LOSS PREVENTION & COMPLIANCE | HSE TRAINING PROGRAM
The Globally Harmonized System
(GHS)
Classification, Labeling, and Communication of Chemical Hazards
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 GHS Labeling & Pictograms
Interpret the nine pictograms, signal words, and hazard/precautionary statements required on every label.
4
Navigate the Safety Data Sheet
Locate and apply information across the standardized 16-section GHS SDS format.
5
Apply the Aramco Framework
Align daily practice with Aramco EHS policy and Saudi/GCC regulatory obligations.
6
Know the Regulatory Landscape
Recognize how UN GHS, OSHA, GSO/SASO, and EU CLP requirements shape classification and labeling practice.
Introduction
GHS | Loss Prevention & Compliance Training
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INTRODUCTION
Why GHS Compliance 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 | Loss Prevention & Compliance Training
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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
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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
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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.
European Union
EU CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008
Regional (EU)
Applies GHS-based classification, labeling, and packaging rules across EU member states.
ISO
ISO 11014, ISO 7010
International Standard
Reference standards for SDS format and safety symbol design supporting GHS implementation.
GHS Fundamentals
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SECTION 1 · GHS FUNDAMENTALS
The Aramco EHS Compliance Framework
Saudi Aramco integrates GHS classification, labeling, and communication 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, 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
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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
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SECTION 2 · CLASSIFICATION & LABELING
Physical Hazards — Classes & Sub-Categories
1
Explosives
Unstable explosives through Division 1.1–1.6; includes self-reactive substances with explosive properties.
2
Flammable Gases & Aerosols
Category 1–2 gases that ignite readily in air; flammable aerosols and chemicals under pressure.
3
Flammable Liquids & Solids
Liquids with a low flash point; solids that combust readily through friction or self-heating.
4
Oxidizers
Oxidizing gases, liquids, and solids that may cause or intensify combustion of other material.
5
Gases Under Pressure
Compressed, liquefied, dissolved, or refrigerated liquefied gases stored above atmospheric pressure.
6
Corrosive to Metals & Self-Reactives
Substances that corrode metal surfaces; self-reactive and organic peroxide substances.
Classification & Labeling
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SECTION 2 · CLASSIFICATION & LABELING
Health Hazards — Classes & Sub-Categories
1
Acute Toxicity
Oral, dermal, or inhalation exposure causing severe or fatal effects — Categories 1–4.
2
Skin Corrosion / Irritation
Irreversible tissue damage (corrosion) or reversible inflammation (irritation) on contact.
3
Serious Eye Damage / Irritation
Irreversible or reversible tissue damage to the eye following contact.
4
Sensitization (Respiratory/Skin)
Allergic response following inhalation of or skin contact with the substance.
5
CMR — Carcinogen, Mutagen, Reprotoxic
Substances linked to cancer, genetic mutation, or reproductive/developmental harm.
6
STOT & Aspiration Hazard
Specific target organ toxicity from single or repeated exposure; risk of lung damage if aspirated.
Classification & Labeling
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SECTION 2 · CLASSIFICATION & LABELING
Environmental Hazards — Classification Criteria
Hazard Class
Category
Criteria
Label Signal
Acute Aquatic Toxicity
Category 1
LC50/EC50 ≤ 1 mg/L
Warning — highly toxic to aquatic life.
Chronic Aquatic Toxicity
Category 1–4
Based on toxicity, degradability, and bioaccumulation data.
Warning — toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.
Hazardous to the Ozone Layer
Single category
Substances listed under the Montreal Protocol.
Warning — harms public health and the environment.
Bioaccumulative & Persistent Substances
Screening criterion
Log Kow ≥ 4, low degradability.
Factored into overall environmental risk rating.
Mixture Classification
Summation method
Based on the concentration of classified ingredients.
Follows GHS mixture cut-off/concentration limits.
Labeling Requirement
All categories
Aquatic pictogram (dead fish/tree) required where applicable.
Precautionary statements P273, P391 typically apply.
Classification & Labeling
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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
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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
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SECTION 2 · CLASSIFICATION & LABELING
Signal Words & Hazard Statement Structure
Element
Code Range
Purpose
Example
Signal Word — Danger
N/A
Used for the more severe hazard categories (typically Category 1–2).
"Danger" on a Category 1 flammable liquid.
Signal Word — Warning
N/A
Used for the less severe hazard categories (typically Category 3–4).
"Warning" on a Category 4 skin irritant.
Physical Hazard Statements
H200–H290
Describe explosive, flammable, oxidizing, and pressure-related hazards.
H228 — Flammable solid.
Health Hazard Statements
H300–H373
Describe toxicity, corrosivity, sensitization, and organ-specific effects.
H314 — Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
Environmental Hazard Statements
H400–H413
Describe acute and chronic aquatic toxicity.
H410 — Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.
Combined Statements
Supplemental
Multiple H-statements may appear where a substance meets several classes.
A single label may list up to 4–5 hazard statements.
Classification & Labeling
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SECTION 2 · CLASSIFICATION & LABELING
Precautionary Statement Categories
Every GHS label assigns precautionary statements (P-codes) to one of four categories, guiding safe handling from before exposure through disposal.
1
Prevention (P2xx)
Measures to avoid exposure before it happens — e.g., "Wear protective gloves/eye protection" (P280).
2
Response (P3xx)
Actions to take if exposure or an incident occurs — e.g., "IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water" (P303+P361+P353).
3
Storage (P4xx)
Conditions for safe storage — e.g., "Store in a well-ventilated place, keep container tightly closed" (P403+P233).
4
Disposal (P5xx)
Requirements for safe disposal of contents/container per local regulation — e.g., "Dispose of contents/container per applicable regulation" (P501).
Statements are selected based on the hazard classification and combined where multiple hazards apply, subject to the label's space-limit priority rules.
Classification & Labeling
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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
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SECTION 2 · CLASSIFICATION & LABELING
Using the SDS in the Field
While all 16 sections are mandatory, four sections are consulted most often during routine operations and emergency response.
2
Section 2 — Hazard(s) Identification
Confirms classification, signal word, pictograms, and hazard statements before work begins.
4
Section 4 — First-Aid Measures
Guides immediate response to eye, skin, inhalation, or ingestion exposure.
6
Section 6 — Accidental Release Measures
Directs containment, clean-up, and reporting steps for spills and leaks.
8
Section 8 — Exposure Controls / PPE
Specifies exposure limits and the personal protective equipment required for the task.
Workers must know where SDSs are kept on site and how to locate the correct one before handling any hazardous chemical.
Classification & Labeling
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SECTION 2 · CLASSIFICATION & LABELING
PPE Selection by Hazard Category
Physical Hazard PPE
Flame-resistant coveralls, heat/impact-resistant gloves, and face shields for flammable, explosive, or pressurized material handling.
Health Hazard PPE
Chemical-resistant gloves, goggles or full-face respirators, and coveralls selected per the SDS exposure route and concentration.
Environmental / Spill Response PPE
Chemical-resistant boots and suits, spill containment kits, and secondary containment for aquatic and environmental hazard materials.
PPE selection always follows the hierarchy of controls and must match the hazard class, category, and exposure route identified on the label and SDS — never a generic default.
Classification & Labeling
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SECTION 2 · CLASSIFICATION & LABELING
Roles & Responsibilities for GHS Compliance
Effective hazard communication depends on clearly defined responsibilities across every level of the site organization.
1
Site HSE Officer
Maintains the chemical inventory and SDS library, verifies labeling compliance, and delivers GHS training.
2
Supervisors & Line Management
Ensure crews are trained before task start, enforce correct labeling and storage, and report non-conformances.
3
Workers & Operators
Read labels and SDSs before use, apply the required PPE, and report damaged or missing labels immediately.
4
Contractors & Suppliers
Provide compliant SDSs and labels for all chemicals brought on site and follow Aramco EHS requirements.
Non-compliance with labeling or SDS requirements is treated as a reportable HSE observation under the site management system.
Classification & Labeling
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CLOSING
Key Takeaways & References
Key Takeaways
GHS provides one global language for chemical hazard classification and communication.
Classification and labeling under GHS rely on pictograms, signal words, and hazard statements to communicate risk consistently.
The 16-section Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is the primary technical reference for every hazardous chemical.
Aramco compliance rests on aligning corporate policy with SASO/GSO and international GHS standards.
Correct classification and labeling at the point of use is what makes hazard communication 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
• EU CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008
• ANSI Z400.1 / Z129.1 (SDS & labeling)
• ISO 11014 — Safety Data Sheet Format
• Saudi Aramco EHS Policy & General Instructions
Questions & Discussion
Thank you — Loss Prevention & Compliance | HSE Department