Understanding GHS Labels for Chemical Safety Posted on March 20, 2024March 31, 2024 By jjavaid GHS – the Globally Harmonized System labels are used to provide warning information about the Physical, Environmental and Health hazards. Usually, the containers or other equipment having harmful substances must have these GHS labels. These pictograms convey the precautionary details through graphics, symbols and words etc. Which key responsibilities are fulfilled by the GHS labels? The logical and comprehensive approach of GHS labeling works on the below-listed domains. Giving a precise definition of the harmful material and its fatal impact on the environment and human beings. These essential labels also present a classification based on the severity of risk caused due to the chemicals stored in a container. Along with stating the harmful attributes of a chemical material stored in a container, the GHS labels also tell about the precautionary measures. What are the main elements of certified and OSHA-approved GHS (Globally Harmonized System) labels? Six main elements are available in a GHS label as its prime components. Each part plays a different role in enabling the employees and the common public to identify the risks associated with the specific chemical substance. Product Identifier Signal Words Hazard Statements Precautionary Statement Additional Information Symbols or Pictograms Let’s take a quick look at the roles fulfilled by them. Product Identifier – This short yet significant part of the GHS label has two most important information about the stored chemical in the container. Name of the product or chemical material Product ID that should be identical to the SDS (safety data sheet). Signal Word – The signal words perform the task of classifying the materials based on their harmful nature. The two signal words that are visible on the GHS label are “Warning” & “Danger”. The term ‘warning’ is mentioned on the containers that have mildly risky or slightly low harmful chemicals. While ‘Danger’ denotes that the container is carrying a material that can cause a fatal impact on the environment and human beings. By viewing these Signal Words, the employees can follow the cautionary guidelines to handle the container carrying hazardous chemicals. Hazard Statements – Each kind of Hazard exerts a different impact on the health, bodies and surroundings. Here, the Hazard Statements perform a classification of the material and tell the readers about the uniqueness of the chemical substance. In short, the standardized GHS phrase is designed to describe the nature and degree of the hazard associated with the chemical kept in the container. Precautionary Statements – Another essential part of the GHS labels is precautionary statements that convey the safety measures to lessen the chances of any mis-happening due to hazardous chemicals. Besides it, these precautions also guide the readers about the initial steps taken to reduce the adverse impact on the health and body of living beings. You can simply identify them with the help of P-code. These precautionary statements are mainly classified into four categories. General Precautionary Statements like – Keep out of the reach of children. Preventive Precautionary Measures like – Do not spray on an open flame or another igniting source. Response Precautionary Statement like – If exposed or came in contact with…, If skin came in the contact of… Storage Precautionary Statement like – Protect from sunlight and store separately etc. Additional Information – It could be an optional component of the GHS label as not all products require additional information to make people aware. However, a handful of chemical substances can impact humans and the atmosphere distinctly. Hence additional information comprises those crucial points to convey. GHS symbols or pictograms – A unique depiction of Black & White graphics enclosed in a Red diamond is considered the GHS symbols or pictograms mentioned on the labels. These symbols cut down the chances of misunderstanding happened due to the language barriers. With the help of simple yet significant GHS graphics, the warning about the chemicals can be conveyed. These symbols represent massive hazardous impacts such as -: Explosive Substances Highly Flammable Substances Compressed Gas Corrosive Fatal or toxic material Carcinogenic substances Causing asthma These symbols are also categorized into nearly 4 classes which are categories 1,2,3 and 4. What are the benefits of GHS Labeling? Being a legal requirement of a worksite or a dumping area where wastage is kept, GHS labeling comes with scores of key benefits as well. Along with understanding the nature of hazards and taking precautionary measures, the components of GHS labels fulfill some additional demands. Take a look at them. It offers a flexible working framework where no employee will need the extra description and guidance for carefully handling hazardous chemicals. Hence it improves the efficiency of the worksite. The GHS labels are widely recognized on an international basis. Therefore there will be no language issues in international trade as well. The deployed employees all over the world can easily understand the GHS symbols. It contributes to the safety of the human workforce at a worksite as well as the common public places. By reading the precise information mentioned on the GHS labels, the workers can reduce the efforts and time in evaluating the hazards or nature of the products. How to make the GHS labels more effective? The GHS Labels should be implemented and maintained in such a way that they can convey pertinent information. Here are the prime responsibilities of employees to make the GHS Labels highly effective. The important GHS labels should never removed, scratched and covered. If an important label is defaced, the employees should place a new label on the container immediately. The labels should be certified by the liable safety authorities. The labels should have all essential information included in the components as symbols, signal words, product identifiers and additional information etc. Make sure that the GHS labels are not covered or blocked by any other object. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Q – What does GHS labeling mean? A – These specific labels are utilized to warn or aware the employees and public to carefully handling the chemicals holding containers. Q – Where should these GHS labels be placed? A – The containers having acutely toxic chemicals must be labeled with the GHS signs (Globally Harmonized System). These labels signify that the chemicals have a severe effect on living beings and the environment. Q – What are the essential requirements for a GHS label? A – Name, Address, Product ID, Signal Words, Pictograms, Hazard statements and Additional information statements are the most important requirements in a GHS Label. Q – In how many categories the GHS labels are classified? A – From category 1 to category 4, the severity of any chemical substance can be explained through the GHS labels. Business
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