GLOBALLY HARMONIZED SYSTEM OF CLASSIFICATION AND LABELING OF CHEMICALS (GHS)

(May be found on means of containment during transport)

The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) is an international guideline published by the United Nations. The GHS aims to harmonize the classification and labeling systems for all sectors involved in the life cycle of a chemical (production, storage, transport, workplace use, consumer use and presence in the environment).

The GHS has nine symbols used to convey specific physical, health and environmental hazard information. These symbols are part of a pictogram that is diamond shaped and includes the GHS symbol in black on a white background with a red frame. The pictogram is part of the GHS label, which also includes the following information:

GHS pictograms are similar in shape to transport labels; however, transport labels have backgrounds of different colors.

The elements of the GHS that address signal words and hazard statements are not expected to be adopted in the transport sector. For substances and mixtures covered by the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, Model Regulations, the transport labels for physical hazards will have precedence. In transport, a GHS pictogram for the same (or lesser) hazard as the one reflected by the transport label or placard should not be present, but it could exist on the package.


In some cases, such as on drums or international bulk containers (IBCs), which must address information for all sectors, the GHS label may be found in addition to the required transport labels and placards. Both types of labels (GHS and transport) will differ in a way that will make them easy to identify during an emergency.


Physical hazards

Explosive;
Self-reactive;
Organic peroxide
Flammable;
Pyrophoric;
Self-reactive;
Organic peroxide; Self-heating;
Emits flammable gases when in contact with water
Oxidizer


Gas under pressure

Health hazards

Acute toxicity (harmful);
Skin sensitizer;
Irritant (skin and eye);
Narcotic effect;
Respiratory tract irritant;
Hazardous to ozone layer (environment)
Acute toxicity (fatal or toxic)
Acute toxicity (harmful);
Skin sensitizer;
Irritant (skin and eye);
Narcotic effect;
Respiratory tract irritant;
Hazardous to ozone layer (environment)
Respiratory sensitizer;
Mutagen;
Carcinogen;
Reproductive toxicity;
Target organ toxicity;
Aspiration hazard

Environmental hazards

Hazardous to aquatic environment