The 

Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) is an

internationally agreed-upon standard managed by the United Nations that was set up to replace the
assortment of hazardous material classification and labelling schemes previously used around the
world. Core elements of the GHS include standardized hazard testing criteria, universal warning
pictograms, and harmonized safety data sheets which provide users of dangerous goods with a host
of information. The system acts as a complement to the UN Numbered system of regulated
hazardous material transport. Implementation is managed through the UN Secretariat. Although
adoption has taken time, as of 2017, the system has been enacted to significant extents in most
major countries of the world.[1] This includes the European Union, which has implemented the United
Nations' GHS into EU law as the CLP Regulation, and United States Occupational Safety and Health
Administration standards.

Contents

 1History
 2Hazard classification
o 2.1Physical hazards
o 2.2Health hazards
o 2.3Substitute substances
o 2.4Environmental hazards
o 2.5Classification of mixtures
 3Testing requirements
 4Hazard communication
o 4.1GHS label elements
o 4.2GHS label format
o 4.3Safety data sheet
 5Training
 6Implementation
 7See also
 8References
 9Bibliography
 10External links

History[edit]
Before the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) was
created and implemented, there were many different regulations on hazard classification in use in
different countries, resulting in multiple standards, classifications and labels for the same hazard.
Given the $1.7 trillion per year international trade in chemicals requiring hazard classification, the
cost of compliance with multiple systems of classification and labeling is significant. Developing a
worldwide standard accepted as an alternative to local and regional systems presented an
opportunity to reduce cost and improve compliance.[2]
The GHS development began at the 1992 Rio Conference on Environment and Development by the
United Nations[3] also called Earth Summit (1992) when the International Labour Organization (ILO),
the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), various governments and
other stakeholders agreed that "A globally harmonized hazard classification and compatible labelling
system, including material safety data sheets and easily understandable symbols, should be
available if feasible, by the year 2000".[4]
The universal standard for all countries was to replace all the diverse classification systems;
however, it is not a compulsory provision of any treaty. The GHS provides a common infrastructure
for participating countries to use when implementing a hazard classification and Hazard
Communication Standard.[2]

Hazard classification[edit]
The GHS classification system is a complex system with data obtained from tests, literature, and
practical experience.
The main elements of the hazard classification criteria are summarized below:

Physical hazards[edit]
Substances or articles are assigned to 8 different hazard classes largely based on the United
Nations Dangerous Goods System.[5]:59–60 Additions and changes have been necessary since the
scope of the GHS includes all target audiences.

1. Explosives, which are assigned to one of six subcategories depending on the type of hazard
they present, as used in the UN Dangerous Goods System.
2. Gases are category 1 flammable if they start to flame in a range in air at 20 °C (68 °F) and a
standard pressure of 101.3 kPa. Category 2 is Non flammable and non toxic gases, and
category 3 is toxic gases. Substances and mixtures of this hazard class are assigned to one
of two hazard categories on the basis of the outcome of the test or calculation method.
3. A flammable liquid is a liquid with a flash point of not more than 93 °C (199.4 °F).
Substances and mixtures of this hazard class are assigned to one of four hazard categories
on the basis of the flash point and boiling point. A pyrophoric liquid is a liquid that, even in
small quantities, is liable to ignite within five minutes after coming into contact with air.
Substances and mixtures of this hazard class are assigned to a single hazard category on
the basis of the outcome of the UN Test N.3.
4. A flammable solid is one that is readily combustible or may cause or contribute to fire
through friction. Readily combustible solids are powdered, granular, or pasty substances
which are dangerous if they can be easily ignited by brief contact with an ignition source,
such as a burning match, and if the flame spreads rapidly. it is further divided into
• flammable solids,
• polymerizing substances
5. self-reactive substances, are thermally unstable solids liable to undergo a
strongly exothermic thermal decomposition even without participation of oxygen (air), other
than materials classified as explosive, organic peroxides or as oxidizing.
6. pyrophoric substance more colloquially described as spontaneously combusting substances
are those solids or liquids that even in small quantities are liable to ignite within five minutes
after coming into contact with air. Substances and mixtures of this hazard class are
assigned to a single hazard category on the basis of the outcome of the UN Test N.2.
7. Self-heating substances A self-heating solids or liquids, other than a pyrophoric substance, is
one which, by reaction with air and without energy supply, are liable to self-heat.
Substances and mixtures of this hazard class are assigned to one of two hazard categories
on the basis of the outcome of the UN Test N.4. Substances which on contact with water
emit flammable gases are liable to become spontaneously flammable or to give off
flammable gases in dangerous quantities. Substances and mixtures of this hazard class are
assigned to one of three hazard categories on the basis of the outcome of UN Test N.5,
which measures gas evolution and speed of evolution. Flammable aerosols can be
 classified as Class 1 or Class 2 if they contain any component, which is classified as
flammable.
8. Oxidizing substances and organic peroxides contain
• category 1: oxidizing substances and
• category 2: organic peroxides, organic liquids or solids that contain the bivalent -O-O-
structure and may be considered a derivative of hydrogen peroxide, where one or both of
the hydrogen atoms have been replaced by organic radicals. The term also includes organic
peroxide formulations (mixtures).
Substances and mixtures of this hazard class are assigned to one of seven 'Types', A to G,
on the basis of the outcome of the UN Test Series A to H.
9. Radioactive substances
10. Substances corrosive to metal are substances or mixtures that by chemical action will
materially damage or even destroy metals. These substances or mixtures are classified in a
single hazard category on the basis of tests (Steel: ISO 9328 (II): 1991 - Steel type P235;
Aluminum: ASTM G31-72 (1990) - non-clad types 7075-T6 or AZ5GU-T66). The GHS
criteria are a corrosion rate on steel or aluminum surfaces exceeding 6.25 mm (0.246063in)
per year at a test temperature of 55 °C (131°F).
11. Miscellaneous dangerous substances
Health hazards[edit]
 Acute toxicity includes five GHS categories from which the appropriate elements relevant to
transport, consumer, worker and environment protection can be selected. Substances are
assigned to one of the five toxicity categories on the basis of LD50 (oral, dermal) or
LC50 (inhalation).
 Skin corrosion means the production of irreversible damage to the skin following the
application of a test substance for up to 4 hours. Substances and mixtures in this hazard class
are assigned to a single harmonized corrosion category.
 Skin irritation means the production of reversible damage to the skin following the application
of a test substance for up to 4 hours. Substances and mixtures in this hazard class are assigned
to a single irritant category. For those authorities, such as pesticide regulators, wanting more
than one designation for skin irritation, an additional mild irritant category is provided.
 Serious eye damage means the production of tissue damage in the eye, or serious physical
decay of vision, following application of a test substance to the front surface of the eye, which is
not fully reversible within 21 days of application. Substances and mixtures in this hazard class
are assigned to a single harmonized category.
 Eye irritation means changes in the eye following the application of a test substance to the
front surface of the eye, which are fully reversible within 21 days of application. Substances and
mixtures in this hazard class are assigned to a single harmonized hazard category. For
authorities, such as pesticide regulators, wanting more than one designation for eye irritation,
one of two subcategories can be selected, depending on whether the effects are reversible in 21
or 7 days.
 Respiratory sensitizer means a substance that induces hypersensitivity of the airways
following inhalation of the substance. Substances and mixtures in this hazard class are assigned
to one hazard category.
 Skin sensitizer means a substance that will induce an allergic response following skin
contact. The definition for "skin sensitizer" is equivalent to "contact sensitizer". Substances and
mixtures in this hazard class are assigned to one hazard category.
 Germ cell mutagenicity means an agent giving rise to an increased occurrence
of mutations in populations of cells and/or organisms. Substances and mixtures in this hazard
class are assigned to one of two hazard categories. Category 1 has two subcategories.
 Carcinogenicity means a chemical substance or a mixture of chemical substances that
induce cancer or increase its incidence. Substances and mixtures in this hazard class are
assigned to one of two hazard categories. Category 1 has two subcategories.
 Reproductive toxicity includes adverse effects on sexual function and fertility in adult males
and females, as well as developmental toxicity in offspring. Substances and mixtures with
reproductive and/or developmental effects are assigned to one of two hazard categories, 'known
or presumed' and 'suspected'. Category 1 has two subcategories for reproductive and
developmental effects. Materials which cause concern for the health of breastfed children have a
separate category: effects on or via Lactation.
 Specific target organ toxicity (STOT)  [6] category distinguishes between single and repeated
exposure for Target Organ Effects. All significant health effects, not otherwise specifically
included in the GHS, that can impair function, both reversible and irreversible, immediate and/or
delayed are included in the non-lethal target organ/systemic toxicity class (TOST). Narcotic
effects and respiratory tract irritation are considered to be target organ systemic effects following
a single exposure. Substances and mixtures of the single exposure target organ toxicity hazard
class are assigned to one of three hazard categories. Substances and mixtures of the repeated
exposure target organ toxicity hazard class are assigned to one of two hazard categories.
 Aspiration hazard includes severe acute effects such as chemical pneumonia, varying
degrees of pulmonary injury or death following aspiration. Aspiration is the entry of a liquid or
solid directly through the oral or nasal cavity, or indirectly from vomiting, into
the trachea and lower respiratory system. Substances and mixtures of this hazard class are
assigned to one of two hazard categories this hazard class on the basis of viscosity.