How to Create GHS-Compliant Labels

How to Create GHS-Compliant Labels

BY: TRAVIS WAYNE / DATE: 07/11/2024 / TOPICS: CHEMISCH, REGULATORY COMPLIANCE, ENTERPRISE LABEL MANAGEMENT, LABEL DESIGN

For chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors, and employers in the US, Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) compliance is a requirement. Shipping chemicals without proper GHS labeling or labeled under old Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), can result in fines and penalties against your business. According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), penalties can start at $16,131 and exceed $161,000 per violation. Improperly labeled chemicals can also potentially result in injury or death, making GHS-compliant labeling procedures critical to supply chain operations.  

Within this blog, learn about the importance of remaining complaint with GHS labeling standards and how to create GHS compliant labels with TEKLYNX label design software.

Learn more about GHS chemical labeling

What is GHS?

GHS is an internationally agreed-upon standard managed by the United Nations that was set up to replace the assortment of hazardous material classification and labeling schemes previously used around the world.       

The Final Rule states that all chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors, and employers must comply with all modified provisions. Distributors can no longer ship chemicals labeled under the old HCS. Employers must update alternative workplace labeling and hazard communication programs and provide additional employee training for newly identified physical or health hazards.

On May 20, 2024, OSHA issued a final rule that updates the HCS to align with the seventh revision of GHS and better protect workers. The updated standard requires labels on small packaging to be clearer and easier to read and allows workers and first responders to react faster in emergencies. The updates took effect on July 19, 2024. 

Two parts of GHS compliant labeling 

1. Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Updating your SDS, formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), is a crucial component of GHS compliance. SDS are kept on file to provide detailed information about each chemical used, produced, or sold by your company. This is most important to employees who work with the chemicals because they are made aware of the harmful chemical exposure and what personal protective equipment they will need for the job. 

2. Label design  

A GHS compliant label contains six required elements to help aid in the identification of chemicals and their hazards:

1. Product name or identifier: Identifies the substance or the technical chemical identity. The product name or identifier should match the name used on the SDS.
2. Signal word: This word should appear prominently on the label and identify how hazardous the substance is. If the chemicals are more severely hazardous, the word “Dangerous” should be used for the signal word. Use “Warning” as the signal word if the substance is a lower level of threat.
3. Hazard statements: This statement describes the nature of the hazard of the chemical, including the degree of the hazard. An example hazard statement from the OSHA brief: “Causes damage to the kidney through prolonged or repeated exposure when absorbed through the skin.”
4. Precautionary statements: Describe recommended measures that should be taken to minimize or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure to hazardous chemical or improper storage or handling. 
5. Supplier identification: The supplier identification must include the name, address, and telephone number of the manufacturer or supplier of the hazardous chemical.
6. GHS pictograms: A GHS hazard pictogram consists of a black and white symbol surrounded by a red diamond. The hazard pictograms applicable to your chemical must be printed on the label in color. Hazard pictograms are meant to alert the user about a hazardous chemical. 

Example of a GHS-compliant label made in CODESOFT barcode labeling software

How to create GHS-compliant labels

Now that you know what GHS-complaint labels are and what they must contain, let’s breakdown how to create GHS compliant labels. 

Creating GHS-compliant labels doesn’t have to be complicated - with the right tools and technology, printing compliant GHS labels can be as simple as the push of a button! Let’s break it down with TEKLYNX labeling software. 

GHS label creation with CODESOFT 

With TEKLYNX advanced RFID and barcode label software, CODESOFT, you can set your business up for success by:

• Adding pictograms and hazard statements to labels
• Creating labels with necessary HCS statements from safety data sheets 
• Creating user rights and enabling label security controls 

How to create a GHS-compliant label

1. Gather SDS information: Include Product Identifier, Signal Word, Hazard and Precautionary Statements, Supplier Identification, and Pictograms from the SDS and format it into a database.
2. Open CODESOFT to design the label: Use CODESOFT’s GHS label template to easily get started. 
3. Automate data and image updates: Connect your SDS database to automatically update data and pictograms.
4. Adjust supplier info by destination: Set up a "Ship-to Country" selector to change supplier details based on the destination, meeting OSHA and European Union requirements.
5. Preview and test: Review the label to ensure all components meet GHS requirements. 

Create your own GHS labels by downloading a free 30-day trial of CODESOFT. TEKLYNX also offers a GHS label sample to help you get started creating compliant GHS labels. If you encounter any issues, TEKLYNX Customer Support is available to help you throughout your trial.

How CODESOFT helped BeanTown Chemical

BeanTown Chemical achieved complete GHS compliance with over 7,000 products and over 5,500 unique chemicals with the implementation of CODESOFT. “Labeling is one of the most daunting projects you can have in the business. There are a lot of regulations,” states Barry Singelais, President of BeanTown Chemical. “It is very difficult to find a product that will allow you to do it efficiently and affordably because there are certain requirements for color, where data should be placed, what the pictograms should look like and how many to display, depending on the hazard. There are so many individual components of GHS. Many packages we found could do 10 out of 12 of the components, but we weren’t finding a lot that could do all 12,” Singelais said. “CODESOFT could, and that’s why we chose it.”

Manage GHS-compliant labels

Often, the need for a single, unified solution to handle label design, approval, printing, and reporting arises. 

GHS label management with TEKLYNX CENTRAL

With TEKLYNX CENTRAL, you can seamlessly comply with GHS label regulations with maximum traceability, accurately classified chemicals, and HCS elements for all types of labels and Safety Data Sheets. You can also:

How TEKLYNX CENTRAL helped Shepherd Color Company

Shepherd Color Company implemented TEKLYNX CENTRAL and was able to improve GHS-compliant labeling efficiency and accuracy while reducing print time by 10%. “The implementation of the new labeling system inspired us to take a blank slate approach to our sample department’s entire labeling process. It facilitated our move to a lighter weight, more durable and eco-friendly shipping container, saving us shipping costs on every sample order. With over 10,000 sample orders a year you can see how those savings quickly add up,” states Diana McDonough, Senior Developer, Shepherd Information Systems.  

On-demand color labels for your GHS-compliant labels

Saving money and reducing waste are two goals for manufacturers around the world, especially when it comes to their label printing process. It may sound easier to outsource your label creation, which is called a 2-step process, but that is not the case. Typically, with the 2-step process you pre-order labels in bulk and then print variable data in-house. If you are still using the 2-step process with your GHS-compliant labels, you’re probably ending up with labels that have mistakes like:  

• Empty pictogram frames 
• Misplaced icons 
• Overlapping borders and symbols 
• Large black over-strikes
  
  

Your solution? On-demand color labeling. This approach allows companies to create smart label templates that incorporate variable data & images, so you can design and print GHS-compliant labels as you need them. This eliminates the risk of errors due to print misalignment that happens when you use pre-printed stock. Printing labels on-demand eliminates inventory of pre-printed label stock and associated label waste due to misprints, which can result in total label cost reduction. Epson's line of ColorWorks label printers work seamlessly with TEKLYNX native printer drivers that enables true WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) on-demand color label printing. With on-demand color printing you’ll end up with: 

• Faster design & print processes   
• The ability to eliminate outsourcing
• Lower costs for you and your company  
• Full control of your GHS labeling environment 
• Accurate data on your GHS labels
  
  

Now’s the time to start creating and managing your GHS-compliant labels. Have questions? Get in touch with TEKLYNX to find out which GHS-compliant labeling solution is best for your business.  

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