The 9 GHS pictograms in detail
GHS01 (exploding bomb): explosives, organic peroxides, self-reactive substances.
GHS02 (flame): flammable gases, aerosols, liquids and solids; pyrophoric substances.
GHS03 (flame over circle): oxidizing gases, liquids and solids.
GHS04 (gas cylinder): compressed, liquefied or dissolved gases.
GHS05 (corrosion): skin corrosive, severe eye damage; corrosive to metals.
GHS06 (skull and crossbones): acutely toxic (category 1–3) by oral, dermal, inhalation route.
GHS07 (exclamation mark): irritant, skin sensitizer, acutely toxic (category 4), narcotic.
GHS08 (health hazard): CMR substances, respiratory sensitizer, aspiration hazard, STOT.
GHS09 (environment): hazardous to the aquatic environment.
H phrases: Hazard Statements
H phrases describe the specific hazard. Examples: H225 'highly flammable liquid and vapour', H319 'causes serious eye irritation', H351 'suspected of causing cancer'.
H phrases are coded with three digits. H2xx = physical hazards, H3xx = health hazards, H4xx = environmental hazards.
Use the current SDS classification and explain relevant hazards clearly in relation to the activity.
P phrases: Precautionary Statements
P phrases are the safety recommendations. Examples: P102 'keep out of reach of children', P210 'keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources', P280 'wear protective gloves/clothing/eye/face protection'.
From the SDS, the P phrases relevant for the workplace must be selected – not all. Usually 5–10 P phrases per operating instruction.
Check hazard and precautionary statements in the draft against the current SDS and actual activity. Review their suitability before approving the instruction.
Signal word: Danger or Warning
'Danger' is used when the substance is assigned to a severe hazard category. 'Warning' for lower categories.
The signal word is placed prominently above the pictograms in the operating instruction – for immediate perceptibility.