The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) requires pictograms on labels to alert users of the chemical hazards to which they may be exposed. Each pictogram consists of a symbol on a white background framed within a red border and represents a distinct hazard(s). The pictogram on the label is determined by the chemical hazard classification.
Here’s a handy training cheat sheet to use at your facility. (Download a PDF version below!)
Health Hazard
This pictogram is put on a chemical label when a substance presents these health hazards:
- Carcinogen–may cause cancer
- Respiratory sensitizer–may cause respiratory irritation
- Reproductive toxicity–may damage fertility or the unborn child
- Target organ toxicity–may cause damage to bodily organs
- Mutagenicity–may cause genetic defects
- Aspiration toxicity–may be fatal if swallowed and it enters the airways
Flame
It appears on chemical labels for substances that are:
- Flammables–which are gases, aerosols, liquids, or solids that will burn or ignite under certain conditions,
- Self-Reactives–heating alone, without air, may cause fire or explosion,
- Pyrophorics–in small amounts, may ignite within 5 minutes after contact with air,
- Self-Heating–which may catch fire only in large amounts and after long periods of time when exposed to air,
- Emitters of flammable gas, and
- Organic peroxides–which, when heated, may cause fire or explosion; may be sensitive to impact or friction; and may react dangerously with other chemicals.
Exclamation Mark
It is used on a chemical label for substances that represent the following hazards:
- Irritant–irritates the skin or eyes;
- Skin sensitizer–which is an allergic response following skin contact;
- Acute toxicity–which may be fatal or cause organ damage from a single short-term exposure;
- Narcotic effects like drowsiness, lack of coordination, and dizziness; and
- Respiratory tract irritation.
Gas Cylinder
This pictogram on a chemical label means that the substance is a compressed, liquefied, or dissolved gas under pressure at 29 pounds per square inch or more.
Flame over Circle
This symbol on a chemical label means that the substance is an oxidizer. Oxidizers may cause a fire by increasing the concentration of oxygen in the air.
Corrosion
This pictogram on a chemical label means that the substance causes skin burns, eye damage, or destroys metals.
Skull and Crossbones
Substances with a hazard of acute toxicity will have this symbol on their chemical label. Acute toxicity means that exposure to a single dose of the chemical may be toxic or fatal if inhaled or swallowed, or if it comes into contact with the skin.
Exploding Bomb
The exploding bomb pictogram appears on the chemical labels of substances that are:
- Explosives—which is a solid or liquid chemical capable of a chemical reaction that causes damage to the surroundings,
- Self-Reactive—heating may cause fire or explosion without the need for air, or
- Organic peroxides—again, heating may cause fire or explosion.
Bonus Pictogram! Environment
This non-mandatory pictogram means the hazard the chemical presents is aquatic toxicity.
Download Your GHS Cheat Sheet (Free PDF)
Share this critical information with your colleagues! Download this free, handy cheat sheet to distribute to your employees or post around your worksite.