What belongs on a GHS label?
A GHS label turns a chemical classification into a compact hazard message. Depending on the classification and applicable national requirements, it can include a product identifier, supplier identification, hazard pictograms, a signal word, hazard statements and precautionary statements.
The exact elements are product-specific. Never copy a label from a similar chemical, a trade name or an online image. Use the current supplier SDS and the classification adopted in the applicable jurisdiction.
The nine GHS pictograms
The pictogram indicates a type of hazard; it does not provide the complete classification by itself. Read it together with the signal word, statements and SDS.
Exploding bomb
Explosives, certain self-reactive substances and certain organic peroxides.
Flame
Flammables, pyrophorics, self-heating substances, water-reactives and related fire hazards.
Flame over circle
Oxidizing gases, liquids and solids that can cause or intensify fire.
Gas cylinder
Gases under pressure, including compressed, liquefied, refrigerated or dissolved gases.
Corrosion
Severe skin burns and eye damage, and substances corrosive to metals.
Skull and crossbones
Acute toxicity that can be fatal or toxic after short exposure.
Health hazard
Serious or long-term health hazards such as carcinogenicity, organ toxicity or aspiration hazard.
Environment
Hazardous to the aquatic environment. Its use can depend on the adopted regulatory scheme.
Exclamation mark
Irritation, skin sensitization, harmful acute toxicity and certain less severe health effects.
Methanol example: the poison sticker is only one part
Methanol commonly carries more than one GHS pictogram because it presents several hazards. A typical supplier classification can require the flame, skull and crossbones (poison/acute toxicity) and health hazard pictograms, together with the signal word Danger.
Six label elements to check
The product name or identifier must correspond with the SDS.
Name, address and contact details as required by the adopted rules.
Red-diamond symbols assigned by the chemical’s hazard classification.
“Danger” for more severe hazards or “Warning” for less severe hazards, when assigned.
Standardized statements describing the nature and, where appropriate, degree of hazard.
Recommended measures for prevention, response, storage and disposal.
GHS labels are not DG transport labels
Chemical-container label
Communicates product and workplace hazards using red-bordered GHS pictograms, signal words and safety statements.
Transport label
Communicates the dangerous-goods class or division during transport. It follows the applicable road, sea or air rules.
A drum or IBC may need both systems because the same package can be a supplied chemical container and a dangerous-goods package. One system does not automatically replace the other.
Before accepting or relabelling a container
- Product identity matches the current SDS
- Label is legible, durable and securely attached
- Required pictograms are present and visible
- Signal word and statements are complete
- Supplier and emergency details are readable
- Old or conflicting labels are removed or covered
- Decanted containers remain clearly identified
- DG transport labels are checked separately
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Official references: UN GHS, eleventh revised edition, UN GHS pictograms and ILO GHS guidance.
General awareness only. The examples are not production-ready labels. Classification and label elements must be confirmed from the current supplier SDS and the laws, standards and competent-authority requirements applicable to the product, workplace and jurisdiction.