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Globally Harmonized System (GHS)

The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) was introduced to ensure consistent, clear, and standardized hazard communication regarding chemicals globally. Developed by the United Nations, it aims to eliminate discrepancies in classification and labeling of hazardous chemicals across different countries and regions.

First established at the UN Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, GHS facilitates international trade and enhances safety through consistent and understandable classification of hazardous substances. The first formal version of the GHS was published in 2003, commonly referred to as the Purple Book, in contrast to the Orange Book used for transportation. The system is reviewed and updated regularly to adapt to new scientific knowledge and safety standards.

Purpose of GHS

Globalization of trade: Harmonizes chemical classification and communication standards, reducing barriers to international trade.
Varying labeling requirements: Different countries had different criteria for labeling hazardous chemicals. GHS resolves these differences by introducing a universal standard.
Inconsistent chemical classifications: Chemicals with similar properties were being classified differently in various regions. GHS ensures consistent classification based on the intrinsic properties of substances.
Safety communication: The system ensures that all stakeholders, from manufacturers to workers, receive clear and accurate hazard information.

Key Benefits of GHS

Improved safety: Clearer hazard communication ensures better protection for workers and consumers.
Consistent classification: A global standard for classifying and labeling chemicals reduces confusion and increases safety.
Regulatory harmonization: Facilitates easier trade by harmonizing chemical regulations internationally.

Key to Our Product Labels

Description	Pictogram	Hazard Class and Hazard Category
Exploding Bomb		Unstable explosives Explosives of division 1.1 to 1.4 Self-reactive substances, mixtures types A,B Organic peroxides, types A,B
Flame		Aerosols, cat. 1,2 Flammable solids, cat. 1,2 Flammable liquids, cat. 1,2,3 Flammable gases Flammable gas, cat. 1A,1B Pyrophoric gas, cat. 1A Chemically unstable gas, cat. 1A, 1B Self-reactive substances and mixtures, types B, C, D Chemicals under pressure, cat. 1,2 Pyrophoric liquids, cat. 1 Pyrophoric solids, cat. 1 Self-heating substances and mixtures, cat. 1,2 Substances and mixtures, which in contact with water, emit flammable gases, cat. 1,2,3 Self-reactive substances and mixtures, types E and F Organic peroxides type B,C,D,E,F Desensitized explosives, cat. 1,2,3,4
Flame Over Circle		Oxidizing gases, cat. 1 Oxidizing liquids, cat. 1,2,3 Oxidizing solids, cat. 1,2,3
Gas Cylinder		Chemicals under pressure, cat. 1,2,3 Gases under pressure Compressed gas Liquefied gas Refrigerated liquefied gas Dissolved gas
Corrosion		Corrosive to metals, cat. 1 Skin corrosion/irritation, cat. 1 (1A,1B,1C) Serious eye damage/eye irritation, cat. 1
Skull and Crossbones		Acute toxicity, cat. 1,2,3 (Oral, Dermal, Inhalation)
Exclamation Mark		Acute toxicity, cat. 4 (Oral, Dermal, Inhalation) Skin corrosion/irritation, cat. 2 Serious eye damage/eye irritation, cat. 2/2A Skin sensitization, cat. 1,1A,1B Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure, cat. 3 Hazardous to the ozone layer, cat. 1
Health Hazard		Respiratory sensitization, cat. 1, 1A, 1B Germ cell mutagenicity, cat. 1,1A,1B,2 Carcinogenicity, cat. 1,1A,1B,2 Reproductive toxicity, cat. 1,1A,1B,2 Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure, cat. 1,2 Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure, cat. 1,2 Aspiration hazard, cat. 1,2
Environment		Hazardous to the aquatic environment, short-term (acute), cat. 1 Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term (chronic), cat. 1,2
Other Regional Elements (USA)		Simple Asphyxiant Combustible Dust Pyrophoric Gases