GHS chemical labeling compliance has improved workplace safety for over a decade and has helped suppliers, distributors, and manufacturers deliver high-quality products. These chemical labeling standards are now internationally recognized for clearly distinguishing compound risks and ensuring safe transportation, storage, and handling at every link of the supply chain.
What Is the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for Chemicals?
GHS labels contain valuable information about a chemical container’s contents, risk factors, and appropriate first aid upon exposure. Six standard elements must be included in the same location and use the same information.
Each of the six elements of a GHS provides valuable information about how to handle a chemical.
1. The Signal Word
Each GHS label includes one of two standardized signal words.
- “DANGER” is used for the most dangerous chemicals.
- “WARNING” is used for less severe compounds.
2. GHS Symbols
Sometimes referred to as “hazard pictograms,” these standardized symbols visually indicate the various risk factors the chemicals pose. The nine available symbols cover a range of risk categories, including:
| Corrosive Gas Cylinder OxidizingFlame/FlammableExplosive | Acute Toxic Health Hazard Severe Toxic Environmental* *Not mandated in the US |
3. Responsible Party Information
This section must include the name, address, and telephone number of the chemical manufacturer, importer, or other responsible party. This allows anyone to learn more about the contents directly from a knowledgeable source.
4. Precautionary Statements/First Aid
Precautionary statements provide information about injury prevention, first aid response, storage requirements, and the safe disposal of the chemical. Labels also include a “P-code,” which allows handlers to quickly access more information by entering the code on several websites, including Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
5. Hazard Statement
Hazard statements are standardized descriptions of the hazards posed by the chemical. Like precautionary statements, users can use the “H-code” printed on the label to learn more about specific risks.
6. Product Names and Identifiers
This area of the label must include the product’s trade name and any other identifiers utilized by the manufacturer.
Related: Food Regulations in Europe vs. the US
Labeling on Primary and Secondary Containers
Chemical label requirements also include specific standards for primary and secondary chemical containers.
A primary container is the bulk transportation vessel from the manufacturer, which may include bags, totes, drums, and boxes. Broadly speaking, primary container labeling standards apply to any container that leaves the facility where the chemical was made.
A secondary container is usually a smaller, refillable container, such as spray bottles, jugs, or small cans. Secondary containers must follow the same GHS labeling standards as primary containers, except in three scenarios:
- The material is completely exhausted in the same shift as the work that filled the container.
- The worker who filled the container is on-site for as long as the container is in use.
- The container stays in the possession of the worker who filled the container while in use.
Many workplaces maintain primary container standards across all containers, including secondary types, to reduce the risk of an employee mishandling a chemical due to a lack of knowledge or inaccurate labeling.
What Are the Requirements for Chemical Labels Internationally?
Like in the US, EU chemical labeling standards are based on the GHS. The GHS system was created by the United Nations in 2002 and was published one year later. The US didn’t ratify or require the GHS labeling of chemicals for another decade; it adopted the system on March 26, 2012, under the stewardship of OSHA.
At the time of this article’s original 2024 publication, GHS is the industry standard in most countries, including all UN member states.
GHS Leaves Room for Improvement in Consistency and Adoption
One of the United Nations’ main objectives is to facilitate economic cooperation between countries. The UN recognized that different shipping labeling and classification schemes among nations inhibited trade, leading to the GHS in 2003.
Unfortunately, complete harmonization between nations has not come to fruition. In fact, with each passing year, countries diverge further from each other, the result of two issues undermining the GHS’ core mission.
Enforcement
The UN does not have the authority to impose GHS on a sovereign nation. Instead, a country must adopt it into its own regulations.
Inconsistency
Member nations can essentially pick and choose which rules and standards to adopt or enforce, mitigating the system’s overall impact. Many countries chose not to adopt building block 5, for example. However, Brazil implemented every classification. Their labels contain a lot more hazards than other countries’ labels for the same chemical. Here in the United States, the “dead fish/dead tree” symbol/classification building blocks are voluntary since OSHA has no jurisdiction over environmental classification, as this is delegated to the EPA.
Concentration limits also introduce another potential for divergence. For instance, the reproductive toxicity category two concentration limit is 3.0%, meaning a chemical must be present at least 3% to be classified as a reproductive toxicant category two. However, the United States chose to keep its preexisting limit of 0.1%. This means that a substance containing a reproductive toxin two at 0.1% would be classified as such in the United States but not so in most other countries.
Despite its shortcomings, the GHS has improved chemical safety and established a baseline for effective labeling. The program’s positive impacts show how international alignment can lower trade barriers and protect industry workers.
Safety Always Comes First at Tilley Distribution
The GHS has been a critical step toward standardizing global chemical classifications and labeling. At Tilley, we uphold these requirements to ensure the safety of our employees, suppliers, and manufacturing partners and to maintain exceptionally high product quality standards. See why safety is always the priority at Tilley; speak with a representative today to learn more.
