Navigating the world of chemical safety can feel like cracking a secret code. However, the GHS hazard statements are your key to unlocking it. These concise, powerful statements are more than just words. They’re mainly life-saving insights that reveal the true risks of the chemicals you encounter. Most importantly, they are user-friendly and easily understandable. However, basic training is required to make such hazard statements understandable.
In this blog, we’ve revealed and explained the mystery behind GHS hazard statements, showing you how to decode them to protect your workplace and the people in it. Whether you’re a safety novice or a seasoned pro, this guide will ignite your understanding and give you the tools to make informed, safer decisions every day.
What is a GHS Hazard Statement?
A GHS hazard statement is a clear, standardized description used to communicate the hazards of a chemical according to the Globally Harmonized System (GHS). It explains what risks a chemical pose. For instance, it explains if a specific product is flammable, toxic, or corrosive in a comprehensive manner. A properly formed hazard statement might say “Causes serious eye damage” or “Highly flammable liquid and vapor.” These statements help ensure that everyone understands the potential dangers and knows how to handle chemicals safely.
Hazard statements are an integral part of the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for the classification and labeling of chemicals. To comply with GHS standards, labels must include the following essential elements:
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Signal Words:
Signal words convey the level of danger associated with a chemical, serving as an immediate visual alert to its potential hazards. For example, “Danger” signifies a high-risk hazard, while “Warning” indicates a lower level of risk.
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GHS Symbols:
GHS symbols are standardized icons that express the specific risks posed by a chemical. It mainly allows users to quickly recognize the type of danger. These symbols cover a range of hazards, including health risks, flammability, corrosivity, and environmental threats, ensuring that the dangers are immediately understood.
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Manufacturer Information:
This section lists the contact details of the chemical manufacturer or supplier, which are essential for traceability and for contacting them in case of emergencies or questions. It should include the manufacturer’s name, address, and phone number.
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Precautionary Statements/First Aid:
These statements provide crucial guidance on preventing or responding to chemical exposure. They include instructions on safe handling, proper storage, and the steps to take in case of an accident.
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Hazard Statements:
Hazard statements clearly outline the type and level of risk associated with the chemical. Thus, it provides a simple explanation of the potential harm it could cause.
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Product Name:
The product name or identifier ensures quick and accurate recognition of the chemical, helping users understand exactly what substance they are dealing with. It typically includes the chemical name, product code, or batch number, depending on labeling guidelines.
A Complete List of GHS Label Hazard Statements and H Codes:
When dealing with hazardous chemicals, clear and consistent labeling is essential. The process has been standardized by GHS for ensuring safety. Mainly, it has simplified the way hazard is communicated across the globe. A key part of this system is the use of hazard statements and H codes, which describe the nature and severity of chemical hazards.
Below is a comprehensive guide to understanding GHS label hazard statements and their corresponding H codes.
Categories of Hazard Statements and H Codes:
The GHS classifies hazard statements into three main categories and below we have discussed all in detail:
Physical Hazards (H200 – H299):
These statements cover the physical dangers of a chemical, such as flammability, explosiveness, and reactivity. See the table below to learn what each physical hazard code indicates:
H2 Code: Meaning
| H200: | Unstable explosive |
| H201: | Explosive; mass explosion hazard |
| H202: | Explosive; severe projection hazard |
| H203: | Explosive; fire, blast or projection hazard |
| H204: | Fire or projection hazard |
| H205: | May mass explode in fire |
| H206: | Fire, blast or projection hazard; increased risk of explosion if desensitizing agent is reduced |
| H207: | Fire or projection hazard; increased risk of explosion if desensitizing agent is reduced |
| H208: | Fire hazard; increased risk of explosion if desensitizing agent is reduced |
| H220: | Extremely flammable gas |
| H221: | Flammable gas |
| H222: | Extremely flammable aerosol |
| H223: | Flammable aerosol |
| H224: | Extremely flammable liquid and vapor |
| H225: | Highly flammable liquid and vapor |
| H226: | Flammable liquid and vapor |
| H227: | Combustible liquid |
| H228: | Flammable solid |
| H229: | Pressurized container: may burst if heated |
| H230: | May react explosively even in the absence of air |
| H231: | May react explosively even in the absence of air at elevated pressure and/or temperature |
| H232: | May ignite spontaneously if exposed to air |
| H240: | Heating may cause an explosion |
| H241 | Heating may cause a fire or explosion |
| H242: | Heating may cause a fire |
| H250: | Catches fire spontaneously if exposed to air |
| H251: | Self-heating; may catch fire |
| H252: | Self-heating in large quantities; may catch fire |
| H260: | In contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously |
| H261: | In contact with water releases flammable gas |
| H270: | May cause or intensify fire; oxidizer |
| H271: | May cause fire or explosion; strong oxidizer |
| H280: | Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated |
| H281: | Contains refrigerated gas; may cause cryogenic burns or injury |
| H290: | May be corrosive to metals |
Health Hazard:
These statements describe the potential health risks associated with exposure to a chemical, including toxicity, irritation, sensitization, and carcinogenicity. For a thorough understanding refer to the following table:
H3 Codes: Meaning
| H300: | Fatal if swallowed |
| H301: | Toxic if swallowed |
| H302: | Harmful if swallowed |
| H303: | May be harmful if swallowed |
| H304: | May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways |
| H305: | May be harmful if swallowed and enters airways |
| H310: | Fatal in contact with skin |
| H311: | Toxic in contact with skin |
| H312: | Harmful in contact with skin |
| H313: | May be harmful in contact with skin |
| H314: | Causes severe skin burns and eye damage |
| H315: | Causes skin irritation |
| H316: | Causes mild skin irritation |
| H317: | May cause an allergic skin reaction |
| H318: | Causes serious eye damage |
| H319: | Causes serious eye irritation |
| H320: | Causes eye irritation |
| H330: | Fatal if inhaled |
| H331: | Toxic if inhaled |
| H332: | Harmful if inhaled |
| H333: | May be harmful if inhaled |
| H334: | May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled |
| H335: | May cause respiratory irritation |
| H336: | May cause drowsiness or dizziness |
| H340: | May cause genetic defects |
| H341: | Suspected of causing genetic defects |
| H350: | May cause cancer |
| H351: | Suspected of causing cancer |
| H360: | May damage fertility or the unborn child |
| H361: | Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child |
| H361d: | Suspected of damaging the unborn child |
| H362: | May cause harm to breast-fed children |
| H370: | Causes damage to organs |
| H371: | May cause damage to organs |
| H372: | Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure |
| H373: | May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure |
Environmental Hazards (H4):
These statements are related to the environmental impact of a chemical, particularly its toxicity to aquatic life. Check out the table below to understand in detail:
H4 Codes: H4 Codes
| H400: | Very toxic to aquatic life |
| H401: | Toxic to aquatic life |
| H402: | Harmful to aquatic life |
| H410: | Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects |
| H411: | Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects |
| H412: | Harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects |
| H413: | May cause long-lasting harmful effects to aquatic life |
| H420: | Harms public health and the environment by destroying ozone in the upper atmosphere |
| H441: | Very toxic to terrestrial invertebrates |
The Importance of H Codes:
Both manufacturers and users must be familiar with the H codes. They allow for the quick identification of the hazards associated with a substance, facilitating safer handling, storage, and disposal. In regulatory documents, safety data sheets (SDS), and labels, H codes ensure that hazard communication is precise and consistent.
Organizations must share the information with the employees as the information helps in:
- Risk Assessment: Identifying potential dangers and implementing appropriate control measures.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring adherence to local and international safety regulations.
- Training: Educating employees on the risks associated with specific chemicals and how to handle them safely.
European Union Supplementary Hazard Statements List
The European Union (EU) has additional hazard statements that supplement the standard GHS hazard statements. These EU-specific statements provide more detailed information about certain chemical hazards that may not be fully covered by the GHS system.
Below is a detailed table for your better understanding. Continue exploring:
EUH Codes: Meaning
| EUH001: | Explosive when dry |
| EUH006: | Explosive with or without contact with air |
| EUH014: | Reacts violently with water |
| EUH018: | In use, may form flammable/explosive vapor-air mixture |
| EUH019: | May form explosive peroxides |
| EUH044: | Risk of explosion if heated under confinement |
| EUH029: | Contact with water liberates toxic gas |
| EUH031: | Contact with acids liberates toxic gas |
| EUH032: | Contact with acids liberates very toxic gas |
| EUH066: | Repeated exposure may cause skin dryness or cracking |
| EUH070: | Toxic by eye contact |
| EUH071: | Corrosive to the respiratory tract |
| EUH059: | Hazardous to the ozone layer |
| EUH201: | Contains lead. Should not be used on surfaces liable to be chewed or sucked by children |
| EUH201A: | Warning! Contains lead |
| EUH202: | Cyanoacrylate. Danger. Bonds skin and eyes in seconds. Keep out of the reach of children |
| EUH203: | Contains chromium (VI). May produce an allergic reaction |
| EUH204: | Contains isocyanates. May produce an allergic reaction |
| EUH205: | Contains epoxy constituents. May produce an allergic reaction |
| EUH206: | Warning! Do not use together with other products. May release dangerous gases (chlorine) |
| EUH207: | Warning! Contains cadmium. Dangerous fumes are formed during use. See information supplied by the manufacturer. Comply with the safety instructions |
| EUH208: | Contains (name of sensitizing substance). May produce an allergic reaction |
| EUH209: | Can become highly flammable in use |
| EUH209A: | Can become flammable in use |
| EUH210: | Safety data sheet available on request |
| EUH401: | To avoid risks to human health and the environment, comply with the instructions for use |
How to Determine a Chemical’s Hazard Statement?
A thorough understanding of the meaning of the hazard code is essential. However, organizations can easily determine all associated hazards simply by keeping in mind the following points.
1. Check the Safety Data Sheet (SDS):
The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for a chemical provides comprehensive information through its 16 sections, including hazard classification, precautionary measures, and hazard statements. This detailed information helps organizations recognize and communicate the risks associated with a chemical product. Typically, these crucial details are found in Section 2 of the SDS which allows a clear understanding of the potential threats.
2. Identify the Chemical Classification:
Chemicals are classified based on their physical, health, and environmental hazards following regulatory standards like the Globally Harmonized System (GHS). These classifications, such as flammable, corrosive, toxic, or carcinogenic, make it easier to understand the nature and risks associated with a chemical product.
3. Refer to Regulatory Guidelines:
Regulatory agencies like OSHA in the U.S. and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) in Europe offer guidelines and lists of hazard statements for various chemical classifications. Referring to all such documents shared by all such agencies always helps.
4. Use GHS Compliant Chemical Labeling:
Clearly written chemical labels are essential for workplace safety. Each label should include the correct hazard pictograms, information, and warnings. It allows employees to quickly understand potential risks. These labels provide critical details about the safe use, storage, and handling of the product. This is why using GHS-compliant labels is so important.
Conclusion:
Workplaces that use chemical products are at a higher risk for accidents. But these risks can be minimized by effectively communicating the necessary chemical hazard information. The GHS hazard statements simplify this process by providing clear guidelines on how to convey critical safety details using images, codes, and words. So, make sure that your organization understands and follows the best practices for GHS hazard statements. After all, it is the key to avoiding compliance issues and maintaining a safe work environment.
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