GHS

The UN system that standardises how chemical hazards are classified, labelled and described on safety data sheets.

GHS is a United Nations framework giving chemical hazards a common vocabulary: defined hazard classes and categories, standard hazard and precautionary statements, standard pictograms, and the 16-section safety data sheet format.

It is not itself law. Countries adopt it into their own regulations, which is why implementations differ in detail and revision. In the United States it is adopted through OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard.

GHS is periodically revised, and jurisdictions adopt different revisions at different times, so two sheets for the same product can carry different classifications legitimately.

Related terms

• HazComOSHA's standard requiring that chemical hazards be classified, labelled, documented and communicated to workers.
• Hazard classThe nature of a chemical hazard under GHS: flammable liquid, skin corrosion, carcinogenicity and so on.
• GHS pictogramOne of nine standard symbols in a red diamond indicating a category of chemical hazard.
• Signal wordEither Danger or Warning, the GHS indicator of relative hazard severity.
• Safety Data SheetThe 16-section document a manufacturer must supply describing a hazardous chemical's hazards, handling and properties.

A plain-English explanation, not legal advice. Figures are the federal baseline; your state may differ, so see the state-by-state requirements.