Handling chemicals involves risks. To minimize these risks, a labeling system was developed, the so-called Global Harmonized System (GHS) . A key element of this system are the hazard pictograms, which provide information about the potential dangers of chemicals at a glance. These pictograms, uniform and internationally understandable, play a crucial role in preventing accidents and damage to health. In this article, we explain the meaning of these symbols, their specific warnings and how they contribute to protecting people and the environment worldwide.

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Introduction to the Global Harmonized System (GHS)

The Global Harmonized System (GHS) is intended to standardize the handling of chemicals at an international level. It defines criteria for the allocation of hazardous substances into certain categories. It also regulates details regarding their placement on packaging and integration into safety data sheets.

Objectives and significance of the GHS for global chemical safety

The GHS plays a central role in improving global chemical safety . It is an important step towards ensuring a high level of protection for people and the environment when dealing with chemicals.

  • The uniform labelling of chemicals increases transparency and enables faster risk assessment , which reduces accidents and poisonings.
  • The GHS standards reduce health risks and help prevent environmental damage from chemicals by promoting proper handling and disposal.
  • The GHS supports sustainable environmental practices because it establishes globally uniform safety standards for chemicals.

Role of pictograms in risk prevention and occupational safety

Hazard symbols serve as visual warning signals and enable a quick and intuitive understanding of potential risks. Each of the clearly defined symbols represents a specific hazard category , be it acute toxicity, explosion hazard or corrosive effects. Potential hazards can be identified at a glance and employees can take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and those around them.

A hazard pictogram overview provides a comprehensive compilation of all relevant symbols and their meaning. It supports the correct interpretation of the visual warning signals. The signal words “Warning” and “Danger” on GHS stickers are used to indicate different levels of danger:

concerns lower and less serious hazard categories

concerns higher and more serious risk categories

Overview of GHS hazard pictograms

Hazard pictograms for chemicals, or chemical hazard pictograms for short , are systematically presented in a hazard pictogram table. They have a clear, easy-to-read design: All hazard pictograms are placed within a square standing on its tip in bright red. The red is identified as Pantone 485 C in the Pantone color system and ensures maximum visibility and recognizability. The symbols themselves are black on a white background.

Details about the 9 hazard pictograms and their meaning can be found here:

Visual representation of the GHS symbols

GHS01 “Exploding Bomb”

The GHS01 pictogram, an exploding bomb, is used on hazardous substance labels to identify materials that can react explosively . It warns that such hazardous substances or mixtures can explode when exposed to heat, strong impact or friction.

GHS02 “Flame”

The symbol GHS02, a flame above a black crossbar, identifies highly flammable chemicals. It illustrates the GHS02 meaning, which shows that these substances can quickly catch fire when they come into contact with sparks, open flames or intense heat. If stored improperly, there is even a risk of spontaneous combustion.

GHS03 “Flame over circle”

The hazard symbol GHS03 shows flames above a circle placed on a crossbar. It represents that a substance or mixture has oxidizing properties . This means that it promotes the combustion of other materials, is highly flammable or is itself explosive.

GHS04 “Gas cylinder”

The GHS04 pictogram, shown as a gas bottle, warns of compressed, liquefied or pressurized gases . It indicates the risk of suffocation, poisoning, burns or explosion. If the container is opened accidentally, pressurized gases can escape uncontrollably and cause injuries.

GHS05 “Corrosive”

The GHS05 pictogram shows two stylized test tubes from which liquid drips onto a hand and onto metal. The hand and the metal are partially dissolved. The GHS05 pictogram indicates the corrosive effect of the labeled substance and the associated physical hazards. Metals can also be attacked.

GHS06 “Skull and Crossbones”

The GHS06 pictogram shows a skull and crossbones underneath. This symbol indicates the extreme danger posed by substances that exhibit acute toxicity. It warns of chemicals that can cause serious damage to health or death, even in the smallest quantities, whether through inhalation, ingestion or contact.

GHS07 “Exclamation mark”

The GHS07 pictogram is an “exclamation mark” and signals general hazards. It warns of health risks that do not appear immediately serious, but can lead to serious problems if ignored. The GHS07 meaning includes skin irritation, allergic reactions and other health consequences that may only become apparent later.

GHS08 “Health hazard”

The GHS08 pictogram shows a human torso with star-shaped, coarse cracks in the chest area. The symbol is used to warn of long-term health hazards . This refers to injuries that can result from repeated or long-term exposure to certain chemicals that are carcinogenic, reproductive toxic or organ-damaging.

GHS09 “Environment”

The GHS09 hazard pictogram illustrates a dead tree next to a dead fish. It warns of chemicals that cause long-term damage to aquatic organisms . Substances labelled with the environmental pictogram represent a direct threat to the environment, particularly to aquatic habitats.

The different hazard classes

The classification into hazard classes and the subdivision into hazard categories form the foundation of the GHS to systematically record the diverse risks of chemicals. The categorization is intended to ensure that employees understand the severity of the hazard within a class and respond appropriately.

Physical hazard classes concern substances that have explosive or flammable properties by their nature. These classes warn of materials that can react under certain conditions such as heat, pressure or contact with other substances and thereby cause potentially dangerous situations such as explosions or fires.

Certain GHS hazard pictograms warn of a variety of health risks that can be caused by chemicals. The corresponding chemical hazard pictograms serve as warnings for substances that can cause long-term or acute health damage because they are carcinogenic, cause poisoning, affect reproductive function or irritate the respiratory tract.

Environmental hazards include the harmful effects of individual substances and mixtures on aquatic organisms . Chemicals that can harm aquatic life are characterized according to their negative effects, such as poisoning, reproductive disorders and long-term habitat destruction.

Legal requirements for the labelling of chemicals

The GHS Regulation and the Regulation on Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures (CLP Regulation) provide the basic framework for the use of hazard pictograms on chemicals. Additional country-specific or industry-specific regulations may complement the use of hazard pictograms, but must be compatible with the GHS requirements.

Differences in the application of the GHS in different countries and regions

Requirements for the size, visibility and legibility of pictograms

The requirements for the labels are as follows:

  • For packaging under 3 litres, pictograms must have a minimum edge length of 10 mm.
  • On larger containers, an edge length of at least 20 mm is required.

Even larger packaging units must be provided with even larger information, although there are no explicit requirements. The basic rule is that the information must be legible . The markings must be placed on the front of the packaging in such a way that they cannot be covered and are easily visible during normal handling of the product.

Importance of training for employees in handling hazardous substances

Training employees in the safe handling of hazardous substances is essential to prevent accidents at work, protect health in the workplace and protect the environment. Regular training and instruction ensure that those involved are informed about the risks and the correct safety procedures. This includes understanding the content, the prescribed handling of substances and the correct application of GHS labels.

Digital implementation in the company through iManSys Software

Die GHS-Verordnung kann zunächst einen Mehraufwand bedeuten, da sowohl eine Umstellung als auch eine Schulung erforderlich sind. iManSys vereinfacht die Handhabung von Gefahrenpiktogrammen durch digitale Lösungen. Die Software bietet eine zentrale Plattform mit digitaler Bibliothek und automatischer Kennzeichnung. Integrierte Lernmodule helfen dabei, Mitarbeitende umfassend zu schulen und Ihnen die Bedeutsamkeit der Gefahrenpiktogramme zugänglich zu machen. Vorlagen und Checklisten unterstützen die Erstellung konformer Gefahrgutkennzeichnungen, während regelmäßige Updates die Einhaltung aktueller Vorschriften gewährleisten. Mit iManSys optimieren Sie die Arbeitssicherheit, die Compliance und die Kommunikation im Umgang mit Gefahrgut.

If you would like to find out more about hazardous substance management, take a look at our software world!

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