What is GHS?

Updated on: June 16, 2026 3 MINUTE WATCH Published on: Feb 03, 2023

What is GHS? Video Summary

GHS stands for the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. Developed by the United Nations in 1992 and adopted by OSHA in 2012, GHS is an international framework that standardizes how chemicals are classified by hazard type and how that information is communicated through labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS). The system uses nine standardized pictograms, signal words, hazard statements, and precautionary statements to ensure workers worldwide can understand chemical hazards at a glance.

Video Transcription

GHS, or the Globally Harmonized System, is a set of standards created by the U.N. and adopted by a number of countries around the world. They provide guidelines on how chemicals are to be safely classified and labeled.

GHS provides a standardized system to inform workers about hazardous chemicals. This will improve the worker's understanding of present hazards and lead to safer handling and use of chemicals. That means fewer workplace injuries and an increased environmental awareness.

GHS helps to: Simplify and increase international trade by improving communication between countries through a globally recognized system. It reduces worker confusion caused by different standards and provides a framework for countries without chemical safety systems. GHS also reduces the costs associated with government enforcement and company compliance of having to meet the standards of multiple countries.

Created by the United Nations: GHS is a system that can be adopted by any country wishing to participate in the international commerce or trade of hazardous materials. If a country decides to adopt GHS; that country is responsible for the enforcement of the GHS standards they wish to adopt. A growing number of countries all over the world use GHS: China, Japan, Greece, Iceland, the UK, Brazil, South Africa and over fifty more.

In the US, OSHA implemented the HazCom 2012 standards which incorporate components of GHS. Over 5 million workplaces in the U.S. have environments where employees could be exposed to hazardous chemicals and OSHA predicts the implementation of GHS in the US will result in a reduction in accidents, fatalities, injuries and illnesses from exposure to hazardous chemicals.

To find out more about GHS, how it's being incorporated into OSHA's HazCom 2012 standards or to ensure compliant labeling at your facility.

GHS and HazCom - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does GHS stand for? GHS stands for the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. It is an internationally agreed-upon framework created by the United Nations to standardize how chemical hazards are classified and communicated through labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

How many GHS pictograms are there and what do they mean? There are nine GHS pictograms, each represented by a black symbol inside a red diamond-shaped border. They cover explosives (GHS01), flammables (GHS02), oxidizers (GHS03), compressed gases (GHS04), corrosives (GHS05), acute toxicity (GHS06), irritants and lower-level hazards (GHS07), serious health hazards like carcinogens (GHS08), and environmental hazards (GHS09).

What are the six required elements on a GHS label? Every GHS-compliant label must include: (1) a product identifier, (2) a signal word ("Danger" or "Warning"), (3) hazard statement(s), (4) precautionary statement(s), (5) the appropriate pictogram(s), and (6) supplier identification including name, address, and phone number.

Does OSHA require GHS compliance in the United States? Yes. OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), found in 29 CFR 1910.1200, requires employers to follow GHS-aligned labeling and Safety Data Sheet formats. The most recent update aligns OSHA's standard with GHS Revision 7, with compliance deadlines for substances in May 2026 and mixtures in November 2026.

What is the difference between GHS and HazCom? GHS is the international UN framework that defines how chemicals should be classified and labeled worldwide. HazCom (Hazard Communication) is OSHA's U.S. regulation that adopts and enforces GHS requirements in American workplaces. In short, GHS is the global standard and HazCom is how the U.S. implements it.

What is the difference between "Danger" and "Warning" on a GHS label? "Danger" is used for more severe hazard categories and "Warning" is used for less severe categories. Only one signal word can appear on a label — if multiple hazards are present, the label uses whichever signal word corresponds to the most severe hazard.

What is a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) under GHS? A Safety Data Sheet is a standardized 16-section document that provides detailed information about a chemical product, including its hazards, safe handling procedures, storage requirements, exposure controls, and emergency measures. GHS replaced the older Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) format with the SDS to create a consistent, internationally recognized structure.

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