What is a GHS Label?
Within the past years, hazardous labeling requirements have changed drastically.
GHS, or Globally Harmonized System, is a system for classifying and labeling hazardous materials. Depending on which country you ship goods to, and the method you ship them, you may be under the regulations of GHS, as well as HCS and IMDG. You may be asking yourself, “what is a GHS label and how do I ensure my labels meet GHS label requirements?”
Let Imprint Enterprises take the guesswork out of GHS labels with our customized printing solutions. We can guide you through the process of GHS labeling and produce the required two color labels in a range of sizes, formats, and materials.
GHS Label Requirements for Containers
The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling (GHS) was adopted by the United Nations in 2003. This system aims to unify the labeling systems throughout the world. It classifies health, physical, and environmental hazards.
GHS defines what information should be included on labels of hazardous chemicals and safety data sheets. Petroleum and chemical companies shipping hazardous products into or within the European Union use self-adhesive labels with updated GHS color pictograms. All labels are required to have pictograms, a signal word, hazard and precautionary statements, the product identifier and supplier identification.
OSHA Hazcom (HCS) Compliance in the United States
The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has adopted the European Union’s GHS requirements as a part of their updated Hazcom (HCS) regulations. The regulations have been phased in over the past 3 years. The final deadline is December 1, 2015. OSHA modified the regulations to meet a single set of criteria for classifying chemicals according to their health and physical hazards for labeling and safety data sheets (SDS).
IMDG Compliant and BS 5609 Certification
If you are shipping hazardous materials through international waterways, you must be compliant with the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) code. This code regulates how goods are classified and identified, packed, marked, labelled and placarded, documented, stowed on board the vessel, and segregated from other goods.
The British Standard (BS) 5609 outlines the standard for pressure sensitive labels at sea. All labels must meet the Marine Immersion Label testing standard, which requires label stock and printed information be able to withstand 3 months of immersion in seawater.
What are the benefits of GHS labeling?
These regulations define the health, physical, and environmental hazards of the chemicals you are shipping. These labels quickly communicate hazard information and protective measures. In doing so, they create a safer work environment for employees, so they feel protected and assured. The efficient verification of chemicals increases efficiency and thus reduces costs. The expanded training programs on health and safety also provide increased credibility and improved company image.
These regulations define the health, physical, and environmental hazards of the chemicals you are shipping. These labels quickly communicate hazard information and protective measures. In doing so, they create a safer work environment for employees, so they feel protected and assured. The efficient verification of chemicals increases efficiency and thus reduces costs. The expanded training programs on health and safety also provide increased credibility and improved company image. We partner with ARMOR for optimal GHS labeling solutions.
How can Imprint help?
Imprint has the experience and expertise to help you find and apply compliant labels. We offer labels that meet the GHS, HCS, and IMDG requirements, so you can always be confident that your chemical labeling meets the standards set forth. Researching the various mandates can be difficult and time consuming. Instead, let Imprint handle it. We’ll work with you to make sure you find the labels to stay compliant.