Are your chemical labels compliant with the Globally Harmonized System?

What is GHS?

GHS stands for ‘Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals’ (GHS) and is adopted across the world. It was developed by the United Nations and its goal is to standardize and harmonize the classification and labelling of chemicals to give universally understood warnings to users.

The GHS provide a set of guidelines to ensure that information on the hazardous properties of chemicals are easily understood, to enhance the protection of human health and for the safety of production, transporting, handling and disposal.

?You will need to use GHS labels if you:

• Manufacture products with chemicals
• Import or distribute chemicals
• Work with hazardous chemicals in the workplace

What is required on a GHS label?

1. Product Name/Identifier - Chemical name, code number or batch number. Should match product identifier on SDS.
2. Signal Word - Indicates relative severity of hazard, "Danger" for the most serious hazard level or "Warning" for lower risks.
3. Hazard Statement - Must describe the nature of the hazards of a chemical, including, where appropriate, the degree of hazard.
4. Hazard Pictograms - Symbols to convey health, physical and environmental risks.
5. Supplier Identification - Must include name, address and telephone number of supplier.
6. Precautionary Statements - Any measures that could help minimize or prevent effects of hazard must be mentioned on GHS chemical labels, including first aid.

How can you create your GHS labels?

To make life easier for you, we have a FREE GHS software on our website at: https://www.avery.co.uk/ghs/software

This software enables you to create GHS or CLP labels, any size, material and shape. These include hazard and precautionary statements alongside of the flexibility to select the correct warning icons as necessary. There are many benefits of using our software

1. FREE to use
2. No system download required
3. Can be accessed via any device.

Our GHS label also includes correct up to date hazardous pictograms and statements.

Where should the GHS label be placed?

A GHS label, chemical label or product label should be placed on the outside of the container, clearly visible for the user to see. If the product is packaged, then the outer packaging should also be clearly labelled with a GHS compliant label.

What label should I use?

We would recommend using any of our tough resistant or ultra-resistant labels. With extra strong adhesive, abrasion, chemical resistance and their added ability to survive under sea water for at least 90 days, along with their extreme temperature (-40°C to + 150°C) rating they’re ideal for harsh environments. They are also steam cleanable and adhere well to curved surfaces.

Suitable for printing in most laser printers, the excellent print finish on these bright white labels is clear and sharp in both colour and black and white.

The great thing is these labels are available in a range of sizes; to find out more visit here https://www.avery.co.uk/labels/resistant

Visit our?Support?page for additional information about GHS, regulatory requirements and proper labelling information.

For more information on The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, visit the European Commission?website.