The title for this body of chemical labeling standards may sound like a mouthful, but it does have a very broad application, which perhaps justifies the long name. Although this set of standards has yet to be fully implemented, it is recognized as the current accepted set of standards for classifying and labeling chemicals throughout the countries of the world.
Why it was needed
Physical hazards
Included in this category are nine different classes of hazards including:
- Explosives
- Gases
- Flammable liquids
- Flammable solids
- Oxidizing substances
- Toxic/infectious substances
- Radioactive substances
- Corrosive substances
- Miscellaneous hazardous substances
Health hazards
The specific health hazards identified in this category are the following:
- Acute toxicity
- Skin corrosion
- Skin irritation
- Eye irritation
- Serious eye damage
- Skin sensitizer
- Respiratory sensitizer
- Germ cell mutagenicity
- Carcinogenicity
- Reproductive toxicity
- Specific target organ toxicity
- Aspiration hazard
Environmental hazards
The environmental hazards identified and treated in the GHS classification are as follows:
- Acute aquatic toxicity
- Chronic aquatic toxicity
The GHS labeling elements
The standards adopted for hazardous chemical labeling are comprised of graphics or symbols which depict the specific chemical substance, along with borders, backgrounds, and standardized coloring, which serve to further portray the hazard. Signal words like ‘danger’ or ‘warning’ identify the levels of hazard associated with various chemicals, and in some cases hazard phrases are used to clarify or emphasize the specific type of danger. The overall format of a label is defined clearly within the GHS standards, so there can be no misunderstanding or misinterpretation for chemical labeling.
Safety data sheets
Safety data sheets are intended to supersede the previous classifications of material safety data sheets (MSDS), and pertain to workplace labeling of chemicals. Information provided on these sheets will allow all employees to safely handle and store any chemical being dealt with, according to procedures considered to be totally safe. Some of the aspects treated within each SDS are: specific hazard identification, first aid procedures, handling and storage, physical and chemical properties, transportation methods, and disposal information.
