pressure: Gas cylinder

The GHS symbol for compressed gases. 

This is used on gases stored under pressure that can explode or turn a pierced container into a projectile.

Corrosives: Test tubes pouring onto a hand and a solid line

The hazard pictorgram for corrosive materials. 

These substances can cause damage to skin, eyes and materials on contact.

Health hazard: Silhouette with burning chest

The GHS symbol for physical hazards to your health.

Contact with these chemicals can cause long-term health hazards. The chemical hazards include carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity and germ cell mutagenicity that causes genetic defects, and respiratory sensitization.

Irritants, sensitizers and other minor health hazards: Exclamation mark

The GHS symbol for irritants. 

These toxins affect the body on contact, whether from skin absorption, ingestion or inhalation. Once absorbed, they can cause narcotic effects, target organ toxicity, respiratory tract irritation, skin sensitization, or skin and eye damage.

Acute toxicity: Skull and crossbones

The GHS symbol for acute toxicity. 

This is a stronger form of the acute toxic symbol. It denotes dangerous goods that are toxic or fatal on contact and require personal protective equipment to handle.

Environmental hazard: Tree and fish

The GHS symbol for environmental damage.

The chemical can cause harm to wildlife if it isn’t handled properly. In the United States, environmental protection falls under the jurisdiction of the EPA, not OSHA. This means that the aquatic toxicity symbol isn’t required on HCS warning labels used in the U.S. However, it is required on labels used in other countries.

Updates to the Hazard Communication Standard

OSHA HCS 1910.1200 was updated recently to comply with the 7th revision of the UN GHS standard. It also includes changes that better conform with Canadian regulations, making it easier to transport products between countries.

Changes went into effect on July 19th, 2024. Manufacturers, importers and distributors must comply with changes by January 19th, 2026 for substances and July 19th, 2027 for mixtures.

Companies that use hazardous materials must bring labels, safety programs and employee training into compliance by July 20th, 2026 for substances and January 10th, 2028 for mixtures.

This update includes new criteria for product classifications, new rules on small packages, and new provisions for label updates. OSHA’s website has a side-by-side comparison of the updated regulation next to the previous version.

There are four key points in this update that affect the use of GHS symbols on hazard labels:

  • Containers that are 100 mL or less in size must include the product identifier, pictograms, signal word, manufacturer’s contact information, and a statement that the full hazard label is included on the outer package.
  • Containers that are 3 mL or less in size that the manufacturer can demonstrate would be unusable with a full label only require a product identifier.
  • The full hazard label, including pictograms, must be included on secondary packaging for containers that are 100 mL or less. This label cannot be removed or defaced. In other words, it needs to be in a place that the end user won’t tear or cut when opening or handling the secondary container.
  • If a hazard pictogram is required on the shipping container label by the Department of Transpiration’s Title 49, that pictogram isn’t required on the OSHA hazard label. However, items shipped outside the country usually require pictograms in both places.

Get the Accuracy You Need for Your Hazard Labels

Accurate GHS symbols and hazard label placement is critical for making sure your products comply with safety regulations.

From small vials to industrial pails, CTM Labeling Systems has the equipment you need for consistent application. If you’re looking for a new labeling solution, contact us and we’ll put you in touch with your nearest distributor. They’ll evaluate your production system and containers, working with you to create a labeling system that fits your needs.