Name: UltraDuty® GHS Labels
Brand: Avery
SKU: sheets

Question 1

What is GHS?

Accepted Answer

GHS stands for the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. It was developed by the United Nations and its goal is to standardize and harmonize the classification and labeling of chemicals to give universally understood warnings to users. The three major areas of impact are:

Hazard Classification: Definitions of hazard now include specific criteria for classifying health and physical hazards as well as classification of mixtures. It will result in more accurate safety data sheets.
Labels: Chemical manufacturers, importers and distributors must use labels that include a harmonized signal word, pictograms and hazard statement for each hazard class and category. Precautionary statements must also be provided.
Safety Data Sheets: Now have a specific 16-section standardized format.

Question 2

Does GHS apply to small containers of chemicals?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Even if the hazardous chemical is in a small bottle, a manufacturer, importer or distributor must attach a GHS label to a hazardous chemical's immediate container if it is to be transported. It cannot be attached only to the outside packaging of a shipped chemical.

If a chemical manufacturer is able to show that it is not feasible to use a label (i.e. pull-out, fold-out label) or tags containing full GHS information, the shipped small chemical container at a minimum must contain the following:

Product identifier
Appropriate pictograms
Manufacturer's name and phone number
Signal word
A statement indicating that the full label information for the chemical is on the outside package that is holding the smaller containers

Additionally, the outside packaging at a minimum must comply with the following:

Outer label has all applicable GHS elements and it must be maintained (i.e. not torn, faded or destroyed)
Information stating that the small container must be stored in the outer container which has the complete GHS label
Ensure that outer packaging does not conflict with any other standard (i.e. outer packaging cannot be flammable if it contains a flammable chemical)

Question 3

How do I print secondary information on my labels?

Accepted Answer

Once you receive your roll of labels, insert it into your thermal transfer printer. You can either use Avery Design & Print Online to add and print your secondary content or you can use 3rd party software such as Bartender®. Click here to access the Quick Start Guide for more information.

Question 4

Does GHS affect current workplace hazard labeling systems?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If a chemical is supplied to the workplace with a GHS label, it must be maintained. If the chemical is transferred to a secondary container (i.e. tank or spray bottle) that remains in the workplace, then employers can choose to have it labeled it with the same information from the original GHS shipping label or safety data sheet. However, employers can also choose to use an alternative system such NFPA or HMIS. If using an alternative system, it is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that the information is consistent with GHS and that workers understand specific physical and health hazards.

If the chemical is transferred to a 'portable' secondary container for use by only the person who transferred it during the same work shift, then it is considered 'immediate use' and a label is not required.

Question 5

When did GHS take effect?

Accepted Answer

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) adopted GHS in 2012. The timeline for implementation in the U.S. was as follows:

PHASE 1:

December 2013

Employee GHS
training begins

PHASE 2:

June 2015

Manufacturers use
compliant labels

PHASE 3:

December 2015

Distributors use
compliant labels

PHASE 4:

June 2016

In-plant labeling
fully implemented

Question 6

What is required on a GHS label?

Accepted Answer

The diagram below shows an example of the main elements of a GHS label.

A. Product Name/Identifier

Should match product identifier on SDS

B. Signal Word

Indicates relative severity of hazard

C. Hazard Statement

Describes the nature of the hazard

D. Pictograms

Symbols to convey health, physical and environmental information

E. Supplier Identification

Name, address, telephone number of supplier

F. Precautionary Statements

Measures to minimize/prevent effects of hazard (includes first aid)

GHS Pictograms and Hazard Classes

Health Hazard

Carcinogen
Mutagenicity
Reproductive Toxicity
Respiratory Sensitizer
Target Organ Toxicity
Aspiration Toxicity

Flame

Flammables
Pyrophorics
Self-Heating
Emits Flammable Gas
Self-Reactives
Organic Peroxides

Exclamation Mark

Irritant (skin and eye)
Skin Sensitizer
Acute Toxicity (harmful)
Narcotic Effects
Respiratory Tract Irritant
Hazardous to Ozone Layer

(Non-mandatory)

Gas Cylinder

Gases Under Pressure

Corrosion

Skin Corrosion/burns
Eye Damage
Corrosive to Metals

Exploding Bomb

Explosives
Self-Reactives
Organic Peroxides

Question 7

If I have a GHS label do I need a Department of Transportation (DOT) label?

Accepted Answer

Yes, DOT labels must still be on the external part of a shipped container and must meet the requirements set forth in 49 CFR 172, Subpart E. OSHA will allow both DOT and GHS pictograms for the same hazard on a label. While the DOT diamond label is required for all hazardous chemicals on the outside shipping container, chemicals in smaller containers inside the larger shipped container do not require the DOT diamond but do require the GHS pictograms.

Question 8

Where can I get more detailed information on GHS?

Accepted Answer

Visit our Industrial page for additional information about GHS, regulatory requirements and proper labeling information.

For more information on The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals, visit the OSHA website at:

https://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom

Question 9

Does Avery have free software and templates for GHS?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Use our free Avery Design & Print GHS Wizard for a quick and easy way to create GHS labels. You can start with a blank or pre-designed template and then add GHS compliant information using a guided process. To get started on GHS Labels click here.

Question 10

Who does it affect?

Accepted Answer

GHS affects chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors and any company that has hazardous chemicals in the workplace.

Chemical manufacturers must re-classify their hazardous chemicals based on a common system of chemical classification defined by GHS. They must update their safety data sheets and also use GHS-compliant labels to identify their hazardous chemicals.
Chemical importers/distributors must ensure the hazardous chemicals they sell have GHS-compliant safety data sheets and GHS-compliant labels.
Employers with hazardous chemicals in the workplace must ensure that they have safety data sheets and labels for their exposed workers and that they are trained to handle the chemicals properly.

Question 11

Which material should I use for GHS chemical container labeling?

Accepted Answer

Select White UltraDuty Film for GHS and chemical labeling needs. White UltraDuty Film with the thermal transfer laminate is waterproof and resistant to chemicals, abrasion, tearing and temperatures. It is also BS 5609 section 2 and 3 certified.

Question 12

What is BS5609 Label Certification?

Accepted Answer

Companies transporting dangerous goods in marine environments (overseas) are subject to safety regulations and may require British Maritime Standards (BS5609) certification for their labeling components. This is a requirement for International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) certification. The purpose is to ensure that if a chemical drum falls off a ship that the label remains adhered, intact and legible after an extended period in the ocean. Labels need to withstand a three-month salt water submersion. BS5609 compliance means the label has met the most stringent tests for durability in the industry.

Avery UltraDuty GHS Chemical Labels by Avery WePrint are fully BS5609 certified (Sections 2 and 3).

What is BS5609 Section 2 compliance?

Section 2 tests are conducted on the blank pressure-sensitive, adhesive-coated base material. Testing procedures include exposing the labels to artificial weathering (salt spray & sunlight), dimensional stability and adhesion. The label must remain adhered for 3 months submerged in seawater. When a label is Section 2 compliant, it means only the blank label is BS5609 Section 2 compliant. Avery UltraDuty™ GHS Chemical Labels from WePrint are BS5609 Section 2 certified.

What is BS5609 Section 3 compliance?

The difference between Section 2 and Section 3 is that in Section 3 compliance, the printed label is tested, whereas Section 2 is only testing blank label stock. With Section 3 compliance, labels are tested for abrasion resistance and permanence of print. Tests include exposing the label to artificial weathering (salt spray & sunlight), tape removal and abrasion resistance. Avery UltraDuty™ GHS Chemical Labels from WePrint are BS5609 Section 3 certified.

Even if you are not shipping overseas, going with a BS5609 certified label ensures a durable label that will resist falling off or fading if exposed to water, abrasion or sunlight.

Custom printed GHS sheet labels are Section 2 certified but not Section 3. For both Section 2 and 3 certification, buy GHS Custom roll labels.

Avery UltraDuty GHS Chemical Labels by Avery WePrint are fully BS5609 certified (Sections 2 and 3).

When ordering Avery UltraDuty GHS Chemical Labels with the thermal transfer printable laminate, in order for your overprint to also be BS5609 Section 3 certified, please use one of the following thermal transfer ribbons (black): Armor AXR-7+, iimak SP330, ITW B324, DNP R300, Zebra 5095, Datamax-O’neil SDR-A. Use high heat setting and print speed up to 6 inches/second.

UltraDuty® GHS Labels

1. Format

Sheet Labels

Roll Labels

2. Shape2 options

Rectangle

Rectangle

Square

3. Size

2" x 4"

1" x 2-1/2"

2" x 4"

3-1/2" x 5"

4-3/4" x 7-3/4"

8-1/2" x 11"

4. Material 1 options

White UltraDuty® Film

White UltraDuty® Film

5. Label Quantity & Price

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