When working with chemicals, labels play a vital role in keeping people safe. But not all labels are the same. In fact, two of the most common ones, GHS labels and transport labels, often get confused. Both serve important purposes, but they are used in different situations and follow different rules.
This article explains what each label is, why they matter, and simple ways to tell the difference.
What Are GHS Labels?
GHS labels come from the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), developed by the United Nations. In Australia, GHS is implemented through work health and safety (WHS) laws. Adoption is through the Commonwealth and each state and territory regulator.
- Purpose: protection of workers through clear hazard information in the workplace.
- Where you see them: on supplier containers used at work. When chemicals are decanted into secondary containers and not used immediately, workplace labelling is also required.
- What they include:
- Product identifier that matches the SDS
- Supplier details: name, Australian address and business telephone
- One signal word: “Danger” or “Warning”
- Hazard statements and precautionary statements
- GHS pictograms in red diamonds on a white background
Think of GHS labels as workplace‑focused. They describe how a hazardous product may affect health and safety at the point of use. These label elements come from the Model Code of Practice for Labelling of workplace hazardous chemicals.
What Are Transport Labels?
Transport labels apply in carriage. For road and rail in Australia, requirements are set by the Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) Code. Sea transport follows the IMDG Code, implemented by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. Air transport follows ICAO Technical Instructions.
- Purpose: safety during shipping and storage in transit, and quick recognition by handlers and responders.
- Where you see them: on shipping boxes, drums, IBCs, freight containers and vehicles.
- What they include:
- Diamond‑shaped class labels with a class number
- UN number and proper shipping name on packages or nearby as required
- Placards and UN numbers for vehicles and tanks where required
Transport labels are travel-focused since they warn anyone handling the shipment about hazards during movement, storage, or accidents. The ADG Code sets size, colour and placement rules for labels and placards.
GHS Labels vs Transport Labels: Key Differences
| Feature | GHS Labels (workplace) | Transport Labels (in transit) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Worker safety and hazard communication in the workplace | Carriage safety and emergency awareness during shipping |
| Regulated by | WHS laws using GHS 7 (SWA guidance; state and territory regulators) | ADG Code 7.9 for road and rail; IMDG/ICAO for sea and air |
| Where used | Supplier and decanted containers in facilities | Packages, IBCs, freight units and vehicles |
| How it looks | Red‑diamond pictograms, signal word, H and P statements, supplier details | Class labels with class numbers, UN numbers, and placards where required |
| Primary focus | Health and safety for users handling the product | Safe carriage and rapid identification by handlers and responders |
Why It’s Important to Know the Difference
Confusion leads to gaps and risk.
- A container in the workplace needs a WHS‑compliant GHS label so people can see the hazards and controls.
- A container in transport needs ADG safety marks, including class labels and UN identifiers, so carriers and responders can act fast in an incident. Under WHS law, chemicals in transit are not subject to workplace labelling.
Both systems protect different stages in a product’s journey.
Making Labelling Easy
Manually creating labels can be confusing. Online tools can help you quickly create GHS-compliant secondary container labels, complete with pictograms, signal words, and even QR codes that link directly to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
For transport, always refer to ADG Code 7.9 and any state or territory commencement notices.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to ghs labels vs transport labels, the difference comes down to where the chemical is and who needs the information.
- GHS labels: For employees handling chemicals in the workplace.
- Transport labels: For anyone shipping, moving, or responding to an accident with hazardous materials.
By understanding and applying both correctly, companies can keep workers safe, meet regulations, and prevent accidents both inside the facility and on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are both a GHS label and a transport label required?
A: Yes. WHS/GHS labels are required in the workplace. ADG/IMDG/ICAO safety marks are required during carriage. The systems are not interchangeable.
Q: Can a transport label replace a GHS label once the product arrives?
A: No. After receipt and during use on site, the container requires a WHS‑compliant workplace label.
Q: Where is the right information for each label found?
A: In the SDS. Section 2 lists label elements for GHS. Section 14 lists transport details such as UN number and class, including the Hazchem code.
Q: What is the difference between a UN number and a CAS number?
A: A UN number identifies the dangerous good for transport. A CAS number identifies the chemical substance in inventories and technical references. UN numbers appear on packages and in Section 14; CAS numbers appear in Section 3 and technical documents.
Q: Are the symbols the same on both labels?
A: No. GHS pictograms are red diamonds for user hazards. Transport class labels and placards are diamond‑shaped signs with class numbers and standard colours, and vehicles display placards where required.