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 the U.S., these requirements are enforced under OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom 2012).
- Purpose: To protect workers by providing clear hazard information about chemicals in the workplace.
- Where you see them: On primary containers (from the manufacturer) and on secondary containers (like spray bottles or smaller jars) once chemicals are transferred.
- What they include:
- Product identifier (matches the SDS)
- Supplier details (name, address, phone)
- Signal word: “Danger” or “Warning”
- Hazard statements (e.g., “Causes skin irritation”)
- Precautionary statements (storage, handling, first aid)
- GHS pictograms (red diamonds showing flammability, toxicity, etc.)
Think of GHS labels as workplace-focused. They tell you how a chemical might affect your health and safety when you use it.
What Are Transport Labels?
Transport labels, also called hazard class labels, are used during shipping and transport of dangerous goods. These are regulated by organisations like the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), as well as international systems such as UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods.
- Purpose: To keep everyone safe during shipping, including truck drivers, cargo handlers, airport staff, or emergency responders.
- Where you see them: On shipping boxes, barrels, drums, and containers used for moving hazardous materials.
- What they include:
- Diamond-shaped labels (often larger than GHS ones)
- Class numbers (e.g., Class 3 for flammable liquids)
- UN numbers (four-digit codes like UN1203 for gasoline)
- Standardised colors (e.g., red for flammables, white for gases, black and white for corrosives)
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 at the point of use | Carriage safety and emergency awareness during shipping |
| Regulated by | GB CLP in Great Britain; EU CLP in Northern Ireland | ADR/RID/IMDG/ICAO, guided in the UK by DfT and DVSA |
| Where used | Containers in the workplace; site‑filled containers identified | Packages, IBCs, freight containers and vehicles during transport |
| How it looks | Red‑diamond pictograms, signal word, H and P statements, supplier details | Class labels with class numbers, UN numbers; placards and orange plates for vehicles |
| Primary focus | Health and safety for users handling the chemical | Safe carriage and emergency response |
Why It’s Important to Know the Difference
Confusing the two can lead to serious compliance issues. For example:
- A container in the workplace must have a GHS label so employees know how to handle it safely.
- A shipping drum being sent to another site must have transport labels so drivers and emergency teams know what’s inside if there’s an accident.
Both labeling systems work hand-in-hand to ensure safety, but they serve different audiences and different stages in a chemical’s lifecycle.
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 labeling, always refer to DOT or UN requirements to ensure shipments meet legal standards.
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: Do I need both a GHS label and a transport label?
A: Yes. Use transport labels on shipments and GHS labels on containers used in the workplace (including secondary containers).
Q: Can a transport label replace a GHS label once the product arrives?
A: No. Transport labels are for shipping; once in use on site, the container still needs a GHS-compliant workplace label.
Q: Where do I find the right info for each label?
A: Use the SDS: Section 2 for GHS (pictograms, signal word, H/P statements) and Section 14 for transport (UN number, proper shipping name, class, packing group).
Q: What’s the difference between a UN number and a CAS number?
A: A UN number identifies the dangerous good for transport (e.g., UN 1993), while a CAS number identifies the specific chemical substance for technical/registry use.
Q: Are the symbols the same on both labels?
A: No. GHS uses red-diamond pictograms with text (signal word, H/P statements). Transport uses class labels/placards (square-on-point) with class numbers, colors, and UN numbers.