{"id":15269,"date":"2024-01-25T16:02:59","date_gmt":"2024-01-25T16:02:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.smithcorona.com\/blog\/?p=15269"},"modified":"2025-02-04T21:38:25","modified_gmt":"2025-02-04T21:38:25","slug":"choosing-ghs-signal-word","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.smithcorona.com\/blog\/choosing-ghs-signal-word\/","title":{"rendered":"A Guide to Choosing Your GHS Signal Word"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-1 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#eae9e9;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"max-width:1144px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-0 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-1\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If dealing with hazardous chemicals is a regular part of your workday, you or someone in your company is likely responsible for producing <\/span><b>GHS labels<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. That means you know you&#8217;ve got to include a signal word. While this may sound like a simple task, you&#8217;ve probably found that it&#8217;s a little more complicated than meets the eye.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <div class=\"smith-corona-featured-image\">\n\n                <img src=\"https:\/\/www.smithcorona.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/A_Guide_to_Choosing_Your_GHS_Signal_Word_Feature.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"760\" height=\"460\" \/>\n\n            <\/div>\n        <div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-2\"><p><b>Signal words<\/b> <i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">must<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> be chosen carefully, as they serve as a first warning to anyone who comes into contact with the chemical. They are also an important part of GHS labeling requirements, and getting them wrong could result in serious consequences.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But what exactly are they and how do you choose the right one for your product? To help you navigate this process, we&#8217;ve put together a guide to choosing signal words that will ensure your labels are accurate and GHS-compliant.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 1.92%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 1.92%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1064px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-1{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 0px;padding-right : 0px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 0px;}<\/style><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-2 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#eae9e9;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"max-width:1144px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-1 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><style type=\"text\/css\">@media only screen and (max-width:1064px) {.fusion-title.fusion-title-1{margin-top:5px!important; margin-right:0px!important;margin-bottom:10px!important;margin-left:0px!important;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-title.fusion-title-1{margin-top:0px!important; margin-right:0px!important;margin-bottom:20px!important; margin-left:0px!important;}}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-1 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\" style=\"margin-top:5px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;\"><h2 class=\"title-heading-left\" style=\"margin:0;\"><b>What Are GHS Signal Words?<\/b><\/h2><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-3\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re familiar with GHS labels, you already know about the required elements like hazard statements and precautionary statements. While these provide important information, they are not always the first thing that catches a person&#8217;s attention. That&#8217;s where signal words come in.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Signal words are meant to <\/span><b>quickly<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> communicate the level of hazard associated with a particular chemical.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals has established certain signal words to indicate the level of severity associated with a chemical.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These standardized words are used on labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to quickly convey important information about the chemical hazards posed by a particular substance. They serve as an introduction to the more detailed information found on the label.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are two signal words to choose from:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>&#8220;Danger&#8221;<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>&#8220;Warning&#8221;<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both words are intended to convey a sense of urgency, but they have different meanings. Let&#8217;s take a closer look at each one.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-1{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-1 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 1.92%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 1.92%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1064px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-1{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-1 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-1{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-1 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-2{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 0px;padding-right : 0px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 0px;}<\/style><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-3 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#eae9e9;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"max-width:1144px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-2 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><style type=\"text\/css\">@media only screen and (max-width:1064px) {.fusion-title.fusion-title-2{margin-top:5px!important; margin-right:0px!important;margin-bottom:10px!important;margin-left:0px!important;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-title.fusion-title-2{margin-top:0px!important; margin-right:0px!important;margin-bottom:20px!important; margin-left:0px!important;}}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-2 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\" style=\"margin-top:5px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;\"><h2 class=\"title-heading-left\" style=\"margin:0;\"><h2><b>&#8220;Danger&#8221;<\/b><\/h2><\/h2><\/div><div ><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-1 hover-type-none\"><img width=\"760\" height=\"460\" title=\"A_Guide_to_Choosing_Your_GHS_Signal_Word_Danger_1\" src=\"https:\/\/www.smithcorona.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/A_Guide_to_Choosing_Your_GHS_Signal_Word_Danger_1.png\" alt class=\"img-responsive wp-image-15302\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smithcorona.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/A_Guide_to_Choosing_Your_GHS_Signal_Word_Danger_1-200x121.png 200w, https:\/\/www.smithcorona.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/A_Guide_to_Choosing_Your_GHS_Signal_Word_Danger_1-400x242.png 400w, https:\/\/www.smithcorona.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/A_Guide_to_Choosing_Your_GHS_Signal_Word_Danger_1-600x363.png 600w, https:\/\/www.smithcorona.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/A_Guide_to_Choosing_Your_GHS_Signal_Word_Danger_1.png 760w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1064px) 100vw, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 760px\" \/><\/span><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-4\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The signal word <\/span><b>&#8220;danger&#8221;<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is used for more severe hazards that can cause serious injury or death. For instance, flammable gasses, extremely toxic substances, and combustible liquids are some of the hazardous materials that require careful handling and storage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is crucial to take proper precautions and follow safety guidelines when dealing with these potentially dangerous substances.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8220;Danger&#8221; includes physical hazards such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flammability<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Corrosivity<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oxidizers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Compressed gasses<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Self-reactive substances and mixtures<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pyrophoric liquids, solids, or gasses<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Organic peroxides<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to physical hazards, the &#8220;danger&#8221; signal word is also used for certain health hazards such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acute toxicity (oral, dermal, inhalation)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Carcinogenicity<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Respiratory sensitization<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Germ cell mutagenicity<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Including this word in your label helps to immediately grab the attention of anyone handling the chemical and indicates that special precautions need to be taken.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-2{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-2 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 1.92%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 1.92%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1064px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-2{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-2 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-2{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-2 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-3{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 0px;padding-right : 0px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 0px;}<\/style><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-4 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#eae9e9;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"max-width:1144px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-3 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><style type=\"text\/css\">@media only screen and (max-width:1064px) {.fusion-title.fusion-title-3{margin-top:5px!important; margin-right:0px!important;margin-bottom:10px!important;margin-left:0px!important;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-title.fusion-title-3{margin-top:0px!important; margin-right:0px!important;margin-bottom:20px!important; margin-left:0px!important;}}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-3 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\" style=\"margin-top:5px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;\"><h2 class=\"title-heading-left\" style=\"margin:0;\"><b>&#8220;Warning&#8221;<\/b><\/h2><\/div><div ><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-2 hover-type-none\"><img width=\"760\" height=\"460\" title=\"A_Guide_to_Choosing_Your_GHS_Signal_Word_Warning_1\" src=\"https:\/\/www.smithcorona.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/A_Guide_to_Choosing_Your_GHS_Signal_Word_Warning_1.png\" alt class=\"img-responsive wp-image-15303\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smithcorona.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/A_Guide_to_Choosing_Your_GHS_Signal_Word_Warning_1-200x121.png 200w, https:\/\/www.smithcorona.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/A_Guide_to_Choosing_Your_GHS_Signal_Word_Warning_1-400x242.png 400w, https:\/\/www.smithcorona.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/A_Guide_to_Choosing_Your_GHS_Signal_Word_Warning_1-600x363.png 600w, https:\/\/www.smithcorona.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/A_Guide_to_Choosing_Your_GHS_Signal_Word_Warning_1.png 760w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1064px) 100vw, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 760px\" \/><\/span><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-5\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the other hand, the signal word<\/span><b> &#8220;warning&#8221;<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is used for less severe hazards that may still cause some harm or irritation. These include physical hazards such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skin or eye irritants<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skin sensitizer<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hazardous to the aquatic environment<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In terms of health hazards, the &#8220;warning&#8221; signal word is used for:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acute toxicity (oral, dermal, inhalation)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skin corrosion\/irritation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serious eye damage\/eye irritation<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having a &#8220;warning&#8221; signal word on your label indicates that the chemical may require some caution when handling, but it is not as dangerous as those labeled with &#8220;danger&#8221;.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-3{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-3 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 1.92%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 1.92%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1064px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-3{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-3 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-3{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-3 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-4{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 0px;padding-right : 0px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 0px;}<\/style><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-5 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#eae9e9;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"max-width:1144px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-4 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><style type=\"text\/css\">@media only screen and (max-width:1064px) {.fusion-title.fusion-title-4{margin-top:5px!important; margin-right:0px!important;margin-bottom:10px!important;margin-left:0px!important;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-title.fusion-title-4{margin-top:0px!important; margin-right:0px!important;margin-bottom:20px!important; margin-left:0px!important;}}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-4 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\" style=\"margin-top:5px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;\"><h2 class=\"title-heading-left\" style=\"margin:0;\"><h2><b>Can You Use Multiple Signal Words?<\/b><\/h2><\/h2><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-6\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even though there may be multiple hazards, there should be only <\/span><b>one<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> signal word on the label, no matter how many hazards a chemical may have.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If one of the hazards warrants a \u201cDanger\u201d signal word and another warrants the signal word \u201cWarning,\u201d then only \u201cDanger\u201d should appear on the label.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is to avoid confusion and ensure that the most critical hazard is highlighted.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Therefore, it is important for manufacturers and suppliers to accurately assess the hazards of a chemical and choose the appropriate signal word for effective labeling.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-4{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-4 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 1.92%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 1.92%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1064px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-4{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-4 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-4{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-4 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-5{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 0px;padding-right : 0px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 0px;}<\/style><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-6 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#eae9e9;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"max-width:1144px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-5 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><style type=\"text\/css\">@media only screen and (max-width:1064px) {.fusion-title.fusion-title-5{margin-top:5px!important; margin-right:0px!important;margin-bottom:10px!important;margin-left:0px!important;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-title.fusion-title-5{margin-top:0px!important; margin-right:0px!important;margin-bottom:20px!important; margin-left:0px!important;}}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-5 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\" style=\"margin-top:5px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;\"><h2 class=\"title-heading-left\" style=\"margin:0;\"><h2><b>How Do You Decide Which Signal Word to Use?<\/b><\/h2><\/h2><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-7\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, how do you decide which signal word to use on your GHS label?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The signal word plays a crucial role in chemical classification. It is determined by the GHS hazard class, which considers the physical and health hazards of a chemical. Once classified, the right signal word is chosen based on the severity of its hazards.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding the intricacies of signal words is key to safety when handling chemicals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be sure to remember:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The distinction between &#8216;danger&#8217; and &#8216;warning&#8217;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The rule of using a single signal word even with multiple hazards<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The method of selecting the appropriate word based on hazard severity.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These factors together serve as an essential guide to choosing the correct signal word.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This knowledge is invaluable for manufacturers, suppliers, and users alike, ensuring caution is taken and potential harm is minimized. So, always pay attention to the signal word on a chemical label and take appropriate safety measures accordingly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have questions about GHS requirements, reach out to the friendly team at Smith Corona for help.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-5{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-column-5 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 1.92%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 1.92%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1064px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-5{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-5 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-5{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-5 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-6{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 0px;padding-right : 0px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 0px;}<\/style><\/div><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In this in-depth analysis, we explore the impact of signal words like &#8216;Danger&#8217; and &#8216;Warning&#8217; on GHS chemical labels. We dive into the intricacies of selecting the right signal word, considering the severity of hazards. Get ready to uncover the importance of accurate labeling, a crucial piece of information for manufacturers, suppliers, and anyone working with chemicals. Stay tuned as we reveal fascinating insights into this critical aspect of chemical safety!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":15298,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[79],"tags":[],"acf":{"theme_color":"","estimated_reading_time":2,"include_in_most_popular_sidebar":false,"hero_splash_image":15299,"grid_listing_thumbnail":15300,"sidebar_most_popular_thumbnail":15301},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v19.7.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>GHS Signal Words | How to Choose a GHS Signal Word<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Choose the right GHS signal words for your chemical products. Understand the meanings of &quot;Danger&quot; and &quot;Warning&quot; in this comprehensive guide.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smithcorona.com\/blog\/choosing-ghs-signal-word\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"GHS Signal Words | How to Choose a GHS Signal Word\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Choose the right GHS signal words for your chemical products. Understand the meanings of &quot;Danger&quot; and &quot;Warning&quot; in this comprehensive guide.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.smithcorona.com\/blog\/choosing-ghs-signal-word\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Barcode Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/smithcoronalabels\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-01-25T16:02:59+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-02-04T21:38:25+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.smithcorona.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/A_Guide_to_Choosing_Your_GHS_Signal_Word_Feature.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"760\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"460\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"admin\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@sclabels\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@sclabels\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"admin\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"14 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.smithcorona.com\/blog\/choosing-ghs-signal-word\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.smithcorona.com\/blog\/choosing-ghs-signal-word\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"admin\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.smithcorona.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/606a86da9469773f7653903b2500c5f2\"},\"headline\":\"A Guide to Choosing Your GHS Signal Word\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-01-25T16:02:59+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-02-04T21:38:25+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.smithcorona.com\/blog\/choosing-ghs-signal-word\/\"},\"wordCount\":6971,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.smithcorona.com\/blog\/#organization\"},\"articleSection\":[\"Compliance Labeling\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.smithcorona.com\/blog\/choosing-ghs-signal-word\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.smithcorona.com\/blog\/choosing-ghs-signal-word\/\",\"name\":\"GHS Signal Words | How to Choose a GHS Signal Word\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.smithcorona.com\/blog\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2024-01-25T16:02:59+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-02-04T21:38:25+00:00\",\"description\":\"Choose the right GHS signal words for your chemical products. 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