Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)

The UN GHS aims to ensure that information on the hazardous properties of chemicals is available throughout the world in order to enhance the protection of human health and the environment during the handling, transport and use of chemicals. The UN GHS provides the basis for harmonising regulations on chemicals at national, regional and worldwide level. This is important for facilitating trade. The UN GHS also aims to provide a structure for countries that do not yet have a classification and labelling system.

New European Regulation on Classification, Labelling and Packaging of substances and mixtures - CLP Regulation

The CLP Regulation was published in the European Union's Official Journal on 31 December 2008 and entered into legal effect on 20 January 2009, subject to a lengthy transitional period. The proposed Regulation is direct-acting, requiring no national transposition. Its provisions will be phased in over a period of seven and a half years up to 1 June 2015. This is intended to help suppliers and users of chemicals change from the current EU classification and labelling system to the new GHS-based system. The proposed new Regulation will replace the:

• Dangerous Substances Directive (67/548/EEC)
• Dangerous Preparations Directive (1999/45/EC)

These Directives have been implemented in the UK as the Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging) for Supply Regulations 2009 (CHIP[3]). The CHIP Regulations will be fully repealed in 2015.

GHS/CLP Hazard Pictograms

These pictograms replace the old orange and black EU hazard pictograms.

Explosives Self reactive Organic peroxides     gif file MSWord file	Flammable Self-reactive Pyrophoric liquids & solids Self-heating reactive Emit flammable gases Organic Peroxides gif file MSWord file	Oxidising       gif file MSWord file
Gases under pressure Liquefied gases Refrigerated liquefied gases Dissolved gases gif file MSWord file	Corrosive Skin corrosion Serious eye damage   gif file MSWord file	Acute toxicity     gif file MSWord file
Acute toxicity Skin irritation Eye irritation Skin sensitisation Respiratory tract irritation Specific Target Organ Toxicity gif file MSWord file	Respiratory sensitisation Germ cell mutagenicity Carcinogenicity Reproductive toxicity Specific Target Organ Aspiration hazard gif file MSWord file	Hazardous to the aquatic environment       gif file MSWord file

See this document or the HSE web site for further information on GHS and CLP.