Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) Guidelines and Transport Regulations

Comprehensive review flashcards covering the guidelines, label elements, precedence rules, packaging examples, and nine hazard pictograms of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS).

What is the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) and what organization published it?

The GHS is an international guideline published by the United Nations.

What is the primary aim of the GHS?

To harmonize the classification and labeling systems for all sectors involved in the life cycle of a chemical, including production, storage, transport, workplace use, consumer use, and presence in the environment.

How many symbols does the GHS use to convey hazard information?

The GHS uses $9$ symbols to convey specific physical, health, and environmental hazard information.

What are the visual characteristics of a GHS pictogram?

It is diamond shaped and features a black GHS symbol on a white background with a red frame.

What required elements make up a complete GHS label in addition to the pictogram?

A signal word, hazard statement, precautionary statements, product identifier, and supplier identification.

How do GHS pictograms differ visually from transport labels?

While both are similar in diamond shape, transport labels feature backgrounds of different colors, whereas GHS pictograms have a white background with a red frame.

Which GHS label elements are not expected to be adopted in the transport sector?

Signal words and hazard statements.

Under the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, Model Regulations, which labels take precedence for physical hazards?

Transport labels take precedence over GHS pictograms for physical hazards.

What signal words are used on GHS hazard warning labels?

"Danger" or "Warning".

On what types of containment might a GHS label appear alongside transport labels and placards?

On means of containment that must address information for all sectors, such as drums or intermediate bulk containers (IBCs).

What physical hazards are represented by the exploding bomb GHS pictogram?

Explosive, self-reactive, and organic peroxide.

What physical hazards are represented by the flame GHS pictogram?

Flammable, pyrophoric, self-reactive, organic peroxide, self-heating, and emits flammable gases when in contact with water.

What physical hazard is conveyed by the flame-over-circle GHS pictogram?

Oxidizer.

What physical hazard is represented by the gas cylinder GHS pictogram?

Gas under pressure.

Which physical and health hazards are indicated by the corrosion GHS pictogram?

Corrosive to metals (physical hazard), as well as skin corrosion and serious eye damage (health hazards).

What health hazard is identified by the skull and crossbones GHS pictogram?

Acute toxicity (fatal or toxic).

What health and environmental hazards are represented by the exclamation mark (!) GHS pictogram?

Acute toxicity (harmful), skin sensitizer, irritant (skin and eye), narcotic effect, respiratory tract irritant, and hazardous to ozone layer (environment).

What serious chronic health hazards are represented by the health hazard (torso silhouette) GHS pictogram?

Respiratory sensitizer, mutagen, carcinogen, reproductive toxicity, target organ toxicity, and aspiration hazard.

What environmental hazard is represented by the tree and dead fish GHS pictogram?

Hazardous to aquatic environment.

What size drum is given as an example of single packaging combining a flammable liquid transport label with a GHS hazard warning label?

A $200\,\text{L}$ ($55\,\text{US gallons}$) drum.