Global harmonisation of classification and labelling of hazardous chemicals

The Globally Harmonised System (GHS) for classification and labelling will provide an internationally agreed system for hazard classification of chemical products and for communication of those hazards. Under the system, chemicals will be classified according to their physical (e.g. flammability), health/toxicological and environmental hazards. The toxicological endpoints used in the system are acute toxicity, irritation or corrosivity, sensitisation, carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, reproductive toxicity and chronic or repeat dose toxicity. The intended target audiences are those concerned with transport of dangerous goods, consumers, workers and emergency responders. Labels and safety data sheets (SDS) are the core tools of the GHS hazard communication system, and the harmonised labelling elements are symbols (within a pictogram), signal words and hazard statements. The GHS will use a building block approach in which application may vary according to the circumstances, type of product, and stage of life cycle, allowing selection of the elements appropriate to the needs of the various end users.