The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals, or GHS for short, is an effort to create a world-wide, universal chemical hazard communication and container labeling system. The large number of varying chemical hazard identification, labeling, and information requirements around the world create potential barriers to trade in chemicals, particularly for small businesses. Thus a harmonized and consistent approach would have benefits both in terms of worker protection and trade.
The GHS provides standardized definitions for chemical hazards, such as flammable liquids. It addresses classification of chemicals by types of hazard and proposes standardized hazard communication elements, including labels and safety data sheets.
Scope
The GHS is not a standard nor does it impose requirements on those countries which adopt it, such as a trade agreement would. It is a voluntary set of “building blocks” which each country can adopt as it sees fit. While the GHS is updated every two years, countries are not required to adopt each revision.
For countries that do not have existing chemical hazard systems, and may not have the resources to develop and maintain one, availability of a globally harmonized approach will allow them to provide necessary protections for their citizens while enabling them to participate in international trade.
Regulatory citations
NOTE: On March 26, 2012, aligned the Hazard Communication Standard with the 3rd edition of the GHS. On May 20, 2024, the standard was aligned with the 7th edition; changes to the standard took effect July 19, 2024.
Key definitions
- Chemical: Any substance, or mixture of substances.
- Chemical manufacturer: An employer with a workplace where chemical(s) are produced for use or distribution.
- Classification: Identifying the relevant data regarding the hazards of a chemical; reviewing those data to ascertain the hazards associated with the chemical; and deciding whether the chemical will be classified as hazardous according to the definition of hazardous chemical in the standard.
- Designated representative: Any individual or organization to whom an employee gives written authorization to exercise such employee’s rights in the standard.
- Employee: A worker who may be exposed to hazardous chemicals under normal operating conditions or in foreseeable emergencies.
- Employer: A person engaged in a business where chemicals are either used, distributed, or are produced for use or distribution, including a contractor or subcontractor.
- Exposure or exposed: Subjected in the course of employment to a hazardous chemical, and includes potential (e.g., accidental or possible) exposure.
- Hazard category: The division of criteria within each hazard class, e.g., oral acute toxicity and flammable liquids include four hazard categories.
- Hazard class: The nature of the physical or health hazards, e.g., flammable solid, carcinogen, oral acute toxicity.
- Hazard not otherwise classified (HNOC): An adverse physical or health effect identified through evaluation of scientific evidence during the classification process that does not meet the specified criteria for the physical and health hazard classes addressed in this section.
- Hazard statement: A statement assigned to a hazard class and category that describes the nature of the hazard(s) of a chemical, including, where appropriate, the degree of hazard.
- Hazardous chemical: Any chemical which is classified as a physical hazard or a health hazard, a simple asphyxiant, combustible dust, or hazard not otherwise classified.
- Health hazard: A chemical which is classified as posing one of the following hazardous effects: acute toxicity (any route of exposure); skin corrosion or irritation; serious eye damage or eye irritation; respiratory or skin sensitization; germ cell mutagenicity; carcinogenicity; reproductive toxicity; specific target organ toxicity (single or repeated exposure); or aspiration hazard.
- Label: An appropriate group of written, printed or graphic information elements concerning a hazardous chemical that is affixed to, printed on, or attached to the immediate container of a hazardous chemical, or to the outside packaging.
- Physical hazard: A chemical that is classified as posing one of the following hazardous effects: explosive; flammable (gases, liquids, or solids); aerosols; oxidizer (gases, liquids, or solids); self-reactive; pyrophoric (liquids or solids); self-heating; organic peroxide; corrosive to metal; gas under pressure; in contact with water emits flammable gas; or desensitized explosive.
- Pictogram: A composition that may include a symbol plus other graphic elements, such as a border, background pattern, or color, that is intended to convey specific information about the hazards of a chemical.
- Precautionary statement: A phrase that describes recommended measures that should be taken to minimize or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure to a hazardous chemical, or improper storage or handling.
- Product identifier: The name or number used for a hazardous chemical on a label or in the SDS. It provides a unique means by which the user can identify the chemical.
- Responsible party: Someone who can provide additional information on the hazardous chemical and appropriate emergency procedures.
- Safety data sheet (SDS): Written or printed material concerning a hazardous chemical that is prepared in accordance with paragraph (g) of this section.
- Signal word: A word used to indicate the relative level of severity of hazard and alert the reader to a potential hazard on the label.
- Substance: Chemical elements and their compounds in the natural state or obtained by any production process, including any additive necessary to preserve the stability of the product and any impurities deriving from the process used, but excluding any solvent which may be separated without affecting the stability of the substance or changing its composition.
- Use: To package, handle, react, emit, extract, generate as a byproduct, or transfer.
- Work area: A room or defined space in a workplace where hazardous chemicals are produced or used, and where employees are present.
- Workplace: An establishment, job site, or project, at one geographical location containing one or more work areas.
NOTE: OSHA adopted the GHS hazard classification criteria for these health hazards:
- Acute toxicity
- Skin corrosive/irritant
- Serious eye damage/eye irritant
- Respiratory or skin sensitization
- Germ cell mutagenicity
- Carcinogenicity
- Reproductive toxicity
- Target organ systemic toxicity — single and repeated dose
- Aspiration hazard
NOTE: The hazard classification criteria for physical hazards include:
- Explosives
- Aerosols
- Flammability — gases, liquids, solids
- Oxidizers — liquid, solid, gases
- Self-reactive
- Pyrophoric — liquids, solids
- Self-heating
- Organic peroxides
- Corrosive to metals
- Gases under pressure
- Water-activated flammable gases
- Desensitized explosives
For each of these hazards, standardized label elements have been developed and agreed on, including symbols, signal words, and hazard statements.
Summary of requirements
As stated above, the GHS is not a standard nor does it impose requirements on those countries which adopt it, such as a trade agreement would. It is a voluntary set of “building blocks” which each country can adopt as it sees fit. On May 20, 2024, OSHA aligned its HazCom Standard with GHS Revision 7; the changes took effect July 19, 2024.
Other federal agency activities:
- Hazard Communication Standard for Chemical Labels and Safety Data Sheets in GHS Format. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
- Global Harmonization of Hazard Classification and Labeling Systems. US Department of Transportation (DOT).
- Policy of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission on the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Implementation in other countries:
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS). Health Canada.
- Hazardous Chemicals. Safe Work Australia.
- GHS: Status of Implementation. UN Economic Commission. Tracks international implementation.
