The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) is a universal system to regulate the transfer of information regarding chemicals across international borders. Once in place, the GHS should create a system where people from all jurisdictions can read and understand the documents pertaining to a certain chemical or mixture.
One component of the GHS setup is the labeling of chemicals. The GHS has outlined specific requirements that must be followed in terms of creating a label for a chemical product. There are nine elements that must be included on all GHS labels. In this order, the following elements must be included:
- Product name or identifier
- Hazard symbol
- Signal word
- Physical, health and environmental hazard statements
- Supplemental information
- Precautionary measures and pictograms
- First aid statements
- Name and address of company
- Telephone number
Supplemental information can also be included on the label if the supplier would like to include additional information related to the hazard, such as physical state or routes of exposure. This information is non-harmonized information that is not required under the (GHS. In some cases, this information may be required by an additional authoritative agency, or it may just be added at the request of the manufacturer. The GHS allows for supplemental information to provide further detail, as long as it does not contradict or cast doubt on the validity of the required hazardous information.
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