Introduction 

The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals is a widely accepted international standard for identifying and labelling hazardous chemicals. To ensure the safe handling and storage of dangerous substances, generating GHS-compliant labels is a crucial move in the chemical industry and its supply chain.  

 

The procedure of creating these labels can be time-consuming and complex, and it tends to be an error if not standardized. For manufacturers, importers, and distributors, following an organized and standardized labelling process is essential to compliance and prevent misunderstandings.  

 

In this guide, you will find a comprehensive guide on how to standardize the process for generating GHS-compliant labels. This guide contains best practices, key steps, and essential tools to ensure accurate and compliant labelling. 

 

Understanding the key elements of GHS-Compliant Labelling 

Complying with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals or GHS can ensure the safety of employees and avoid fines and penalties for employers, importers, distributors, and chemical manufacturers in the US. There are six key elements of GHS Compliant Labelling: 

 

6 Key Elements of GHS Compliant Labelling 

 

  • Product identification 

The containers should contain the chemical name, hazard classification number, CFR number, and code. These details should match the safety data sheets or SDSs.

 

  • Signal word 

The signal word should be visible on the label of the container. There are two types of signal words- ‘Danger’ (means severe hazards) and ‘Warning’ (less severe hazards). Users (drivers and other people who are associated with the container and vehicle) should be able to understand the risk level of the container quickly. 

 

  • Hazard statements 

It indicates the hazard classes—toxic, flammable, Corrosives, toxic flammable, flammable corrosives, etc. Users can learn about the essential information. 

 

  • Precautionary statements 

It indicates some measures to minimize or avoid the risks of hazards. These are Prevention, such as ‘Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames’ Response, such as ‘In case of contact with eyes, rinse with water’ storage, such as ‘Store in a well-ventilated place’ Disposal, such as ‘Dispose of contents in accordance with local regulations. 

 

  • Pictograms 

It indicates graphical symbols. Drivers, loaders, and other people can quickly understand the chemical risks by looking at pictograms. As per GHS, there are different types of symbols used for different hazards- flammable (flame symbol), toxic (skull and crossbones), corrosives (surface and hand damages), health hazards ((silhouette with organ effects), etc. 

 

  • Supplier information 

The label should include the name, address, and phone number of the manufacturers, importers, or other responsible parties, and an emergency phone number in case of any recommendations about the usage (such as flame retardant) of the chemical that is also mentioned on the label. This information will work in case of emergencies. 

 

Step-by-Step Guide for Effectively Generating GHS-Compliant Labels

  

  1. Implementing GHS Labels 

To ensure uninterrupted communication of hazardous chemicals across various industries, the Global Harmonized System (GHS) plays a crucial role. Organizations must use GHS-compliant labels to maintain regulatory compliance and enhance workplace safety.  

CloudSDS makes this simpler by automatically extracting hazard information from Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and formatting it according to GHS standards. With the help of this software, users can upload or extract data, select key hazard information, choose label formats, and generate fully compliant labels with minimal effort. Users can also print labels directly from the system to ensure accuracy and efficiency.  

  

  1. Utilize Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

To minimize errors and increase workplace safety, CloudSDS helps extract information about chemical hazards, safe handling, and regulatory requirements from Safety Data Sheets. SDSs also help in generating GHS-compliant labels. To create GHS labels, users must focus on product identification, hazard identification (flammable, toxic), pictograms (flame, skull, crossbones exclamation mark), chemical handling, storage, and emergency measures.  

  

  1. Implement a Cross-Check System

Verifying the SDS information is necessary. Software solutions from CloudSDS enables users to verify hazard classifications, precautionary statements, and pictograms as per the SDS list. To do this process, the organization should hire a trained person who will take care of meeting regulatory requirements (meeting label formats with OSHA)  

 

  1. Generate secondary container labels

In chemical transportation, secondary containers play a vital role. It is used to transfer chemicals from large or primary containers. Secondary containers need to be labelled in GHS format. With the help of CloudSDS, users can extract hazard information (such as product identification, pictograms, hazard classifications, and emergency measures) from the SDSs. Users can also customize the font size, pictogram location, and further safety information while generating secondary container labels.  

 

  1. Training

To generate labels effectively, providing training for the employees is necessary. Proper training helps the employees create accurate label formats for different containers and understand the key label elements (chemical names, pictograms). Using the CloudSDS Learning Management (LMS) Platform, providing training (learning about customizing the labels and reviewing the formats) becomes more effortless. 

 

  1. Regular Audits 

Regularly verifying the label formats and checking the labelling errors (if any) is necessary. With the help of CloudSDS, users can track label update-related information and verify the compliance statuses. Conducting regular audits can reduce the risks of compliance violations, lowering the risks of workplace hazards, etc.  

 

  1. Stay Updated

GHS label standards are modified over time. That’s why organizations should have the latest information about hazardous chemical-related information to ensure workplace safety. CloudSDS updates the labelling templates automatically. It provides real-time updates. If regulatory authorities list a new hazard class, then CloudSDS also updates that label information accordingly.   

 

  1. SDS label library

With the help of the SDS label library, users can search any label by entering a chemical name, CFR number, and hazard class. CloudSDS simplifies the process of searching as its SDS label library allows users to take instant printouts, access the history of label upgrades, and extract information quickly.  

 

 Conclusion: 

The above discussion highlights that standardizing the process for generating GHS-compliant labels enhances workplace safety without ignoring compliance with regulations. Applying customized software solutions, implementing customizing SDS, and conducting regular auditing will result in a streamlined, effective, and well-structured method for GHS label generation. Following the steps mentioned above leads to a safer work environment.