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Introduction to GHS

Introduction to GHS

What is GHS? Use this resource guide to become familiar with GHS, how it affects you and what you need to do to implement it properly in the workplace.

Examples of GHS training resources, labels, and reference sheets.
Introduction to GHS. Watch video

What is GHS?

GHS, or Globally Harmonized System, is a world regulation for classifying and communicating chemical hazards. Hazard communication experts around the world worked to create this new global standard based on major existing systems including the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). By implementing GHS guidelines into the revised HCS, OSHA has expanded the "right to know" into the "right to understand.” Adoption of GHS brings the U.S. into alignment with an international standard. If you are a manufacturer, supplier, or a user of chemicals, you are required to comply with GHS. (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200 Hazard Communication Standard)

The goal of this new system is to more effectively communicate chemical hazards to improve the safety and health of our workers. GHS is expected to prevent more than 500 workplace injuries and illnesses and 45 fatalities every year. It will also improve international trade conditions for chemical manufacturers, enhance worker comprehension of hazards (especially with low and limited literacy workers), reduce confusion, facilitate safety training, and result in safer handling and use of chemicals. GHS provides quicker, more efficient access to SDS information, cost savings through productivity improvements, fewer SDS and label updates, and simpler hazcom training.

What are the major changes with GHS?

There are three main areas in the existing HCS which have changed with the adoption of GHS: hazard classification, labels, and safety data sheets.

Hazard classification (formerly hazard determination) is one of the major areas of change. Definitions of hazard now provide specific criteria for classification of health, physical, and environmental chemical hazards along with the classification of mixtures. The current Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) provides parameters for evaluation, but doesn't give specific, detailed criteria. The revised HCS, on the other hand, has specific criteria for each health and physical hazard, plus detailed instructions for evaluation. This new method of evaluation is covered in the required GHS training. The revised HCS also establishes hazard classes and categories. A class describes the different hazards. For example, "Gases under Pressure" is an example of a class in the physical hazards group. Categories are used to describe the sub-sections of classes. For example, "Self-Reactive Chemicals" has seven categories. Each category has rules or criteria to determine which chemicals are assigned to that category.

Standardized labels for hazard classes and categories will now be required. Previously, label preparation could be done in a variety of ways with the method being left to the preparer. Under the revised HCS, once classification has been done, the standard will specify what should go on the label. According to the revised HCS, labels will now require the following:

  • A pictogram, which is the GHS symbol on the label and SDS (there are nine.) Not all categories will have an associated symbol.
  • A signal word, which indicates the relative severity of the hazard. There are only two: danger (more severe hazards) and warning (less severe.)
  • A hazard statement, which is a description of the nature of the hazards of the chemical. There is a hazard statement for each category of a class. For example, for chemicals in the "Self-heating substances and mixtures" class (category 1), the hazard statement would be "Self-heating; may catch fire." This would appear on both the label and the SDS.
  • A precautionary statement describing recommended measures to minimize or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure to, improper storage of, or handling of a hazardous chemical.

Six elements of the Globally Harmonized Standard (GHS) label format

Guide to the six elements of GHS labels.

Information on the safety data sheet (SDS) will be about the same as what we currently have (MSDS). The current standard indicates what should be included, but doesn't specify a format for presentation or order of information. The revised HCS has sixteen sections and uses consistent headings in a designated sequence.

What pictograms are required?

There are nine pictograms used in GHS to convey health, physical, and environmental hazards. The revised Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) requires the use of eight of them, with the exception being the environmental pictogram.

Health Hazard

GHS hazard pictogram of person with interior health issue indicating a health hazard.
  • Carcinogen
  • Mutagenicity
  • Reproductive Toxicity
  • Respiratory Sensitizer
  • Target Organ Toxicity
  • Aspiration Toxicity

Flame

GHS hazard pictogram of flame indicating a fire hazard.
  • Flammables
  • Pyrophorics
  • Self-Heating
  • Emits Flammable Gas
  • Self-Reactives
  • Organic Peroxides

Exclamation Mark

GHS hazard pictogram of exclamation mark indicating an acute toxic hazard.
  • Irritant (skin and eye)
  • Skin Sensitizer
  • Acute Toxicity (harmful)
  • Narcotic Effects
  • Respiratory Tract Irritant
  • Hazardous to Ozone
    Layer (Non Mandatory)

Gas Cylinder

GHS hazard pictogram of gas cylinder indicating a gas pressure hazard.
  • Gases under Pressure

Corrosion

GHS hazard pictogram of chemical corroding hand and surface indicating a corrosive hazard.
  • Skin Corrosion/ burns
  • Eye Damage
  • Corrosive to Metals

Exploding Bomb

GHS hazard pictogram of exploding bomb indicating an explosive hazard.
  • Explosives
  • Self-Reactives
  • Organic Peroxides

Flame over Circle

GHS hazard pictogram of flame over letter
  • Oxidizers

Environment (Non Mandatory)

GHS hazard pictogram of dead tree and fish indicating an environmental hazard.
  • Aquatic Toxicity

Skull and Crossbones

GHS hazard pictogram of skull and crossbones indicating a severe toxic hazard.
  • Acute Toxicity
    (fatal or toxic)

Can I change pictogram borders?

According to the revised HCS, all pictograms must have red borders. The purpose of keeping the color consistent is to increase recognition and make them easily comprehensible. Although some businesses might prefer to use a black border for domestic shipping, red is required for both domestic and international shipping. In addition, all red borders printed on a label must have a symbol printed inside. This is meant to limit confusion from workers who might be faced with blank labels. So, for maximum recognition and impact of warning labels, and to ensure that users don't get desensitized to these warnings, a symbol must always be used with the red border.

What about updates?

With the revised Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), it's now okay to update labels when new information on hazards becomes available. In fact, chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors, or employers who become "newly aware" of any significant information on the hazards of a chemical need to revise the labels within six months. Labels on any containers shipped after that time must have labels with the new information.

 

GHS Tape, Labels & Tags

Create custom identification with GHS tags and mini pictogram labels. Meet HCS compliance standards with a variety of labels. Prepare hazardous products for shipping with GHS Symbol Tape.

Examples of GHS tape, labels, and tags for marking hazardous products.
Learn more about GHS Labels & Tags. Watch video
 

GHS Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Meet new OSHA guidelines for SDS binder organization. Clearly mark locations of SDS and Right to Know information. Organize your SDS materials with racks or an information center.

Examples of GHS safety data sheets (SDS) organized in the workplace for easy employee access.
Learn more about GHS Safety Data Sheets. Watch video
 

GHS Signs

Quickly identify chemical risks using nine new GHS pictograms. Comply with GHS classification guidelines.

Examples of GHS hazard pictograms and a guide to understanding them.
Learn more about GHS Signs. Watch video
 

GHS Training

OSHA requires that all employees be trained on the new GHS label elements and the safety data sheet (SDS) format. If your employees missed the original December 2013 training deadline or if you hired new employees after that date, start training them now. Employees must be familiar with the labels and know how to understand and use them as soon as possible.

Reinforce training with pocket guides and table top tent cards. Limit confusion around GHS pictograms with wallet cards.

Examples of GHS training resources including a GHS reference center.
Learn more about GHS Training & Employee Tools. Watch video
 

GHS Schedule

OSHA has outlined a phase-in period for adoption of the revised Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). During the phase-in process, employers need to be in compliance with either the existing HCS, the revised HCS, or both. Employers must ensure all employees are trained on the new label elements and safety data sheet (SDS) format. The following timeline gives a list of the remaining compliance deadlines and requirements:

GHS Compliance Timeline

GHS compliance timeline from June 2015 to 2016.

Chemical manufacturers, importers and distributors reclassify chemicals, send SDS & labels in GHS format

  • Identify secondary labeling needs and procedures
  • Purchase GHS labeling equipment and supplies
  • Implement labeling procedures (create- your-own labels or order pre-printed versions) based on new SDS sheets
  • Archive MSDS for determined amount of time
  • Re-train on GHS as well as your existing HazCom system (NFPA/HMIS) until full conversion to GHS is complete

Distributors send only updated SDS & Labels

  • Review and ensure that all MSDS have been converted to SDS format
  • Audit all containers for compliance with updated regulations. Establish policy to control improperly labeled containers

Employer full compliance deadline

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