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Hazard Communication Standard: Pictograms

HazCom pictograms are pivotal when handling hazardous chemicals and substances, where the stakes can mean life or death.

These identification tools communicate information on potential dangers associated with different substances to workers and users. Understanding both what they mean and how to implement them, as part of your general workplace hazard communication, will not only keep your employees safe but it’s also required by OSHA under the Hazard Communication Standard as one of the six elements for labeling compliance.

Three secondary containers with different HazCom and GHS labels, specific to the chemicals they contain.

What is the Hazard Communication Standard?

The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) by OSHA is a globally harmonized system that classifies and labels hazardous chemicals. These standards are for those who manufacture, handle, transport or use hazardous chemicals in the workplace.

The HCS aims to ensure a safe work environment by requiring companies to accurately identify these chemicals, inform employees about their hazards and provide appropriate training. This involves labeling chemicals correctly, creating safety data sheets (SDS) that provide detailed information about each chemical and conducting regular employee training sessions for safe handling and emergency procedures.

What are HazCom pictograms?

HazCom pictograms use symbols to communicate critical safety information quickly and effectively. As defined by OSHA, a pictogram in the context of HazCom comprises a symbol on a white background, framed within a red border, each representing a distinct hazard. HazCom pictograms provide immediate visual cues about the types of hazards associated with a particular chemical.

These hazardous material labels are particularly crucial in emergencies where there might not be time for reading detailed instructions.

How pictograms are used in HazCom labels

The HCS requires chemical manufacturers, distributors or importers to provide a label that includes six key elements:

  1. Product identifier

    : This could be the chemical name, code number or batch number. For instance, sodium hydroxide may be listed as "NAOH."

  2. Signal word

    : Words like “Danger” or “Warning” indicate the level of severity of the hazard. For instance, on a sodium hydroxide label, “Danger” would be used as it is highly corrosive.

  3. Hazard statement

    : This describes the nature and degree of the hazard. For instance, it may state, "Causes severe skin burns and eye damage."

  4. Precautionary statements

    : These provide information on how to prevent exposure to the chemical or what to do if exposure occurs. For example, they may say something like, "Wear protective gloves and eye protection. If on skin: Wash with plenty of water."

  5. Supplier identification

    : This is information about the manufacturer or distributor of the chemical. This includes their name, address and telephone number.

  6. Pictograms

    : These are graphic symbols that provide a visual representation of the specific hazards present.

Each of these elements is critical in conveying vital safety information. Pictograms have a strong visual impact, offering a quick and clear understanding of potential hazards, even for those facing language barriers or reading difficulties.

Understanding the Globally Harmonized System (GHS)

There's also the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) — an internationally recognized system to classify and label chemicals. Introduced by the United Nations, its purpose is to safeguard employees and the environment by making sure chemical manufacturers and importers evaluate the risks of the chemicals they produce or import. They create labels and safety data sheets to provide reliable hazard information to their customers downstream.

Comprehensibility is crucial, allowing effective communication from production line workers to end-users. To achieve this, universally recognized pictograms are used. The GHS classifies chemicals into three primary categories: physical, health and environmental hazards. Each class is accompanied by a distinct set of pictograms with international recognition.

OSHA adopted the GHS in 2012, updating its HCS to align with the GHS labeling system. The new HCS now requires chemical manufacturers and importers to include labels that have a coordinated signal word, pictogram and hazard statement for each hazard class and category. They also need to provide precautionary statements and safety data sheets must follow a specific 16-section format.

Nine GHS pictograms in OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard

As discussed, the GHS has nine pictograms, each representing a specific hazard category:

HazCom Pictograms explained
Pictogram Image Pictogram Name Description Use case
A health hazard warning GHS and HazCom pictogram showing an internally harmed person in a red bordered diamond. Health hazard The health hazard pictogram is represented by an explosion within a human silhouette. It signifies chemicals that can cause serious health issues, such as carcinogens, mutagens, reproductive toxins, respiratory sensitizers and substances that target specific organs. This pictogram might appear on a container of a cleaning product that contains a substance known to cause respiratory problems when inhaled.
A flame warning GHS and HazCom pictogram showing a flame in a red bordered diamond. Flame The flame pictogram is used for flammable, self-heating, self-reactive, pyrophoric and organic peroxide materials. This symbol would typically be found on products like gasoline or certain types of aerosols that can easily ignite.
An acute toxic warning GHS and HazCom pictogram showing an exclamation point in a red bordered diamond. Exclamation mark The exclamation mark pictogram indicates health hazards such as skin or eye irritation, skin sensitization, acute toxicity and narcotic effects. This symbol may appear on products such as detergents that cause skin irritation.
A gases under pressure warning GHS and HazCom pictogram showing a black cylinder in a red bordered diamond. Gas cylinder The gas cylinder pictogram is used to represent gases under pressure. These include compressed gas, liquefied gas, refrigerated liquefied gas and dissolved gas. This symbol often appears on products like propane tanks or aerosol cans that contain pressurized gas.
A corrosive warning GHS and HazCom pictogram showing corrosion of an object from a test tube liquid in a red bordered diamond. Corrosion The corrosion pictogram is for chemicals that can cause skin corrosion or burns, eye damage or metal corrosion. This symbol might appear on products like certain industrial cleaners that can cause severe skin burns.
An explosive warning GHS and HazCom pictogram showing an exploding bomb in a red bordered diamond. Exploding bomb The exploding bomb pictogram represents explosives, self-reactive substances and organic peroxides. This symbol would typically be on products like dynamite or other explosive materials.
An oxidizing warning GHS and HazCom pictogram showing a flame over the letter O in a red bordered diamond. Flame over circle The flame-over-circle pictogram indicates oxidizers, which can cause or contribute to the combustion of other materials. This symbol appears on products such as bleach, which can intensify a fire if involved in one.
An environmental warning GHS and HazCom pictogram showing a dead fish in a red bordered diamond. Environment The environment pictogram signifies environmental hazards, including substances toxic to aquatic life. This symbol is on products such as pesticides that are harmful to the environment.
A severe toxic warning GHS and HazCom pictogram showing a skull and cross bones in a red bordered diamond. Skull and crossbones The skull and crossbones pictogram is used for acute toxicity (fatal or toxic). This symbol would typically be on products like certain rat poisons that are highly toxic if ingested or inhaled.

Knowing these nine pictograms can save your life. Always pay attention to these labels and take proper precautions.

Effective hazard communication, through methods such as pictograms and labeling, can prevent accidents and ensure the safe handling of potentially harmful chemicals. Always refer to OSHA HazCom and GHS guidelines for proper chemical identification and handling.

A little knowledge can go a long way in protecting yourself and others from hazardous materials. Stay informed and stay safe.

Learn more about OSHA’s HazCom Standard

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