GHS Label Buying Guide

GHS labels communicate important hazard information for chemicals used or supplied in the workplace. Choosing the right label requires both accurate hazard information and a label construction that remains attached, readable, and suitable for the container and operating environment.

A blank label by itself does not make a chemical container compliant. The organization responsible for the chemical must determine the required label content based on the chemical classification, safety data sheet, container type, and applicable regulations.

This guide provides general purchasing guidance and is not legal or regulatory advice.

Understand the Purpose of the Label

The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, commonly called GHS, provides a standardized approach to communicating chemical hazards.

In the United States, OSHA incorporates GHS-based requirements through its Hazard Communication Standard. Chemical manufacturers and importers evaluate hazards, while employers must make hazard information available and understandable to workers.

Before purchasing labels, determine whether they will be used for:

• Shipped chemical containers
• Workplace containers
• Secondary containers
• Drums, pails, bottles, jugs, or totes
• Internal chemical identification
• Temporary process containers
• Laboratory or manufacturing operations

The required label information and format may differ depending on how and where the container is used.

Identify the Required Label Information

OSHA-required labels for shipped hazardous-chemical containers include the following elements, subject to applicable exceptions and special provisions:

• Product identifier
• Signal word
• Hazard statement or statements
• Required pictogram or pictograms
• Precautionary statement or statements
• Name, address, and telephone number of the manufacturer, importer, or responsible party

The exact elements depend on the chemical’s hazard classification. The product identifier should correspond with the identifier used on the safety data sheet.

Do not select or create hazard statements, signal words, or pictograms based only on the product name. Use the approved chemical classification and safety data sheet.

Distinguish Shipped Containers From Workplace Containers

Containers leaving a chemical manufacturer, importer, or distributor generally require the complete shipped-container label elements.

Employers may use alternative workplace-labeling systems when the container remains in the workplace, provided the system identifies the chemical and communicates the hazards effectively alongside the employer’s hazard communication program. Workplace warnings must remain legible, prominently displayed or readily available, and presented in English; additional languages may also be included.

Confirm which type of label is needed before determining the size and layout.

Review the Safety Data Sheet

The safety data sheet is one of the most important sources for developing chemical-label content.

Relevant sections may include:

• Section 1: Identification
• Section 2: Hazard identification
• Section 3: Composition and ingredient information
• Section 7: Handling and storage
• Section 8: Exposure controls and personal protection
• Section 10: Stability and reactivity
• Section 13: Disposal considerations
• Section 14: Transportation information

OSHA’s required SDS format includes the product identifier, responsible-party information, chemical classification, signal word, hazard statements, symbols, and precautionary statements.

Use the most current approved safety data sheet for the specific chemical or mixture.

Choose a Label Size That Fits the Required Content

The label must provide enough room for the required information to remain readable.

Consider:

• Number of required pictograms
• Length of hazard and precautionary statements
• Product identifier
• Supplier or responsible-party information
• Supplemental instructions
• Barcode, lot number, or internal tracking information
• Additional languages
• Available space on the container

A label that is too small may force important information into text that is difficult to read. A label that is too large may wrinkle, overlap container seams, or extend onto curved or tapered areas.

Create the proposed layout before finalizing the label dimensions.

Consider Small Containers Carefully

Small bottles and other limited-size containers can make it difficult to fit all necessary information.

OSHA’s 2024 Hazard Communication Standard update included revised provisions intended to make labeling on small packaging more comprehensive and readable. Requirements can vary based on the container, package, and how the chemical is supplied.

Do not assume that a small container can simply use a shortened version of a standard label. Review the current OSHA requirements and obtain qualified regulatory guidance when needed.

Select the Label Material

Standard paper labels may be suitable for controlled indoor environments where the container remains dry and receives limited handling.

More durable materials may be needed when labels face:

• Water or condensation
• Outdoor exposure
• Oils, solvents, or cleaning agents
• Abrasion or frequent handling
• Temperature changes
• Refrigerated or frozen conditions
• Flexible or squeezable containers
• Long-term storage
• Transportation or distribution environments

A synthetic label material may provide better resistance to tearing, moisture, and abrasion than an unprotected paper construction.

The correct choice depends on the specific exposure, not simply the fact that the product is a chemical.

Choose the Adhesive for the Container

Adhesive performance depends on the container surface and the conditions during application and use.

Consider whether the label will be applied to:

• High-density polyethylene
• Low-density polyethylene
• Glass
• Metal
• Painted metal
• Fiber drums
• Corrugated packaging
• Smooth or textured plastic
• Curved or tapered containers

Also consider:

• Application temperature
• Service temperature
• Surface energy
• Moisture or condensation
• Dust, oil, or chemical residue
• Container flexing
• Storage duration

Some plastics and coated surfaces can be more difficult to label than clean glass, metal, or standard corrugated material. Testing the actual label construction on the actual container is recommended for demanding applications.

Determine the Print Method

GHS information may be printed using different technologies depending on the label construction, required durability, production volume, and equipment.

Possible considerations include:

• Direct thermal or thermal transfer printing
• Laser or inkjet sheet printing
• Preprinted color pictograms
• Variable product identifiers
• Batch, lot, or expiration information
• On-demand workplace labeling
• Fully custom printed labels

Direct thermal printing may not be appropriate when the label must remain readable through prolonged heat, sunlight, abrasion, or chemical exposure.

Thermal transfer printing can provide more durable printed information when the label material, ribbon, printer settings, and application are properly matched. OpStrata supplies labels but does not currently supply printing ribbons.

Confirm Color and Pictogram Requirements

OSHA Hazard Communication pictograms use a black hazard symbol on a white background within a red diamond-shaped frame.

Only use the pictograms required for the chemical’s hazard classification. Do not add extra hazard pictograms for appearance or emphasis.

When printing labels in-house, confirm that the printer and supplies can consistently reproduce the required color, shape, contrast, and readability.

Consider Additional Regulatory Requirements

OSHA Hazard Communication requirements may not be the only rules affecting a chemical label.

Depending on the product and how it is shipped, stored, or sold, additional requirements may come from:

• U.S. Department of Transportation
• Environmental Protection Agency
• Consumer Product Safety Commission
• State or local authorities
• Industry-specific standards
• International markets
• Customer or facility requirements

A label suitable for an OSHA workplace container may not automatically satisfy transportation, environmental, consumer, or international requirements.

Test Before Full Production

Before approving a large order, test the proposed label on the actual container and in the expected environment.

Review:

• Initial adhesion
• Adhesion after 24 to 72 hours
• Readability
• Smearing or image transfer
• Moisture exposure
• Abrasion
• Chemical contact
• Temperature changes
• Container flexing
• Scanning or barcode performance
• Label lifting around edges or curves

Testing helps identify material, adhesive, printing, or sizing problems before they affect full production.

Information to Gather Before Requesting a Quote

Prepare the following information:

• Chemical or product type
• Intended use of the label
• Shipped or workplace-container application
• Container material
• Container size and shape
• Required label dimensions
• Required label content
• Number of pictograms
• Printing method
• Environmental exposure
• Application and service temperatures
• Estimated order quantity
• Whether artwork or a sample label is available

Do not send confidential chemical formulations unless they are necessary and you have an approved method for sharing them.

Quick GHS Label Buying Checklist

Before ordering, confirm:

• Applicable labeling requirements
• Current safety data sheet
• Shipped or workplace-container use
• Required label elements
• Number of pictograms
• Available container space
• Label dimensions
• Material
• Adhesive
• Printing method
• Environmental and chemical exposure
• Required label life
• Testing requirements
• Estimated quantity

Need Help With a Chemical or GHS Label Project?

Share the container type, label dimensions, application environment, printing method, estimated quantity, and approved label content with our team. We can help evaluate the physical label construction and determine the best next step for your project.

OpStrata does not classify chemicals or determine the regulatory content required for a specific product. Final artwork and compliance responsibility remain with the organization supplying or using the chemical.