Hazard Communication - Chemical Safety - Pittsburgh Campus

GHS - Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals

The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) was produced by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe and adopted by OSHA. It includes nine standard pictograms representing categories of hazards associated with chemical substances. These pictograms are part of the labeling required for chemicals.

Do you know what these symbols mean? Check your knowledge and learn more about the GHS using the resources below.

Hazard Communication Standard Pictogram
OSHA QuickCard - pictograms and hazard text aligned with GHS standards
GHS Pictograms
Includes pictograms for non-transportation contexts (with red borders) and the related labels for transportation uses
About the GHS
Background on why the United Nations produced the GHS as an international standard for classifying and labeling chemicals based on their hazards. Links to pictograms and labels and to updates and more
GHS (Rev.7) (2017)
Current version of the GHS. Part 1, the Introduction, includes a list of Definitions and Abbreviations in Chapter 1.2, pp. 11-15. Other Parts and Annexes include specifics of the classifications of chemical substances and guidance on various topics.

University of Pittsburgh Library System

Course & Subject Guides

Chemical Safety - Pittsburgh Campus

GHS - Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals