LOSS PREVENTION & COMPLIANCE | HSE TRAINING PROGRAM
The Globally Harmonized System (GHS),
HAZCOM & HAZMAT
Classification, Labeling, Communication, and Safe Management of Hazardous Materials
Prepared for: [Name Here]�Presented by: HSE Engineer�Reference Framework: UN GHS · GSO 2654 · SASO · OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200 · NFPA · Aramco EHS Policies
Company Confidential — For Internal Training Use Only
COURSE ROADMAP
Agenda & Learning Objectives
1
Understand GHS
Purpose, scope, and structure of the UN Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals.
2
Apply Classification & Labeling
Interpret hazard classes, pictograms, signal words, and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
3
Master HAZCOM Requirements
Elements of a compliant Hazard Communication program and workforce right-to-know.
4
Manage HAZMAT Safely
Identification, storage, segregation, transport, and emergency response for hazardous materials.
5
Apply the Aramco Framework
Align daily practice with Aramco EHS policy and Saudi/GCC regulatory obligations.
6
Strengthen LP&C Oversight
Use audit, inspection, and verification tools to drive compliance in the field.
Introduction
GHS · HAZCOM · HAZMAT | Loss Prevention & Compliance Training
2
INTRODUCTION
Why Hazard Communication Matters
Chemical incidents remain a leading cause of process safety events, occupational illness, and environmental non-conformance across the energy and petrochemical sector.
Unlabeled or mislabeled containers are a recurring root cause in incident investigations worldwide.
Inconsistent hazard communication across contractors, suppliers, and facilities increases exposure risk.
Regulators (SASO, GSO, OSHA) require documented classification, labeling, and training — not optional guidance.
A single uncontrolled hazardous material release can trigger safety, environmental, legal, and reputational consequences.
GHS 10
The UN GHS is now in its 10th revised edition, adopted or transposed by 80+ countries and jurisdictions.
1 System
One classification, one label, one SDS format — across the entire hydrocarbon and chemical supply chain.
Introduction
GHS · HAZCOM · HAZMAT | Loss Prevention & Compliance Training
3
SECTION 1 · GHS FUNDAMENTALS
What Is the GHS?
A Common Global Language for Chemical Hazards
The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) is a United Nations framework — published in the "Purple Book" — that standardizes how chemical hazards are identified, classified, and communicated worldwide.
Developed under the UN Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC) Sub-Committee of Experts.
Harmonizes hazard classification criteria, pictograms, signal words, and hazard/precautionary statements.
Covers physical, health, and environmental hazards for substances and mixtures.
Adopted nationally through local regulation — e.g., US OSHA HazCom 2012, GCC GSO 2654, EU CLP.
CORE OBJECTIVES
Protect People
Ensure workers understand chemical risks before exposure occurs.
Enable Trade
Reduce duplicate testing/classification across borders.
Reduce Confusion
Replace multiple national systems with one framework.
Support Emergency Response
Give first responders consistent, reliable hazard data.
GHS Fundamentals
GHS · HAZCOM · HAZMAT | Loss Prevention & Compliance Training
4
SECTION 1 · GHS FUNDAMENTALS
History & Global Adoption
1992
Rio Earth Summit calls for a globally harmonized chemical classification system (Agenda 21).
2003
First edition of the UN GHS ("Purple Book") published by UNECE.
2012
US OSHA aligns the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) with GHS — 29 CFR 1910.1200.
2021
GCC Standardization Organization issues GSO 2654:2021, adopting GHS across all six GCC states.
2023
UN GHS Revision 10 published — latest classification and labeling criteria.
Today
Saudi Arabia (SASO/GSO) and Aramco align internal EHS requirements to current GHS revisions.
Reference: United Nations, "Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)," Rev. 10 (2023), ST/SG/AC.10/30/Rev.10.
GHS Fundamentals
GHS · HAZCOM · HAZMAT | Loss Prevention & Compliance Training
5
SECTION 1 · GHS FUNDAMENTALS
Regulatory Framework — International & Regional
Authority
Key Instrument
Scope
Relevance
United Nations
UN GHS (Purple Book), Rev. 10
Global
Foundational classification & labeling criteria adopted by reference worldwide.
United States (OSHA)
29 CFR 1910.1200 — HazCom 2012
National
Aligns US Hazard Communication Standard with GHS; SDS & label requirements.
GCC (GSO)
GSO 2654:2021 — GHS in GCC Countries
Regional (GCC)
Regional technical regulation harmonizing GHS across all six GCC member states.
Saudi Arabia (SASO)
National Technical Regulations & Conformity Rules
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Enforces GSO/GHS technical regulations for chemicals placed on the Saudi market.
UN / IMO / ICAO
UN Model Regulations (Orange Book), IMDG, ADR
Transport
Governs classification & labeling of hazardous materials in transport.
NFPA / ANSI (USA)
NFPA 704, NFPA 30, ANSI Z400.1
Industry Practice
Facility hazard rating, flammable liquids storage, and SDS authoring format.
GHS Fundamentals
GHS · HAZCOM · HAZMAT | Loss Prevention & Compliance Training
6
SECTION 1 · GHS FUNDAMENTALS
The Aramco EHS Compliance Framework
Saudi Aramco integrates GHS, HAZCOM, and HAZMAT requirements into its enterprise EHS management system, aligning corporate policy with Kingdom regulation and global good practice.
1
Corporate EHS Policy
Aramco EHS Policy sets mandatory expectations for hazard identification, chemical safety, and process safety management across all business lines.
2
Engineering & Operating Standards
Aramco General Instructions (GIs), Engineering Procedures (SAEPs), and Engineering Standards (SAESs) translate policy into facility-level requirements for chemical handling, labeling, and storage.
3
National & Regional Regulation
Alignment with Saudi Arabia's SASO/GSO technical regulations (including GSO 2654 GHS) and Kingdom environmental and civil defense requirements.
4
International Reference Standards
UN GHS, OSHA HazCom, NFPA, and ANSI provide globally recognized technical benchmarks incorporated into Aramco practice.
Loss Prevention & Compliance teams verify this chain of compliance through audits, inspections, and management-of-change reviews.
GHS Fundamentals
GHS · HAZCOM · HAZMAT | Loss Prevention & Compliance Training
7
SECTION 2 · CLASSIFICATION & LABELING
GHS Hazard Classification Overview
Physical Hazards
Explosives, flammable gases/liquids/solids, oxidizers, gases under pressure, corrosive to metals, self-reactive substances.
Health Hazards
Acute toxicity, skin corrosion/irritation, respiratory/skin sensitization, carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity, aspiration hazard.
Environmental Hazards
Hazardous to the aquatic environment (acute and chronic), hazardous to the ozone layer.
More than 25 distinct hazard classes are defined across these three categories, most with numerical sub-categories (e.g., Category 1 = most severe). Classification determines which pictogram, signal word, and hazard statement must appear on the label and SDS.
Classification & Labeling
GHS · HAZCOM · HAZMAT | Loss Prevention & Compliance Training
8
SECTION 2 · CLASSIFICATION & LABELING
GHS Label Elements
1
Product Identifier
Chemical name/identity consistent with the SDS.
2
Pictogram(s)
Red-bordered diamond symbols denoting hazard type.
3
Signal Word
"Danger" (more severe) or "Warning" (less severe).
4
Hazard Statement(s)
Standardized phrase describing the nature and degree of hazard (e.g., "Causes severe skin burns").
5
Precautionary Statement(s)
Recommended measures to minimize/prevent adverse effects — prevention, response, storage, disposal.
6
Supplier Identification
Name, address, and telephone number of the manufacturer/supplier.
Classification & Labeling
GHS · HAZCOM · HAZMAT | Loss Prevention & Compliance Training
9
SECTION 2 · CLASSIFICATION & LABELING
The Nine GHS Pictograms
GHS01
Explosives
GHS02
Flammables
GHS03
Oxidizers
GHS04
Gases Under Pressure
GHS05
Corrosives
GHS06
Acute Toxicity
GHS07
Irritant / Sensitizer
GHS08
Health Hazard (CMR)
GHS09
Aquatic / Environmental
Classification & Labeling
GHS · HAZCOM · HAZMAT | Loss Prevention & Compliance Training
10
SECTION 2 · CLASSIFICATION & LABELING
Safety Data Sheets (SDS) — 16-Section Format
Every hazardous chemical must be accompanied by an SDS in the standardized 16-section GHS format (ANSI Z400.1 / ISO 11014 aligned):
1. Identification
2. Hazard(s) identification
3. Composition/ingredients
4. First-aid measures
5. Fire-fighting measures
6. Accidental release measures
7. Handling and storage
8. Exposure controls / PPE
9. Physical & chemical properties
10. Stability and reactivity
11. Toxicological information
12. Ecological information
13. Disposal considerations
14. Transport information
15. Regulatory information
16. Other information
Highlighted sections (2, 4, 6, 8) are the most frequently referenced during field operations and emergency response.
Classification & Labeling
GHS · HAZCOM · HAZMAT | Loss Prevention & Compliance Training
11
SECTION 3 · HAZARD COMMUNICATION (HAZCOM)
What Is HAZCOM?
Hazard Communication (HAZCOM) is the regulatory and operational framework that ensures hazard information generated under GHS actually reaches the people who need it — most notably formalized in OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200 ("HazCom 2012").
Hazard Classification
Chemical manufacturers and importers classify hazards of chemicals they produce or import.
Labels
Containers of hazardous chemicals must be labeled with pictograms, signal words, and hazard statements.
Safety Data Sheets
A 16-section SDS must be readily accessible to employees for every hazardous chemical.
Written Program & Training
Employers maintain a written HAZCOM program and train employees before initial assignment.
Hazard Communication (HAZCOM)
GHS · HAZCOM · HAZMAT | Loss Prevention & Compliance Training
12
SECTION 3 · HAZARD COMMUNICATION (HAZCOM)
HAZCOM Program Elements — Field Implementation
1
Chemical Inventory
Maintain an up-to-date master list of hazardous chemicals present at each facility or work site.
2
SDS Management
Collect, verify, and make current SDSs accessible to all shifts — physically or via approved digital systems.
3
Labeling Verification
Confirm primary and secondary (workplace) container labels meet GHS format before use.
4
Employee Training
Deliver GHS/HAZCOM training at onboarding, on new chemical introduction, and at periodic refresh intervals.
5
Contractor Coordination
Communicate site-specific chemical hazards to contractors per multi-employer worksite provisions.
6
Audit & Verification
Loss Prevention & Compliance validate program adequacy through scheduled and unannounced audits.
Hazard Communication (HAZCOM)
GHS · HAZCOM · HAZMAT | Loss Prevention & Compliance Training
13
SECTION 3 · HAZARD COMMUNICATION (HAZCOM)
Employee Rights & Responsibilities
The "Right to Know"
Access to SDSs for every hazardous chemical they may be exposed to.
Training on hazards, protective measures, and label/SDS content in a language and format they understand.
Access to their own chemical exposure and medical monitoring records.
The ability to raise hazard communication concerns without fear of reprisal.
Employee Responsibilities
Read and follow container labels and SDS instructions before use.
Use required PPE and engineering controls as specified for the chemical.
Never remove, deface, or bypass hazard labels on containers.
Report damaged labels, missing SDSs, or unlabeled containers immediately.
Hazard Communication (HAZCOM)
GHS · HAZCOM · HAZMAT | Loss Prevention & Compliance Training
14
SECTION 4 · HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (HAZMAT)
What Is HAZMAT?
A Hazardous Material (HAZMAT) is any substance or material capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety, property, or the environment when improperly handled, stored, or transported.
HAZMAT MANAGEMENT DRAWS ON:
GHS classification — what the hazard is (health/physical/environmental).
UN Transport of Dangerous Goods (Orange Book) — how it may be moved.
NFPA 704 — facility-level fire/hazard rating for emergency responders.
Local civil defense & environmental regulation — permits, storage limits, disposal.
COMMON HAZMAT CATEGORIES
Flammable & Combustible Liquids
Compressed & Liquefied Gases
Corrosive Chemicals (Acids/Bases)
Toxic & Reactive Substances
Oxidizers & Organic Peroxides
Radioactive Materials (NORM)
Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT)
GHS · HAZCOM · HAZMAT | Loss Prevention & Compliance Training
15
SECTION 4 · HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (HAZMAT)
HAZMAT Management Lifecycle
1
Identify & Classify
Determine hazard class per GHS/SDS before procurement or use.
2
Label & Document
Apply compliant labels; ensure SDS accessibility at point of use.
3
Store & Segregate
Store per compatibility groups, quantity limits, and NFPA 704 ratings.
4
Handle Safely
Apply engineering controls, PPE, and safe work permits during use.
5
Transport Compliantly
Follow UN packaging, marking, and placarding requirements.
6
Dispose / Neutralize
Treat, neutralize, or dispose via licensed hazardous-waste channels.
Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT)
GHS · HAZCOM · HAZMAT | Loss Prevention & Compliance Training
16
SECTION 4 · HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (HAZMAT)
Storage & Segregation — NFPA 704
3
2
0
W
Red (Top):
Flammability
Blue (Left):
Health Hazard
Yellow (Right):
Instability / Reactivity
White (Bottom):
Special Hazard (e.g., W = reacts with water)
KEY SEGREGATION PRINCIPLES
Segregate incompatible classes (e.g., oxidizers away from flammables/organics) per SDS Section 7 & 10 guidance.
Store flammable liquids in approved, ventilated cabinets/rooms consistent with NFPA 30 quantity limits.
Maintain spill containment (bunding) sized for the largest container plus rainfall allowance where applicable.
Post NFPA 704 placards and GHS labels at storage area entrances and on bulk tanks/containers.
Restrict access to designated, trained personnel; maintain inventory reconciliation logs.
Locate emergency eyewash/shower stations and spill kits within immediate reach of storage areas.
Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT)
GHS · HAZCOM · HAZMAT | Loss Prevention & Compliance Training
17
SECTION 4 · HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (HAZMAT)
Emergency Response & Spill Procedures
1
Recognize
Identify the release using placards, labels, SDS, and NFPA 704 ratings before approaching.
2
Notify
Activate site emergency response per Aramco emergency notification procedures; alert Loss Prevention.
3
Isolate & Evacuate
Establish exclusion zones and evacuate non-essential personnel upwind/uphill of the release.
4
Respond (if trained)
Only HAZMAT-trained responders (per NFPA 472 competencies) attempt containment or mitigation.
5
Decontaminate
Decontaminate personnel and equipment before returning to normal operating areas.
6
Investigate & Report
Document the incident, conduct root-cause investigation, and report per Aramco incident procedures.
Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT)
GHS · HAZCOM · HAZMAT | Loss Prevention & Compliance Training
18
SECTION 5 · ASSURANCE
The Role of Loss Prevention & Compliance
LP&C teams provide independent verification that GHS, HAZCOM, and HAZMAT controls are effectively implemented — not just documented.
Compliance Audits
Periodic audits against GHS/HAZCOM/HAZMAT requirements and Aramco EHS standards.
Field Inspections
Verify labeling, SDS availability, storage segregation, and PPE use at the point of work.
Non-Conformance Management
Log findings, assign corrective actions, and track closure to prevent recurrence.
Standards Interpretation
Advise operations on applying evolving GHS revisions and Kingdom regulatory changes.
Incident Investigation Support
Contribute hazard-communication expertise to root-cause analysis of chemical incidents.
Training & Awareness
Partner with HSE to reinforce GHS/HAZCOM competency across the workforce and contractors.
Assurance
GHS · HAZCOM · HAZMAT | Loss Prevention & Compliance Training
19
CLOSING
Key Takeaways & References
Key Takeaways
GHS provides one global language for chemical hazard classification and communication.
HAZCOM turns that language into enforceable programs: labels, SDSs, training, and documentation.
HAZMAT management extends hazard communication into storage, transport, and emergency response.
Aramco compliance rests on aligning corporate policy with SASO/GSO and international standards.
Loss Prevention & Compliance are the assurance layer that makes the system real in the field.
Standards & References
• UN GHS (Purple Book), Rev. 10, 2023
• OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200 — HazCom 2012
• GSO 2654:2021 — GHS in GCC Countries
• SASO National Technical Regulations
• NFPA 704 · NFPA 30 · NFPA 472
• ANSI Z400.1 / Z129.1 (SDS & labeling)
• UN Model Regulations on Transport of Dangerous Goods
• Saudi Aramco EHS Policy & General Instructions
Questions & Discussion
Thank you — Loss Prevention & Compliance | HSE Department