Hazardous Chemicals and GHS Labels

The Globally Harmonised System (GHS) is an international standard developed by the United Nations to help classify and label chemicals clearly and consistently. The GHS utilises standardised hazard statements, pictographs, signal words and precautionary statements to identify chemical hazards and other dangerous goods that pose chemical/ physical risk, health risk, or environmental risk.

Why is GHS Important?

In Australia, the GHS has been adopted under the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations, making it essential for many workplaces.

Under these regulations, GHS labels are required for any substance, mixture or article classified as a hazardous chemical. This includes:

• Agricultural and veterinary (agvet) chemicals, if they are listed in the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Act 1994 and appear in Schedule 4 or 8 of the Poison Standard.
   
• All chemicals used in laboratory settings, regardless of quantity or frequency of use.
   

These labels aren’t just red tape — they help ensure that workers understand the risks associated with a substance and how to handle it safely. A GHS-compliant label typically includes elements such as signal words, hazard statements, pictograms, precautionary statements and product identifiers.

Do All Products Require GHS Labels?

Not necessarily. Certain products are excluded from GHS labelling requirements under Australian law. For example:

• Household goods and cosmetics — even if they contain toxic or harmful ingredients generally do not need GHS labels.
   
• Products for human consumption — such as scheduled medicines, nutritional supplements or controlled drugs, are also excluded from GHS labelling rules.
   
• Large workplace containers — substances like flammable alcoholic spirits still must comply with WHS labelling standards if they pose a chemical hazard in that context.
   

Why It Matters for Your Business

But GHS labelling isn’t just about being compliant; it’s about protecting people and reducing risk. Clear, consistent labels ensure that hazardous chemicals are stored, used and transported safely, reducing the likelihood of workplace accidents or exposure.

If your workplace uses or stores chemicals that are not technically classified as hazardous but still require safe identification — like cleaning agents, solvents or technical mixtures — our range of printed thermal labels can help you stay organised and communicate essential handling information clearly.

Want to dig deeper? Check out our guide: Understanding GHS and Its Importance

Applying a GHS Compliant Label

There are numerous standards and procedures regarding the application and use of a GHS-compliant label.

GHS labels must be written in English and be firmly fixed to the container. It should not be hidden (i.e. underneath the container) or be attached to something that can easily be removed (i.e. the lid). There are also minimum GHS label size requirements, as specified by the ADG Code.

GHS labels are only required for products that are in use. Chemicals that are either in storage or in transport are only required to contain dangerous goods labels. However, as soon as a hazardous chemical is transferred from a storage facility into a workplace or laboratory, it must immediately be assigned a GHS-compliant label.

If a hazard has been transferred from its primary container into a secondary container (such as a bucket, jar, drum or bottle), the secondary container must also be labelled according to GHS specifications. There are three specific situations where a secondary container does not need to be labelled:

• The secondary container is used within the work shift of the person who made the transfer.
• The person who made the transfer is within the workspace during the entire time that the product is used
• The container stays within the possession and area of the individual who made the transfer.

What is Required on a GHS Label

Consistency is the cornerstone of the GHS. Each GHS-compliant label follows the same design requirements, ensuring that individuals easily recognise potential dangers and act accordingly.

In order to be compliant, these six GHS label elements must be included within the label:

Product Identifier

This is the name of the substance, exactly as it appears on the Safety Data Sheet (SDS). It should be clear and easy to read.

Signal Word

Labels include either “Danger” or “Warning” to indicate how serious the hazard is. Only one is used, and it reflects the highest level of risk.

Hazard Statement(s)

These are short, standard phrases like “Causes skin irritation” or “Toxic if inhaled.” They’re pulled directly from the GHS system to keep things consistent across all labels.

Precautionary Statements

These outline how to prevent harm when using, storing or disposing of the chemical. The precautionary section typically includes:

• Prevention (e.g. Wear protective gloves)
   
• Response/First Aid (e.g. If in eyes: rinse cautiously with water)
   
• Storage (e.g. Store in a well-ventilated place)
   
• Disposal (e.g. Dispose of contents in accordance with local regulations)
   

Including this information helps reduce the risk of exposure and supports safer workplace practices.

Supplier Identification

Every GHS label must include the name, Australian address and contact details of the supplier or importer.

Pictograms

GHS pictograms are visually distinct symbols that sit within a red diamond border. Each one represents a specific type of hazard — such as flammability, health hazard or corrosivity. These pictograms help communicate risk at a glance, even for those with limited English or reading ability. For example:

• A flame icon indicates flammable substances
   
• A skull and crossbones signal acute toxicity
   
• An exclamation mark may indicate skin or eye irritation
   

These symbols are a universal visual language in chemical safety and must be printed clearly and legibly.

There are 9 different pictograms, each communicating a different risk. If more than one of the pictograms is applicable, the container may contain multiple hazard pictograms. The 9 different pictograms represent the following hazards:

1. Oxidisers
2. Acutely toxic (severe/ fatal)Flammables, self reactives, pyrophorics, self-heating, emits flammable gas, organic peroxides
3. Explosives, self reactives, organic peroxides
4. Burns skin, corrosive to metals, damages eyes
5. Gases under pressure
6. Carcinogen, respiratory sensitiser, reproductive toxicity, target organ toxicity, mutagenicity aspiration toxicity
7. Toxic to aquatic environment
8. Acutely toxic (harmful), irritant to skin, eyes or respiratory tract, skin sensitiser, hazardous to the ozone layer
9. If the hazard has an expiry date, this must also be communicated on the label

General Guidelines for GHS Label Size Requirements in Australia

1. Label size must suit the container

The GHS label should be large enough to include all required elements clearly (product identifier, signal word, hazard and precautionary statements, supplier info and pictograms).

For small containers (e.g. less than 500 mL), abbreviated formats may be allowed, but only under strict conditions, and not for all chemicals.

2. Pictograms must be clearly visible

Each pictogram must be enclosed in a red diamond and be proportional to the size of the label and container.

Clear and uncluttered, with pictograms not hidden or obscured.

For small containers, pictograms are typically at least 16 x 16 mm, while larger drums often use 50 x 50 mm or more.

3. Text must be legible

Legible under normal working conditions.

Durable enough to last the entire life of the product.
 

Special Cases

Small containers (< 125 mL):
The WHS Regulations allow some flexibility. If it’s not reasonably practicable to include all standard GHS information, a reduced label format may be used — but it must still contain:

• Product identifier

• Signal word

• Pictogram(s)

• Supplier identification
   

Outer packaging:
If hazardous chemicals are packaged in outer containers, the outermost container must also carry GHS labelling unless the inner container is visible.

Best Practice

While there is no universal rule for GHS label size requirements, Safe Work Australia suggests selecting the largest size that fits the container and guarantees complete compliance. The priority is clarity, consistency and safety.

If you're unsure what size or format will meet GHS requirements for your specific product, it's a good idea to consult the Safe Work Australia GHS labelling code of practice or get in touch with a local expert, like Thermal Labels, for tailored advice and compliant printing options.

Transition from GHS 5 to GHS 7

On 1 January 2021, Australia adopted the revised 7th edition of GHS. From 1 January 2023, all GHS labels must conform with GHS 7. During the transition period, individuals and organisations may use any GHS edition, but they should ensure coherence by not combining GHS label elements from different standards.

Several key changes are introduced to GHS 7, including:

• The addition of a new hazard classification for “desensitised explosives”. This classification is to be used for liquid or solid explosive substances that have either been wetted with alcohol or water, or diluted with another substance to form a solid or liquid mixture that suppresses the substance’s explosive properties.
• Other amendments to the classification criteria for flammable gases. 
• Updated precautionary statements that provide greater transparency
• Greater flexibility in regards to the use and wording of precautionary statements

The Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

Even though the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is not included within GHS labels, it still forms an important part of ensuring GHS compliance. An SDS offers a central source for information and safety measures relating to a hazardous chemical. The GHS has regulations to ensure a streamlined approach to the content and format of an SDS. An SDS will include information and product-specific requirements regarding the hazard’s transport, disposal, stability and reactivity, handling and storage, composition and toxicology.

Typically, an SDS will be emailed to the receiver of the chemical or can be found on the manufacturer’s website.

Role of Thermal Labels in GHS Compliance

A GHS label isn’t defined by what’s printed on it, but how well that information holds up over time.

In many workplaces, labels face tough conditions: moisture, heat, UV exposure, chemicals and heavy handling. If a label fades, peels or smudges, it becomes a safety risk and could leave you non-compliant.

That’s why we recommend thermal transfer labels for long-term GHS applications. Unlike direct thermal labels (which are best for short-term use), thermal transfer labels deliver sharp, long-lasting print when paired with the right ribbon and adhesive. They’re built to stay legible, even in harsh environments.

At Thermal Labels, we supply durable thermal transfer labels specifically designed to meet GHS requirements. These labels are ideal for:

• Chemical drums and containers
   
• Laboratory bottles and vials
   
• Industrial packaging and storage
   
• Hazardous material shipments
   

Unlike direct thermal labels (which are better suited to short-term use), thermal transfer labels offer longer-lasting print quality. When paired with the right ribbon and adhesive, they can withstand harsh handling and environmental exposure without fading or breaking down. Labels need to remain legible for months or even years.

We also offer custom-printed GHS labels with all the essential components: signal words, pictograms, hazard statements and more, so your business stays compliant without the hassle of formatting and printing them in-house.

Custom GHS Labels

If your workplace uses hazardous chemicals, it’s important to stay compliant with WHS laws — and that includes proper labelling. We make it easy with custom GHS labels that can be tailored to include:

• The right hazard statements and signal words
• Your business’s contact details
• Any of the 9 GHS pictograms

Our thermal labels are tough, long-lasting and clear, so you can trust they’ll do the job correctly.

Ready to create compliant, durable labels for your business? Get a quote today or contact our team for help choosing the best custom GHS labels for your needs.