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GHS Pipe Labeling Guide

What the Globally Harmonized System is, how it applies to pipe marking under ASME (ANSI) A13.1, and what each of the nine GHS pictograms means.

What it means GHS on piping The 9 pictograms Shop

Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals

Chemicals, through the different steps from their production to their handling, transport and use, are a real danger for human health and the environment. Employees and workers, using many different languages and alphabets, are confronted daily with these dangerous chemicals.

To face this danger, and given the reality of the extensive global trade in chemicals and the need to develop national programs to ensure their safe use, transport and disposal, it was recognized that an internationally harmonized approach to classification and labeling would provide the foundation for such programs. Once countries have consistent and appropriate information on the chemicals they import or produce in their own countries, the infrastructure to control chemical exposures and protect people and the environment can be established in a comprehensive manner.

The new system, called the “Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS)”, addresses classification of chemicals by types of hazards and proposes harmonized hazard communication elements, including labels and pipe markers. On the 28th of November 2008 the European Council adopted the GHS regulation. The publication followed on the 31st of December 2008, meaning that GHS can be applied from the 21st of January 2009.

Pipe marker with GHS symbol tape and decals

GHS on piping

The pipe marking standard allows GHS pictograms on pipe markers.

ASME (ANSI) A13.1-2020 states “The applicable GHS pictogram as illustrated may be included ...” and “Where piping is connected to containers that are labeled in accordance with GHS requirements, a corresponding label on piping may be provided”.

Craftmark has a full line of GHS pipe markers, pictogram roll tapes and individual labels for use on piping.

The nine GHS pictograms

Each pictogram covers a set of hazard classes and categories.

Pictogram	Description	Hazard class and hazard category
	Exploding BombGHS 1	Unstable explosives Explosives of Divisions 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 Self reactive substances and mixtures, Types A,B Organic peroxides, Types A,B
	FlameGHS 2	Flammable gases, category 1 Flammable aerosols, categories 1,2 Flammable liquids, categories 1,2,3 Flammable solids, categories 1,2 Self-reactive substances and mixtures, Types B,C,D,E,F Pyrophoric liquids, category 1 Pyrophoric solids, category 1 Self-heating substances and mixtures, categories 1,2 Substances and mixtures, which in contact with water, emit flammable gases, categories 1,2,3 Organic peroxides, Types B,C,D,E,F
	Flame Over CircleGHS 3	Oxidizing gases, category 1 Oxidizing liquids, categories 1,2,3
	Gas CylinderGHS 4	Gases under pressure: compressed gases, liquefied gases, refrigerated liquefied gases, dissolved gases
	CorrosionGHS 5	Corrosive to metals, category 1 Skin corrosion, categories 1A,1B,1C Serious eye damage, category 1
	Skull & CrossbonesGHS 6	Acute toxicity (oral, dermal, inhalation), categories 1,2,3
	Exclamation MarkGHS 7	Acute toxicity (oral, dermal, inhalation), category 4 Skin irritation, category 2 Eye irritation, category 2 Skin sensitisation, category 1 Specific Target Organ Toxicity – Single exposure, category 3
	Health HazardGHS 8	Respiratory sensitization, category 1 Germ cell mutagenicity, categories 1A,1B,2 Carcinogenicity, categories 1A,1B,2 Reproductive toxicity, categories 1A,1B,2 Specific Target Organ Toxicity – Single exposure, categories 1,2 Specific Target Organ Toxicity – Repeated exposure, categories 1,2 Aspiration Hazard, category 1
	EnvironmentGHS 9	Hazardous to the aquatic environment: acute hazard, category 1; chronic hazard, categories 1,2

Shop GHS pipe labeling

DuraMark™ GHS Pipe MarkersSelf-stick markers with the contents, signal word and pictograms. 13 stock legends in 5 sizes. GHS Symbol TapeAll 9 pictograms on 30 foot rolls, 1", 2" and 4" wide. GHS Symbol DecalsIndividual liner-mounted pictogram decals, 100 per bag.

This page is a summary for reference. Consult the Safety Data Sheet for each chemical and the current GHS and ASME (ANSI) A13.1 documents for the complete requirements.

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