Hazard Communication (GHS) & Chemicals

You have a right to know about the chemicals you work around — that's Hazard Communication.

The system (GHS)

• Labels with standardized pictograms (flame, skull, health hazard) and signal words ("Danger" / "Warning").
• Safety Data Sheets (SDS) — a standard 16-section sheet for every hazardous chemical, kept available on site.
• Training on the hazards and how to protect yourself.

Your habits

Read the label and SDS before using a product, use the right PPE and ventilation, and store and dispose of chemicals properly.

Going Deeper (Intermediate)

GHS (Globally Harmonized System) standardized HazCom worldwide so a chemical's hazards read the same everywhere. The three pillars:

• Classification — chemicals sorted into health, physical, and environmental hazard classes and categories (Category 1 is most severe).
• Labels — product identifier, signal word, pictograms, hazard statements (H-codes), precautionary statements (P-codes), supplier info.
• SDS — the 16-section standardized format.

Advanced / Pro-Level

Reading it fluently:

• Signal words: only two — "Danger" (severe) and "Warning" (less severe).
• 9 pictograms: flame, flame-over-circle (oxidizer), exploding bomb, gas cylinder, corrosion, skull & crossbones (acute tox), health hazard (carcinogen/sensitizer), exclamation mark (irritant), environment.
• SDS sections 1–8 are mandatory content for OSHA; 12–15 (eco, disposal, transport, regulatory) are not OSHA-enforced but present.
• Secondary containers must be labeled; workplace labeling can use HMIS/NFPA systems if workers are trained on them.
• Cross-check the PEL/TLV in §8 against your exposure and pick PPE accordingly.

Practice Challenge

A drum's label shows the flame-over-circle pictogram and signal word Danger. What hazard is that, and what storage mistake must you avoid? (Answer: it's an oxidizer — keep it away from flammables/fuels and organic materials, since oxidizers intensify fires.)

In Practice

Two unlabeled jugs on a shelf — one's water, one's caustic. GHS labels and the SDS exist so no one has to guess. Never use an unlabeled container.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using unlabeled containers
• Not knowing where the SDS binder is
• Ignoring the pictograms and signal words

Takeaway: Know the GHS labels and pictograms, read the SDS before using a chemical, and use the right PPE — it's your right to know.

⚠️ Educational overview — NOT official OSHA certification. Get formal training from an authorized trainer and follow current OSHA standards (29 CFR 1926) and your employer's program.