GHS Label Requirements: Pictograms, Signal Words and Hazard Statements
What a GHS chemical label must show: product identifier, signal word, hazard statements, precautionary statements, pictograms and supplier details. Includes the nine GHS pictograms.
A GHS hazard label is the short-form hazard warning attached to a container of a hazardous chemical. It uses a consistent set of elements so that people can recognise hazards across countries and languages.
The required label elements
- Product identifier: the name or number used for the chemical, matching the SDS.
- Signal word: "Danger" for more severe hazards or "Warning" for less severe ones. Only one is used on a label.
- Hazard statements: standard phrases (H-codes) that describe the nature and degree of the hazard, for example "Causes serious eye damage".
- Precautionary statements: standard phrases (P-codes) on prevention, response, storage and disposal.
- Pictograms: black symbols on a white background inside a red diamond border.
- Supplier identification: the name, address and telephone number of the manufacturer, importer or other responsible party.
The nine GHS pictograms
- GHS01, exploding bomb: explosives, self-reactives and organic peroxides.
- GHS02, flame: flammables, pyrophorics, self-heating substances.
- GHS03, flame over circle: oxidisers.
- GHS04, gas cylinder: gases under pressure.
- GHS05, corrosion: corrosive to metals, skin corrosion and serious eye damage.
- GHS06, skull and crossbones: acute toxicity (fatal or toxic).
- GHS07, exclamation mark: irritation, skin sensitisation, acute toxicity (harmful) and narcotic effects.
- GHS08, health hazard: carcinogenicity, respiratory sensitisation, reproductive toxicity, target organ toxicity and aspiration hazard.
- GHS09, environment: hazardous to the aquatic environment. Under the US OSHA standard this pictogram is not mandatory, while it is required in the EU and many other markets.
Labels and the SDS must agree
The classification in Section 2 of the SDS and the label come from the same source, so they should show the same signal word, hazard statements and pictograms. Mismatches are among the most common findings in compliance audits. Generating both from a single classification removes the risk. See how to write a Safety Data Sheet.
Label details that vary by market
Language, minimum label size and how to treat very small packages differ between regions. The EU adds rules such as the Unique Formula Identifier for certain mixtures, and the US has its own workplace labelling provisions. Confirm the rules for each destination before printing labels.
Frequently asked questions
- What must a GHS label include?
A product identifier, signal word, hazard statements, precautionary statements, hazard pictograms and the supplier's name, address and telephone number.
- What is the difference between a hazard statement and a precautionary statement?
A hazard statement describes the hazard itself (an H-code such as H318, Causes serious eye damage). A precautionary statement says what to do to prevent or respond to it (a P-code).
- How many GHS pictograms are there?
Nine, GHS01 to GHS09. Each classification maps to specific pictograms.
- Do non-hazardous products need a GHS label?
No. GHS hazard labelling applies to products classified as hazardous. Other labelling rules, such as for consumer products or transport, may still apply.
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