The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) is an international framework for classifying chemicals and communicating hazards using consistent labels, pictograms, and Safety Data Sheets (SDS). Countries adopt GHS into their own regulations; in the U.S., OSHA uses GHS through the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS 1910.1200).

No. GHS is not a law on its own. OSHA adopts portions of GHS into the legally enforceable Hazard Communication Standard. This means U.S. employers must follow OSHA’s requirements, not the entire global system.

Not always. OSHA’s HCS aligns with specific GHS revisions. As of 2024, OSHA aligns primarily with GHS Revision 3, with select updates from later revisions.

Any U.S. employer with hazardous chemicals in the workplace, including manufacturers, importers, distributors, and end users.

Yes, if they are classified as hazardous under OSHA’s definitions. However, workplace labels have different flexibility than shipped labels (see below).

1. Product identifier
   
   

2. Supplier information
   
   

3. Hazard pictograms
   
   

4. Signal word
   
   

5. Hazard statements
   
   

6. Precautionary statements
   

All must appear together on a shipped container label.

Chemical manufacturers, importers, or distributors must create and maintain compliant labels before the product enters the workplace.

No. Supplier labels must be updated by the manufacturer or importer. Employers only need to ensure labels remain intact and readable.

A secondary container must be labeled if:

• It will be used across shifts
  
  

• More than one worker may handle it
  
  

• It will be stored instead of used immediately
  
  

• Its contents may become unclear without a label
  

Immediate-use containers do not require labels.

At minimum:

• The product identifier
  
  

• Hazard information communicated through either GHS labels or an alternative system (e.g., NFPA or HMIS)
  

Alternative systems are allowed only if workers are trained to understand them.

Only for workplace (secondary) containers.
Shipped containers must use full GHS-compliant labels.

Yes, if the label still communicates all necessary hazard information clearly. The product identifier must match the SDS exactly.

An SDS provides detailed information about a chemical’s hazards, safe handling, storage, PPE requirements, spill response, and emergency procedures.

Section 2: Hazard Identification.

Yes. OSHA mandates the standardized 16-section format aligned with GHS.

Manufacturers and importers must update SDSs when new, significant hazard information becomes available. Employers simply must ensure employees have access to the most current version.

• Danger – high-severity hazards
  
  

• Warning – lower-severity hazards
  

A label will contain one or none, never both.

Some hazard categories do not require a signal word. Environmental hazards (not fully adopted by OSHA) and certain physical hazards may also result in no signal word.

A standardized phrase that describes the nature of the hazard, such as “Highly flammable liquid and vapor.” Hazard statements must be used exactly as written in OSHA Appendix C.

A standardized phrase explaining how to prevent or minimize harm, such as “Wear protective gloves” or “Store locked up.” OSHA adopts a subset of global P-codes.

No. Some lower-severity hazard categories do not require one.

Yes. Many chemicals fall into more than one hazard class and may require several pictograms.

Yes. Workers must be trained on:

• Label elements
  
  

• Pictogram meanings
  
  

• SDS format
  
  

• How to interpret hazard and precautionary statements
  
  

• Employer’s workplace labeling system
  

Training must occur when a worker is first assigned and when new hazards are introduced.

Yes. SDSs must be accessible during each work shift, without barriers (no locked cabinets, no unavailable passwords).

• Missing labels
  
  

• Illegible or damaged labels
  
  

• Incorrect or outdated SDSs
  
  

• No workplace labeling on secondary containers
  
  

• Lack of employee training

Not if used in the workplace the same way a consumer would use them (same frequency and duration).

If used differently, OSHA requirements apply.

Yes, but labs may use simplified labeling if containers remain in the lab and workers are trained properly.

If you need more guidance on GHS labeling, chemical labels, or any of the labeling solutions we offer, reach out to our team. 

We’re happy to help you stay compliant and find the right solution for your needs.

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