Labelling

It is important to alert chemical transporters and users as to the risks they incur. To do so, many countries have their own classification and hazard labelling system (see box on REACH and WHMIS). In an effort to establish international harmonization, the United Nations adopted the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) in July 2003. The GHS is a classification system for chemicals presenting certain risks for humans or the environment, based on common, harmonized criteria according to the hazard presented.

These hazard classes are divided into 3 major groups:

physical hazards (explosion, burning),
health hazards,
environmental hazards.

Nine pictograms• have been established to represent these classes.

Did you know?

The pictograms recommended by the GHS (diamondshaped
labels edged in red with a white background) replace the square labels edged in black with an orange background. The old labels were revoked (i.e. they no longer have any legal effect) from 1st June 2015, however they may still remain in circulation until 1st June 2017.

Physical hazards
	SGH 01 Explosive Unstable materials

SGH 02
Flammable

SGH 03
Oxidizer

SGH 04
Gas under pressure

SGH 05
Corrosive
Skin/eye corrosion

Health hazards
	SGH 06 Acute toxicity Poisonous even at low concentrations

SGH07 - Harmful/irritant - Poisonous at high concentrations

SGH 07
Acute toxicity/irritant
Poisonous at high concentrations

SGH 08
Health hazard

Environmental hazards
	SGH 09 Hazardous to the aquatic environment

Warning: some hazards are not represented by a pictogram.
It is very important to read the label fully.

A pictogram or combination of picto- Example of a label in compliance with the GHS guidelines grams indicates the type of hazard(s).

A complete label should include:

the product identifier (chemical and trade names),
the supplier identification (name, address, phone number),
the relevant hazard pictogram(s),
signal words indicating the severity of the hazard,
hazard statements describing the nature of the hazard(s),
precautionary statements.

All products transported and sold must have a complete label and a material safety data sheet (MSDS).

Example of a label in compliance with the GHS guidelines

REACH (Europe)

Reach (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of CHemicals) is a regulation adopted by the European Union in 2006. It aims both to enhance knowledge of chemicals and to improve risk management for the environment and human health, without causing any negative economic impact on industry. It draws upon many elements of the GHS, in particular in terms of labelling.

WHMIS (Canada)

The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) is Canada's national standard providing information on the safe use of hazardous materials in the workplace, through cautionary labelling, material safety data sheets and worker education programs. The harmonization of this system with the GHS has resulted in changes to labelling.

Last update: 8/11/2016