GHS Labels

Understanding the Globally Harmonised System (GHS)

Why do we have a Globally Harmonised System (GHS)?

It is important to identify or classify harmful properties and warn handlers and consumers of these inherent dangers. Labelling proves to be the most effective warning system. In the past, different countries employed their own labels. This led to significant confusion as the labels were not unified and often caused problems when it came to cross-border trade.

The international community recognised the inherent issues of this global disparity and this led to standardisation and the introduction of the Globally Harmonised System of the classification and labelling of chemicals.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) describes it as a “single worldwide system" that classifies and communicates the harmful elements of industrial and consumer chemicals. This system aims to:

• Protect people and the environment


• Supply a recognised system to countries without any existing frameworks


• Reduce the need for animal testing


• Promote and streamline international trade

Here at Seton, we stock the widest selection of CLP pictograms and CLP hazard pictograms.

What are GHS labels?

GHS labels are the standardised warning symbols and pictograms developed for the Globally Harmonised System of the classifying and labelling of chemicals. The different labels in this system all carry the same depictions and warnings.

As of 2016, more than 60 countries adopted this system. The GHS pictograms are the same worldwide – for example, a corrosive label or poison label.

Our team has considered the entire spectrum of chemicals used in all industries and made sure that we have every label for every market. Seton’s specialised GHS symbols include:

• Green warning diamond indicating non-flammable compressed gas. It is a self-adhesive label conforming to all road, air, sea and rail transport regulations. You can attach the versatile sign to packages, freight containers, tankers and vehicles.


• Black and white striped warning diamonds. These come in handy packs of nine and are easy to peel, even when wearing gloves.

How to read GHS labels

A label of hazardous chemicals must clearly relay a specific warning. The GHS chemical pictograms do just this by concisely depicting a danger or warning. GHS classification and labels can also contain:

• A product identifier, which identifies the type of chemical. This can be a batch number or name or a unique code.


• A signal word is a single word to mark a specific chemical. These words can relay dangers, such as deadly poison, or warnings in the case of less severe chemicals.

Some additional information is dependent on the manufacturer or distributor. The GHS system has nine pictograms denoting dangerous substances. Some of Seton’s biggest sellers are:

• The corrosive pictogram diamonds on a roll. These are made from durable self-adhesive vinyl with a polypropylene overlaminate, making them hard-wearing. They comply with all transport regulations.


• ADR limited quantity labels. These black and white labels are highly visible and come in a roll of 250.

The Seton hazard labels UK comply with all the required quality and safety standards so that you can confidently label all your goods. Apart from specialised GHS labels, we also stock different varieties of a flammable pictogram, an X hazard symbol, and a toxic pictogram.

When are GHS labels required?

You need to affix GHS labels when working with or shipping any hazardous chemicals, whether in their pure or unrefined states or as part of a product. For example, you need to attach a health hazard pictogram label and poison label on goods that should not be inhaled or handled with bare hands.

Do GHS labels have to be in colour?

The GHS pictograms are always in black and white. These can appear on different coloured backgrounds, such as red or green. The UK CLP pictograms are often in the shape of a diamond with a distinctive red border and white background.

You may need more than one pictogram to label one chemical. Be sure to consider all the hazardous features of an element and label it accordingly. A single chemical may require an irritant label and a flammable liquid label. It is also necessary to mark compressed gas containers with an explosive label and an environmental hazard label.

What do GHS labels include?

GHS labels include all the possible warnings related to chemicals – for example, corrosive, flammable or toxic qualities. Each chemical element requires careful consideration to ensure that all the necessary labels are attached during storage and shipping.

Seton has a label for every chemical and every situation. Look no further to find everything you need in CLP warning labels and CLP classifications.