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’re important, and how to easily 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 Canada, GHS is implemented through WHMIS under the Hazardous Products Act (HPA) and the Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR) administered by Health Canada.
- Purpose: protection of workers through clear hazard information in the workplace.
- Where used: on supplier containers of hazardous products sold or imported for use at work, and on secondary containers when products are transferred on site according to provincial and territorial WHMIS rules.
- What they include:
- Product identifier that matches the SDS
- Initial supplier identifier: name, address, telephone
- One signal word: “Danger” or “Warning”
- Hazard statements and precautionary statements
- WHMIS/GHS pictograms in red diamonds on a white background
- Bilingual text: English and French
Labels must be durable and legible. If lost or damaged, they must be replaced. SDSs follow the 16‑heading format and must also be available in English and French.
GHS labels are workplace‑focused. They describe how a hazardous product may affect health and safety at the point of use.
What Are Transport Labels?
Transport labels are part of dangerous goods safety marks under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Regulations. Safety marks include labels, placards, UN numbers and other required markings. Their role is quick hazard recognition during carriage and in emergencies.
- Purpose: safety during transport and storage in transit.
- Where used: on small means of containment (capacity ≤ 450 L) as labels and on large means of containment as placards, with UN numbers shown as required. Shipping name and UN number appear on or next to the primary class label on small means of containment.
- What they include:
- Diamond‑shaped class labels with a class number
- UN number and proper shipping name on packages or nearby
- Placards and UN numbers for vehicles and tanks when required
Transport labels are travel-focused since they warn anyone handling the shipment about hazards during movement, storage, or accidents. The TDG Regulations set size, placement and visibility rules.
GHS Labels vs Transport Labels: Key Differences
| Feature | GHS Labels (workplace) | Transport Labels (in transit) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Worker safety and hazard communication at the point of use | Carriage safety and emergency awareness during shipping |
| Regulated by | WHMIS under the HPA/HPR (Health Canada) | TDG Regulations (Transport Canada) |
| Where used | Supplier and workplace containers in facilities | Packages, small means of containment, freight units and vehicles |
| How it looks | Red‑diamond pictograms, signal word, H and P statements, supplier details, bilingual text | Class labels with class numbers, UN numbers, shipping name, and placards for vehicles and tanks |
| 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 WHMIS‑compliant label. A container in transport needs TDG safety marks, including class labels and UN identifiers, so carriers and responders can act fast in an incident. Each system covers a different stage in the product’s life cycle.
Making Labeling 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, apply Transport of Dangerous Goods rules for safety marks, including label and placard size, placement, and UN number display.
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. WHMIS/HPR labels are required in the workplace. TDG 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 WHMIS‑compliant workplace label.
Q: Where is the right information for each label found?
A: In the SDS. Section 2 lists label elements for WHMIS. Section 14 lists transport details such as UN number and class. The SDS must be available in English and French.
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. WHMIS pictograms are red diamonds that signal hazards to users. TDG class labels and placards are diamond‑shaped signs with class numbers and standard colours, and vehicles display placards where required.