Guides

ghs labels

hazard communication standardghs labels, globally harmonized system pictograms, ghs pictogram labels

GHS Labels Under OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom)

GHS labels are the front-line communication tool for chemical hazards in the workplace. In the U.S., they’re required by OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom), 29 CFR 1910.1200, which aligns label elements and Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS). When labels are accurate and consistent, workers can quickly recognize hazards, select proper PPE, and respond to spills or exposures.

OSHA requires that hazardous chemicals in the workplace be labeled, and that employees have access to complete hazard information (including SDSs) at all times. That means your labeling program isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s a compliance cornerstone.

Compliance note: OSHA’s HazCom (29 CFR 1910.1200) requires chemical manufacturers and importers to label shipped containers, and employers to maintain labels on workplace containers and ensure employees are trained to understand them.

What GHS Labels Must Include (OSHA HazCom Requirements)

Under HazCom, shipped container labels must include specific elements. While many people focus on the pictograms, the full label works as a system—each piece supports faster and safer decision-making.

Required label elements under 29 CFR 1910.1200

A compliant GHS-aligned label generally includes:

  • Product identifier (matches the SDS)
  • Signal word (e.g., “Danger” or “Warning”)
  • Hazard statement(s) (standardized phrases describing the nature of the hazard)
  • Precautionary statement(s) (recommended measures for prevention/response/storage/disposal)
  • Supplier identification (name, address, phone)
  • Globally harmonized system pictograms (graphical hazard symbols)

The most common breakdown in audits is inconsistency—labels that don’t match the SDS, missing hazard statements, or secondary containers that aren’t labeled. A strong SDS management process makes it easier to keep labels accurate and aligned with current revisions.

Globally Harmonized System Pictograms: The Visual Language of Hazard

Globally harmonized system pictograms are standardized hazard symbols inside a red diamond border (for OSHA-required pictograms). They enable quick identification of major hazard types like flammability, acute toxicity, or corrosivity.

Number of hazard pictograms in hazard communication system

Many teams ask about the number of hazard pictograms in hazard communication system. Under GHS, there are nine pictograms used internationally. In the U.S. OSHA HazCom context, eight are typically applicable on shipped chemical labels because OSHA does not enforce the GHS “environment” pictogram as a mandatory element.

The main GHS system pictograms used on OSHA-aligned labels

Below are the commonly used ghs system pictograms you’ll see under HazCom-aligned labeling:

  • Flame: flammables, pyrophorics, self-reactives, organic peroxides
  • Flame over circle: oxidizers
  • Gas cylinder: gases under pressure
  • Corrosion: skin corrosion/burns, eye damage, corrosive to metals
  • Skull and crossbones: acute toxicity (severe)
  • Exclamation mark: irritant, skin sensitizer, acute toxicity (harmful), narcotic effects
  • Health hazard: carcinogen, respiratory sensitizer, reproductive toxicity, target organ toxicity, aspiration hazard
  • Exploding bomb: explosives, self-reactives, organic peroxides (higher hazard)
  • Environment (non-mandatory under OSHA): aquatic toxicity (often still used by suppliers)

Because pictograms are tied to hazard classifications, changes in hazard classification or SDS revisions can trigger necessary label updates—one more reason to keep SDSs current and centralized.

GHS Pictogram Labels vs. Workplace Labels: What Employers Must Do

OSHA distinguishes between labels on shipped containers and labeling within the workplace.

Shipped container labels

Chemical manufacturers and importers must ensure shipped containers are labeled with all required elements (product identifier, signal word, hazard statements, precautionary statements, pictograms, and supplier info) per HazCom.

Workplace (secondary) container labels

Employers must ensure workplace containers are labeled as well. For secondary containers (like spray bottles or process containers), OSHA allows flexibility as long as the labeling approach conveys key hazard information and employees are trained to understand it.

Common compliant approaches include:

  • Replicating the shipped container label elements
  • Using a workplace labeling system (NFPA/HMIS or other) if it conveys the required information and employees are trained

Regardless of the method, the practical goal is the same: a worker should be able to identify what’s in the container and understand the hazards quickly.

How GHS Labels Support HazCom Training and Worker Right-to-Know

HazCom is fundamentally about hazard communication: labels, SDS access, and training. OSHA requires employee training on hazardous chemicals in their work area, including how to read labels and SDSs.

What employees should be able to interpret

Effective training should ensure workers can:

  1. Identify the product identifier and match it to the SDS
  2. Understand the meaning of signal words (“Danger” vs. “Warning”)
  3. Recognize ghs pictogram labels and what hazard categories they represent
  4. Apply precautionary statements to real tasks (handling, storage, PPE, spill response)

When labels are missing or outdated, training becomes less effective and incident risk increases.

Common GHS Labeling Mistakes That Trigger OSHA Findings

Even well-run programs can have gaps. These are frequent issues seen in inspections and internal audits:

  • Secondary containers unlabeled or labeled with informal terms only (e.g., “cleaner”)
  • Product identifier mismatch between label and SDS
  • Old SDS revisions causing labels to reflect outdated hazards
  • Illegible or damaged labels on frequently handled containers
  • Inconsistent pictograms and hazard statements across sites or departments

The operational fix is to connect labels to a controlled SDS library and chemical inventory, so changes to chemical hazards are visible and actionable.

Streamlining GHS Label and SDS Management with SwiftSDS

Managing labels is easier when your SDS program is organized, searchable, and accessible—especially across multiple locations. SwiftSDS helps solve common SDS management challenges by centralizing your documentation and making it easier to keep hazard communication aligned.

With SwiftSDS, organizations can:

  • Maintain a centralized SDS library so product identifiers and hazard information are consistent
  • Support OSHA compliance with HazCom (29 CFR 1910.1200) by ensuring SDS access for employees
  • Leverage GHS support to keep classification and labeling information organized
  • Track chemicals through chemical inventory management (locations, quantities, expiration dates)
  • Provide mobile access so workers can retrieve SDS details instantly—helpful when a GHS label raises questions during a task or emergency

When your team can quickly find the correct SDS and verify hazard statements and pictograms, it becomes much easier to standardize labeling, reduce errors, and demonstrate compliance during audits.

Practical Steps to Improve Your GHS Labeling Program

A few program-level actions can quickly improve consistency and reduce risk:

  1. Standardize product identifiers across purchasing, inventory, labels, and SDS records
  2. Audit secondary containers regularly for label presence and legibility
  3. Verify pictograms and hazard statements against the latest SDS revision
  4. Train by task, not just by regulation—use examples workers actually handle
  5. Centralize SDS access so employees and supervisors can confirm hazards in seconds

Call to Action

If you’re working to improve HazCom compliance and reduce confusion around ghs labels, make SDS access and chemical records your foundation. SwiftSDS gives you a secure, cloud-based way to organize SDSs, support GHS alignment, and keep hazard communication consistent across your workplace.

Ready to tighten up your labeling and HazCom program? Explore SwiftSDS and see how centralized SDS management can simplify compliance and improve worker safety.

Learn more: SDS Management Software | OSHA HazCom Resources