SECTION 2: Hazards Identification

Overview

For obvious reasons, Section 2 of a GHS Safety data sheet is often considered the most important section. It contains:

The hazard classification of the hazardous substance or mixture
The hazard communication elements which should appear - identically - on the label
The details of any other hazards which may also fall out of the scope of the European Union classification system

Key Requirements

Classification of the substance or mixture according to CLP Regulation
Label elements including hazard pictograms
Signal words
Hazard statements
Precautionary statements
Additional hazard information

Hazard Classification Categories

Hazard Type	Classes	Examples
Physical Hazards	16 classes	Explosives, Flammables, Oxidizers
Health Hazards	10 classes	Acute Toxicity, Carcinogenicity
Environmental Hazards	2 classes	Aquatic Toxicity, Ozone Depletion

2.1 Classification of the substance or mixture

Classification Requirements

This section must provide the hazard classification of the substance or mixture arising from the application of the classification criteria in the CLP Regulation. Where a substance or mixture is classified according to different hazard classes or differentiations, all classifications must be included.

Combined Hazard Statements

Some hazard statements can be combined when applicable to a substance or mixture:

H300 + H310: Fatal if swallowed or in contact with skin
H300 + H330: Fatal if swallowed or if inhaled
H310 + H330: Fatal in contact with skin or if inhaled
H300 + H310 + H330: Fatal if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled

2.2 Label Elements

Labeling Requirements

Based on the classification, provide the following label elements:

Hazard pictogram(s)
Signal word (Danger or Warning)
Hazard statement(s) in full
Precautionary statement(s)
Supplemental label elements
Product identifiers

Pictogram Requirements:

Must be reproduced in black symbol on white background with red frame
Minimum size requirements apply
Must be clearly visible and legible

2.3 Other Hazards

This subsection must provide information on:

PBT and vPvB assessment results
Endocrine disrupting properties
Other hazards not resulting in classification
Dust explosion hazards
Risk of slipping
Cross-sensitization

CLP Annexes Overview

Annex I: Classification criteria for physical, health, and environmental hazards
Annex II: Special rules for labelling and packaging
Annex III: Hazard statements, supplemental information and supplemental label elements
Annex IV: List of precautionary statements
Annex V: Hazard pictograms
Annex VI: Harmonized classification and labelling for certain substances
Annex VII: Translation tables from previous classification system

Critical Safety Information

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Inconsistent classification between sections
Missing or incomplete hazard statements
Incorrect pictogram reproduction
Omission of relevant precautionary statements
Failure to include supplemental hazard information