Decoding What is a GHS Label: Important Details

In any industry dealing with hazardous chemicals, safe handling and communication of potential dangers are of utmost importance. Miscommunication or lack of understanding about these different hazard classes could lead to serious consequences, including health risks and environmental damage. To combat these challenges, the United Nations developed a uniform system of classification and labeling of chemicals known as the Globally Harmonized System (GHS).

The GHS precautionary statement was subsequently adopted in the United States, with guidelines incorporated into the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom 2012). This move harmonized the way hazards are communicated, ensuring workers understand the risks associated with the chemicals they handle and can take appropriate safety measures. In this blog, we will discuss what a GHS label is and the elements of GHS label. Let's get started!

What is a GHS Label?

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A GHS label is an essential component of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS), designed to ensure safe handling, transport, and use of hazardous substances worldwide. As defined by OSHA, it is a "comprehensive approach" to defining and communicating the hazards of the chemicals.

GHS labels are legally required for hazardous chemicals in workplaces, transport, and packaging to protect workers, consumers, and the environment. They standardize safety communication globally, making it easier for users to understand risks regardless of language or location.

By adhering to these requirements, organizations not only ensure regulatory compliance with a universal standard but also prioritize health and safety for all stakeholders.

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What are the 6 GHS Label Requirements and Their Significance?

Every GHS label is required to have six components to relay complete and effective hazard communication. These components are Product Identifiers, Signal Words, Hazard Statements, Precautionary Statements/First Aid, GHS Hazard Pictograms, and Supplier Identification. Let's discuss these components in detail.

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1. Product Identifier

The Product Identifier is the first critical element on a GHS label. It refers to the name or number used on both the label and the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), ensuring consistency in identifying the chemical. This matching identifier prevents confusion and enables workers to correlate the label with the SDS.

In emergencies, it allows for quick identification, ensuring easy access to safety information. The Product Identifier is crucial for clear communication of hazards across platforms.

2. Signal Words

Signal Words are single words indicating the severity of a hazard. The two GHS signal words are “Danger” for more severe hazards and “Warning” for less severe ones. They quickly grab attention, preparing individuals to handle the chemical safely and reducing risk.

While effective for conveying hazard severity, appropriate signal words should be considered alongside other GHS label elements for complete safety information, as they do not provide all the details needed for proper handling.

3. Hazard Statements

Hazard Statements describe the nature and severity of a chemical’s hazard, covering health, physical, or environmental risks, including specific target organ toxicity. Each statement is linked to a specific hazard category, such as serious eye damage or acute toxicity.

Individual hazard statements provide workers with relevant information for safe handling and emergency response. These clear descriptions help workers assess risks at a glance and take preventive action, ensuring safety by highlighting the potentially harmful effects of the chemical.

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4. Precautionary Statements/ First Aid

Precautionary Statements on a GHS label provide recommended actions to minimize or prevent adverse effects from exposure to a hazardous chemical. These statements cover precautions related to prevention, response, storage, disposal, and first aid.

For example, if a Hazard Statement indicates "Fatal if inhaled," the corresponding precautionary statement would be "Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors/spray." These types of precautionary statements guide safe handling, storage, and response to emergencies like spills, ingestion, or inhalation, ensuring worker safety.

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5. GHS Pictograms and their Meanings

GHS Pictograms are graphic symbols used on the GHS label to quickly and universally identify the hazards associated with certain chemicals. Each pictogram consists of a symbol on a white background framed within a red border, representing a specific GHS hazard class, such as flammable, oxidizing, or corrosive, which is essential for the transport of dangerous goods.

Here's a quick reference to understand these Pictograms within the GHS classification system:

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6. Supplier Identification

The last, but certainly not the least important, component of a GHS label is the Supplier Information. This includes the name, address, and telephone number of the chemical's manufacturer or supplier.

It is an essential element as it provides credible reference points for users to seek further safety information or address concerns about the chemical product. It can be particularly useful in emergency situations where immediate, professional advice might be needed regarding the handling, storage, or disposal of hazardous chemicals.

How Can I Produce My Own GHS Label?

Producing your own GHS labels has never been easier with the right printing equipment. By investing in reliable, high-quality printers, you can ensure your labels are clear, durable, and compliant with industry standards. If you're looking for a solution tailored to your needs, consider the options below. These advanced printers, available at OmegaBrand, are designed to meet a variety of label production requirements, ranging from small batches to large volumes.

1. Epson C6500: The Epson C6500 printer (matte) is designed to efficiently produce GHS chemical drum labels up to 8 inches wide, ensuring your labels are clear, durable, and compliant with industry standards. 

2. Epson C6000: For smaller labels, the Epson c6000 printer (matte) offers precision and reliability and can produce labels up to 4 inches wide. 

3. Epson ColorWorks C8000: For businesses needing to produce large quantities of BS5609-compliant GHS labels, the Epson ColorWorks C8000 printer (matte) is the perfect solution, providing high-quality, long-lasting prints cost-effectively and efficiently. 

With these Epson printers, businesses can easily create customized GHS labels that meet regulatory standards and ensure safety in the workplace.

What is GHS BS5609 Compliance?

GHS BS5609 compliance refers to the standards set by the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for the labeling of chemicals, ensuring that labels meet specific criteria. For chemical manufacturers, it's crucial to produce labels that comply with these regulations to ensure safety and meet global shipping and handling requirements. 

Epson ColorWorks label printers are a great solution for businesses to print their own GHS BS5609 compliant labels on demand, easily and efficiently. These printers help chemical manufacturers maintain compliance and streamline label production.

To assist in creating GHS BS5609 compliant labels, OmegaBrand offers a range of powerful label design software options, including:

• BarTender Professional Label Design Software

• Loftware Cloud

• NiceLabel Designer Pro

• Teklynx Software (LabelView, Label Matrix, Codesoft)

When combined with Epson ColorWorks printers, these software options provide a complete solution to meet your GHS BS5609 label compliance needs. We offer trial versions of these software programs, allowing businesses to test and ensure they meet their specific requirements before committing.

GHS Label Compliance and Regulations

Ensuring compliance with GHS labeling standards is a legal requirement for businesses dealing with hazardous materials, both for primary and secondary containers. Non-compliance could lead to severe penalties, including fines. Moreover, these standards are pivotal in ensuring workplace safety and minimizing health and environmental hazards. Here's what you need to know:

GHS and OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard

GHS forms an integral part of OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), which demands workplaces where employees come in contact with hazardous products to maintain clear and standardized communication of associated hazards. The HCS necessitates the use of GHS-compatible labels on chemical containers to communicate the hazards effectively.

The HCS adoption of GHS resulted in revised GHS criteria for classifying physical hazards and health hazards, the standard format for Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and specified requirements for labeling hazardous chemicals. OSHA believes this standard can prevent numerous injuries and illnesses and save lives without posing significant limitations or costs to employers.

GHS Label Requirements for Primary and Secondary Containers

Primary and secondary containers for hazardous chemicals need specific GHS-compliant labels:

• Primary Containers: Primary containers are the original packing in which the chemical comes from the manufacturer. These are required to have a GHS label that includes all the six components. The label provided by the manufacturer cannot be removed, altered, or defaced.

• Secondary Containers: These containers hold chemicals transferred from the primary containers for use within the workplace. Regulations for secondary container labels are more flexible. If the chemical is used within one work shift by the person who transferred it, and the container remains in the same work area, a full GHS label may not be required. However, if these conditions are not met, a complete GHS-compliant label is necessary, similar to the primary containers.

Employer Responsibilities Regarding GHS Labels

Employers bear a significant responsibility when it comes to GHS label compliance. They are required to maintain the labels on the containers, including tanks, totes, drums, etc., in a way that they are legible and intact.

If a label is faded, washed off, or otherwise unreadable, it is the employer's duty to replace it with an appropriate one that contains all the required information as per the original label provided by the manufacturer.

For workplace labels on secondary containers, employers can choose to use labels given by the manufacturer or create their own using the information provided by the manufacturer. Employers also have the discretion to continue using rating systems like NFPA diamonds or HMIS requirements for internal labeling, provided they align with GHS standards.

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Stay Ahead of Compliance Challenges with OmegaBrand's Labels

Staying compliant with evolving GHS regulations can be challenging. However, partnering with a reliable supplier likeOmegaBrand can give you peace of mind when it comes to your labeling needs.

Whether you're in need of barcode, RFID, thermal transfer, or direct thermal labels, we provide precision and durability. With a vast selection of labels for various industries, including shipping, inventory management, and product branding, OmegaBrand guarantees labels that adhere perfectly to your needs. Trust us for top-notch supplies that enhance the efficiency of your operations.

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Conclusion

Understanding GHS labels and their requirements can seem daunting, especially considering the global standards and varying country-specific nuances. Nonetheless, these labels serve a crucial function of communicating potential hazards associated with chemicals in a comprehensive yet simple manner. They uniformly depict all significant information like product identifier, level of hazard, cautionary measures, and the manufacturer's details.

With strict guidelines from OSHA regarding labeling requirements and compliance, it is essential for businesses to prioritize training their staff to understand these labels. Staying abreast of GHS label regulations ensures not just regulatory compliance but also a significantly safer workplace where employees are adequately informed of potential chemical hazards. As times evolve, so may these regulations, and businesses must keep themselves updated and adhere to these changes timely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the meaning of the GHS code?

The GHS Code refers to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals established by the United Nations. This code serves as an international standard designed to classify hazardous substances and communicate associated risks through clearly understandable labels.

Are there different GHS requirements for different countries?

While GHS is a global system, the implementation of GHS by individual countries can vary based on their local regulations, leading to slight differences in GHS requirements across countries. Therefore, companies dealing with chemicals internationally must comply with the specific GHS standards applicable to each country.

What can be done if GHS labels become damaged or unreadable?

If a GHS label becomes damaged or unreadable, the employer must replace it immediately with an appropriate one. The replaced label must contain the same information as the original, always ensuring effective hazard communication.

How can companies ensure that they remain compliant with GHS labeling standards?

Companies can maintain GHS label compliance by regularly updating their knowledge about GHS regulations, providing adequate training to their staff handling hazardous chemicals, and using labels that incorporate all required GHS elements. Partnering with a reliable label supplier like OmegaBrand can significantly streamline compliance efforts.

What is not required on a GHS label?

Though GHS labels have six mandatory elements, some details are not required, like the date of production of the substance or its expiry date. Also, the GHS system does not include risk assessments, leaving it to individual countries to conduct these based on their national requirements.