SAFETY TRAINING
Understanding GHS
Labels
What is Globally Harmonized system
(GHS)?
Globally harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals is an
internationally agreed-upon standard managed by the United Nations.
GHS
Transportation
Workplace
1. Transport Hazard pictograms
Class 1: Explosives
Do not
accept
Very high danger.
Can explode violently causing damage to people and property
Includes ammunition, pyrotechnics, and other explosives.
1. Transport Hazard pictograms
Class 2: Gases
Division 2.1: Flammable
Gases
Division 2.2: Non
Flammable Gases
Division 2.3: Toxic
Gases
(Ignite on contact with
an ignition source)
(Can cause asphyxiation
by displacing oxygen )
Do not
accept
1. Transport Hazard pictograms
Class 3: Flammable liquids
 Highly flammable – Vapours can ignite with small sparks.
 Store Class 2 and Class 3 only in Temperature controlled chamber.
 Do not bring any source of ignition, such as cigarette or lighter near it.
1. Transport Hazard pictograms
Class 4: Flammable solids

Class 4.1: Flammable Solids
(Ignite on contact with spark
or flame)
Class 4.2: Spontaneously
combustible Solids
(Can Ignite in air without
any spark or flame)
Class 4.3: Dangerous when
wet
(React violently with water)
1. Transport Hazard pictograms
Class 5: Oxidizing Agents and Organic Peroxides

Div 5.1: Oxidizing agents
 Can supply oxygen for
combustion
Div 5.1: Organic peroxides
 Can decompose
explosively at elevated
temperatures
1. Transport Hazard pictograms
Class 6: Toxic and Infectious substances
Div 6.1: Toxic substances
 Serious injury to human health if
inhaled, swallowed or absorbed
through skin.
 Always wear PPE (chemical resistant
gloves, goggles, safety shoes, masks
e.t.c, while handling spills)
Div 6.2: Infectious substances
 Biohazards: e.g.
Bacteria, Virus etc.
1. Transport Hazard pictograms
Class 7: Radioactive substances
 Emit ionizing radiation
 Can cause cancer, mutation, and other illnesses.
 E.g. Uranium, plutonium
1. Transport Hazard pictograms
Class 8: Corrosive substances
 Can cause severe damage to living tissue upon contact.
 Material destruction to other cargo, containers, or vehicles.
Wear appropriate PPE (Chemical resistant gloves, overalls and goggles Etc.), while
handling spills.
E.g. Sulphuric acid
1. Workplace Hazard pictograms
Class 9: Miscellaneous DG
 Hazardous substances that do not fall into the other categories.
 E.g. Magnets, lithium batteries.
 Store away from heat, flame, and water (especially for lithium batteries).
2. Workplace Hazard Pictograms
 Used by people who work with the chemicals in
industries, labs and other places.
3. Conclusion
 Always carefully check all the labeling on the cargo before accepting or handling it.
 Store Cargos with Class 2 or 3 labels only in temperature controlled chamber and do not bring
anything that can ignite spark near it.
 Always wear appropriate PPE while handling dangerous goods of all classes.