GHS Label Elements for Secondary Containers

The six required elements on a shipped Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) label are the product identifier, signal word, hazard statement or statements, pictogram or pictograms, precautionary statement or statements, and supplier information. A secondary container used inside one workplace does not always need all six. OSHA gives employers two workplace-labeling options.

Quick Answer

A shipped hazardous chemical container needs six GHS label elements. A workplace secondary container generally needs either the first five shipped-label elements or a product identifier plus words, pictures, or symbols that communicate its hazards. Employees must also have immediate access to the specific hazard information.

Quick Answer
Table of Contents
What are the six required elements on a GHS label?
What are the nine GHS pictograms?
What do the standardized label phrases mean?
What must be on a secondary container label?
What workplace label formats does OSHA accept?
How should you label mixtures and dilutions?
How Helios Comply helps
Frequently asked questions
Sources

What are the six required elements on a GHS label?

Under 29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(1), a hazardous chemical container leaving a manufacturer’s, importer’s, or distributor’s workplace must carry six types of information. The regulation lists: “Product identifier; Signal word; Hazard statement(s); Pictogram(s); Precautionary statement(s); and, Name, U.S. address, and U.S. telephone number of the chemical manufacturer, importer, or other responsible party.”

Element	Purpose	SDS source
Product identifier	Names the chemical or product and links the label to its Safety Data Sheet (SDS).	Section 1
Signal word	Shows relative severity: “Danger” or “Warning.”	Section 2
Hazard statement(s)	Describes the nature and, where appropriate, degree of the hazard.	Section 2
Pictogram(s)	Uses standardized symbols assigned by hazard classification.	Section 2
Precautionary statement(s)	States recommended prevention, response, storage, and disposal measures.	Section 2
Supplier information	Identifies the responsible party by name, U.S. address, and U.S. telephone number.	Section 1

The product identifier must match the SDS. A handwritten label that says only “cleaner” fails that practical test if the workplace uses several cleaners. Use the same identifier on the label, inventory, and SDS. This plain-English guide to GHS labels explains the system in more detail.

What are the nine GHS pictograms and what do they mean?

GHS has nine pictograms. OSHA enforces eight under the federal Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom). The environment pictogram is non-mandatory. Each pictogram has a black symbol on a white background within a red diamond border, and the chemical’s classification determines which ones appear.

Pictogram	Symbol	Hazards it may cover
Health hazard	Person with chest starburst	Carcinogenicity, respiratory sensitization, reproductive toxicity, mutagenicity, target organ toxicity, aspiration hazard
Flame	Flame	Flammables, pyrophorics, self-heating chemicals, some self-reactives, organic peroxides, desensitized explosives
Exclamation mark	Exclamation point	Irritation, skin sensitization, harmful acute toxicity, narcotic effects, respiratory tract irritation
Gas cylinder	Horizontal cylinder	Gases under pressure and chemicals under pressure
Corrosion	Liquid damaging a hand and metal	Skin burns, serious eye damage, corrosion to metals
Exploding bomb	Exploding object	Explosives, some self-reactives and organic peroxides
Flame over circle	Flame above a circle	Oxidizers
Skull and crossbones	Skull above crossed bones	Fatal or toxic acute toxicity
Environment	Dead tree and fish	Aquatic toxicity, non-mandatory under OSHA

The health hazard and exclamation mark are easy to confuse. The first covers serious or chronic effects such as carcinogenicity and respiratory sensitization. The second covers effects such as skin irritation and harmful acute toxicity. Copy the applicable symbols from Section 2 of the current SDS rather than choosing by appearance. OSHA also says a pictogram may appear only once and a blank red diamond should not appear on a shipped label.

What do signal words, hazard statements, and precautionary statements mean?

A signal word indicates severity. “Danger” is used for more severe hazards within a hazard class, while “Warning” is used for less severe hazards. Only one appears. If different classifications call for both, the label displays Danger.

Hazard statements are standardized phrases assigned by hazard class and category, such as “Causes serious eye damage.” Precautionary statements cover prevention, response, storage, and disposal. These elements come from 29 CFR 1910.1200 Appendix C and appear in Section 2 of the SDS. They should not be replaced with improvised wording.

What information must be on a secondary container label?

For most secondary containers, 29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(6) gives employers two routes. The label may use the information in paragraphs (f)(1)(i) through (v), meaning the five shipped-label elements other than supplier information. Alternatively, it may use the product identifier plus “words, pictures, symbols, or combination thereof, which provide at least general information regarding the hazards of the chemicals.”

The alternative works only when the label and other information immediately available under the employer’s HazCom program give employees specific physical and health hazard information. A spray bottle of diluted cleaner, solvent squeeze bottle, or transfer jug left for later use needs an understandable label and a clear path to the SDS. That path may be digital or through maintained SDS binder books.

The portable-container exemption in 29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(8) is narrow. A label is not required when one employee transfers a chemical from a labeled container, keeps it under their control, and uses it immediately within that work shift. Shared, stored, or next-shift containers need labels. Review these common secondary container labeling mistakes for practical examples.

What workplace label formats does OSHA accept?

OSHA accepts the specified shipped-label elements or an alternative workplace system that satisfies paragraph (f)(6). An alternative label has no single required layout, but it must communicate the required information, remain legible, appear in English, and be prominently displayed.

Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS) or National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 704) symbols may support workplace labeling. They do not remove the need for a product identifier and general hazard information that works with the written HazCom program. Employees must understand the system. Unexplained numbers are not enough.

Copying the supplier’s label is often the simplest policy because it keeps standardized elements together. Check labels for fading, abrasion, moisture, and chemical damage. The GHS label printer guide covers practical printing considerations.

How should you label mixtures and diluted chemicals?

Label a mixture for the hazards of the classified mixture, not by guessing from one ingredient or copying the concentrate label. OSHA’s Appendix A generally uses data for the complete mixture first, applicable bridging principles second, and ingredient-based methods when the other information is unavailable.

Dilution can change a classification, but it does not automatically remove every hazard. Follow supplier instructions and use hazard information that applies to the diluted product. If no supplier documentation covers a new in-house formulation, obtain a qualified hazard classification. Listing every component hazard is not a dependable shortcut because concentration and chemical interaction matter.

How does Helios Comply help with secondary container labels?

Helios Comply generates GHS secondary container labels from SDS records in your chemical library. This reduces retyping and keeps the product identifier and hazard elements tied to the source document. QR code and offline access help employees reach SDS information, while multi-location controls help owners manage chemicals across sites.

Software does not take over the employer’s duty to maintain a written program, train employees, confirm the right SDS, inspect labels, or classify a new formulation. It does make a consistent process easier for a small team. Start a free trial, or call (855) 920-5202 for hands-on setup help.

HazCom was the second most frequently cited federal OSHA standard across all industries in fiscal year 2025. That ranking covers the whole standard, not labeling alone, but it is a sound reason to replace ad hoc labeling with a repeatable check.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a label on a spray bottle?

Usually, yes, if it contains a hazardous chemical. The immediate-use exemption applies only when the employee who transferred it keeps control and uses it within that work shift. A shared bottle or one kept for later needs a workplace label.

Can I use HMIS instead of GHS on a secondary container?

You may use HMIS as part of an alternative workplace system if the label carries the product identifier and general hazard information, and immediately available HazCom information supplies the specific details. Train employees on the system and do not rely on unexplained ratings alone.

How many GHS pictograms are there?

There are nine. OSHA enforces eight under federal HazCom. The environment pictogram for aquatic toxicity is non-mandatory, although it may appear as supplemental information.

Do State Plan workplaces follow the same rules?

State Plans must be at least as effective as federal OSHA, but their requirements may differ. Confirm the rules with the OSHA-approved State Plan covering your workplace. This article explains the federal standard and is not legal advice.