Complete GHS Hazard Information

Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals - Complete Reference Guide

Latest Version Rev.9 (2021)

OverviewWhat is GHS?

GHS stands for Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, a system for standardizing and harmonizing the classification and labelling of chemicals.

First published by the United Nations in 2003, it aims to guide countries in establishing unified chemical classification and labelling standards. Currently updated to the 9th revised edition.

CoreMain Components

H-codesHazard statements (64 codes)

P-codesPrecautionary statements (104 codes)

Pictograms9 hazard symbols

ApplicationGlobal Implementation

Currently, over 70 countries and regions have adopted or are implementing the GHS system, including:

China GB30000EU CLPUS HCSJapan JIS

Signal Words

GHS uses two signal words to indicate the relative level of severity of hazard

DANGER

Hazard Level: High

Used for more severe hazard categories

WARNING

Hazard Level: Medium

Used for less severe hazard categories

6 Essential Elements of GHS Labels

Every GHS label must contain the following standardized information

1📝

Product identifier

Product name and CAS number

2⚠️

Signal word

"WARNING" or "DANGER"

3🔶

GHS pictogram

9 hazard symbols

4🚨

Hazard statement

H-codes describe hazards

5🛡️

Precautionary statement

P-codes protective measures

6🏢

Supplier information

Manufacturer contact details

GHS Pictograms Explained

9 standardized hazard symbols used to visually represent the hazardous properties of chemicals

Explosive

Unstable explosives; Explosives

Indicates substances that may explode under conditions of shock, friction, heating, etc.

Common examples:

NitroglycerinTNTBenzoyl peroxide

Flammable

Extremely flammable gas; Flammable gas; Flammable liquid

Indicates substances that easily ignite and burn, including gases, liquids and solids

Common examples:

GasolineEthanolAcetoneHydrogen

Oxidizing

May cause or intensify fire; Oxidizer

Indicates substances that can release oxygen and promote combustion of other materials

Common examples:

Hydrogen peroxidePotassium permanganatePotassium nitrate

Gas under pressure

Pressurized gas; Compressed gas; Liquefied gas; Refrigerated liquefied gas

Indicates gas stored under pressure that may explode if heated

Common examples:

Oxygen cylinderNitrogen cylinderLiquefied petroleum gas

Corrosive

Causes severe skin burns and eye damage; Corrosive to metals

Indicates substances that are corrosive to skin, eyes and metals

Common examples:

Sulfuric acidSodium hydroxideHydrochloric acid

Acute toxicity

Fatal or toxic if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled

Indicates substances with acute toxicity that may cause death or serious poisoning

Common examples:

Potassium cyanideArsenic compoundsMercury compounds

Harmful/Irritant

May cause minor harm or irritation; Harmful to the ozone layer

Indicates substances that may cause irritation, allergies or other health effects

Common examples:

Ammonia waterFormaldehydeIsopropanol

Health hazard

Long-term exposure may be harmful to health; Carcinogenic, mutagenic, reproductive toxicity

Indicates substances that may cause serious long-term health effects

Common examples:

BenzeneAsbestosFormaldehyde

Environmental hazard

Toxic to aquatic life; Long-term adverse effects on the environment

Indicates substances harmful to the environment, especially aquatic life

Common examples:

Heavy metal compoundsPesticidesOrganic solvents

HHazard Statements

Describe specific hazards that chemicals may cause, total of 64 statements

Physical hazards

29 statements

H200Unstable explosive

H201Explosive; mass explosion hazard

H202Explosive; severe projection hazard

H203Explosive; fire, blast or projection hazard

H204Fire or projection hazard

H205May mass explode in fire

H220Extremely flammable gas

H221Flammable gas

H222Extremely flammable aerosol

H223Flammable aerosol

H224Extremely flammable liquid and vapour

H225Highly flammable liquid and vapour

H226Flammable liquid and vapour

H227Combustible liquid

H228Flammable solid

H240Heating may cause an explosion

H241Heating may cause a fire or explosion

H242Heating may cause a fire

H250Catches fire spontaneously if exposed to air

H251Self-heating; may catch fire

H252Self-heating in large quantities; may catch fire

H260In contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously

H261In contact with water releases flammable gas

H270May cause or intensify fire; oxidizer

H271May cause fire or explosion; strong oxidizer

H272May intensify fire; oxidizer

H280Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated

H281Contains refrigerated gas; may cause cryogenic burns or injury

H290May be corrosive to metals

Health hazards

29 statements

H300Fatal if swallowed

H301Toxic if swallowed

H302Harmful if swallowed

H304May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways

H310Fatal in contact with skin

H311Toxic in contact with skin

H312Harmful in contact with skin

H314Causes severe skin burns and eye damage

H315Causes skin irritation

H317May cause an allergic skin reaction

H318Causes serious eye damage

H319Causes serious eye irritation

H330Fatal if inhaled

H331Toxic if inhaled

H332Harmful if inhaled

H334May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled

H335May cause respiratory irritation

H336May cause drowsiness or dizziness

H340May cause genetic defects

H341Suspected of causing genetic defects

H350May cause cancer

H351Suspected of causing cancer

H360May damage fertility or the unborn child

H361Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child

H362May cause harm to breast-fed children

H370Causes damage to organs

H371May cause damage to organs

H372Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure

H373May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure

Environmental hazards

6 statements

H400Very toxic to aquatic life

H410Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects

H411Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects

H412Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects

H413May cause long lasting harmful effects to aquatic life

H420Harms public health and the environment by destroying ozone in the upper atmosphere

PPrecautionary Statements

Provide specific measures for preventing and responding to hazards, total of 104 statements

Prevention measures

39 statements

P101If medical advice is needed, have product container or label at hand

P102Keep out of reach of children

P103Read label before use

P201Obtain special instructions before use

P202Do not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood

P210Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces. No smoking

P211Do not spray on an open flame or other ignition source

P220Keep away from clothing and other combustible materials

P221Take any precaution to avoid mixing with combustibles

P222Do not allow contact with air

P223Do not allow contact with water

P230Keep wetted with...

P231Handle and store contents under inert gas

P232Protect from moisture

P233Keep container tightly closed

P234Keep only in original packaging

P235Keep cool

P240Ground and bond container and receiving equipment

P241Use explosion-proof electrical/ventilating/lighting equipment

P242Use non-sparking tools only

19 more prevention statements...

Response measures

51 statements

P301IF SWALLOWED:

P302IF ON SKIN:

P303IF ON SKIN (or hair):

P304IF INHALED:

P305IF IN EYES:

P306IF ON CLOTHING:

P307IF exposed:

P308IF exposed or concerned:

P309IF exposed or if you feel unwell:

P310Immediately call a POISON CENTER/doctor

P311Call a POISON CENTER/doctor

P312Call a POISON CENTER/doctor if you feel unwell

P313Get medical advice/attention

P314Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell

P315Get immediate medical advice/attention

P320Specific treatment is urgent (see ... on this label)

P321Specific treatment (see ... on this label)

P322Specific measures (see ... on this label)

P330Rinse mouth

P331Do NOT induce vomiting

31 more response statements...

Storage measures

13 statements

P401Store in accordance with...

P402Store in a dry place

P403Store in a well-ventilated place

P404Store in a closed container

P405Store locked up

P406Store in corrosive resistant/... container with a resistant inner liner

P407Maintain air gap between stacks/pallets

P410Protect from sunlight

P411Store at temperatures not exceeding ...°C/...°F

P412Do not expose to temperatures exceeding 50°C/122°F

P413Store bulk masses greater than ... kg/... lb at temperatures not exceeding ...°C/...°F

P420Store separately

P422Store contents under...

Disposal measures

1 statements

P501Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local/regional/national/international regulations

GHS Implementation Worldwide

Major national and regional implementations of the GHS system

Major Standards

China GB 30000National standards series

EU CLPClassification, Labelling and Packaging

US HCSHazard Communication Standard

Japan JISJapanese Industrial Standards

Implementation Timeline

UN GHS Published:2003

EU CLP Regulation:2009

US HCS Revised:2012

Latest UN GHS:Rev.9 (2021)

Important Note

While GHS provides a global framework, each country or region may implement specific variations and requirements. Always consult local regulations and standards for compliance in your jurisdiction.

Quick Reference

Common GHS information at a glance

GHS Pictograms

H Hazard Statements

104

P Precautionary Statements

70+

Implementing Countries/Regions