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 New Zealand, GHS is implemented by the EPA hazardous substances regime.
- Purpose: protection of workers through clear hazard information in the workplace.
- Where used: supplier labels on workplace containers. When substances are decanted into secondary containers, workplace labelling is also required under WorkSafe guidance.
- What they include:
- Product identifier that matches the SDS
- Supplier name, New Zealand contact and an emergency number where required
- One signal word: “Danger” or “Warning”
- Hazard statements and precautionary statements
- GHS pictograms in red diamonds on a white background
GHS labels are workplace‑focused. They describe how a hazardous substance may affect health and safety at the point of use. These elements and attributes are set by the EPA Labelling Notice 2017 (as consolidated), which also specifies that label information must be in English and durable.
What Are Transport Labels?
Transport labels apply in carriage. For road and rail, New Zealand uses the Land Transport Rule: Dangerous Goods 2005, supported by NZS 5433:2020 Transport of Dangerous Goods on Land. Sea transport follows Maritime Rules Part 24A aligned with the IMDG Code. Air transport follows Civil Aviation Rules Part 92, aligned with the ICAO Technical Instructions.
- Purpose: safety during shipping and storage in transit, and quick recognition by handlers and responders.
- Where used: 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
These rules are set in the Dangerous Goods Rule and NZS 5433, with sector‑specific requirements for sea and air.
Transport labels are travel-focused since they warn anyone handling the shipment about hazards during movement, storage, or accidents.
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 | EPA Notices under the HSNO Act and HSW framework, using GHS 7 | Land Transport Rule: Dangerous Goods 2005 and NZS 5433; IMDG for sea; ICAO for 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, proper shipping name, and placards where required |
| Primary focus | Health and safety for users handling the substance | 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 an EPA/WorkSafe‑compliant GHS label so people can see the hazards and controls.
- A container in transport needs Dangerous Goods safety marks, including class labels and UN identifiers. Workplace labelling rules do not apply while the substance is being transported in accordance with the relevant transport rule.
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 the Land Transport Rule and NZS 5433, plus Maritime and Civil Aviation rules for sea and air.
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. EPA/WorkSafe labelling applies in the workplace. Dangerous Goods safety marks apply during carriage on land, sea or air. 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 workplace GHS 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.
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.