A Visual Guide GHS Pictograms

What is a Pictogram?

HazCom labels are required to include pictograms. Pictograms are standardized icons that identify the type of hazard associated with a chemical. There are nine GHS pictograms, each representing a different hazard category. Every pictogram features a black symbol on a white background with a red diamond-shaped border. Some chemicals may require more than one pictogram on the label.

How Do Chemical Labels and Pictograms Relate?

HazCom labels are required to include pictograms. Pictograms are standardized icons that identify the type of hazard associated with a chemical. There are nine GHS pictograms, each representing a different hazard category. Every pictogram features a black symbol on a white background with a red diamond-shaped border. Some chemicals may require more than one pictogram on the label.

Let’s examine each pictogram in the following graphic:

Anatomy of a GHS Chemical Label

A compliant GHS chemical label includes seven distinct elements. Each label must clearly display:

• Product identifier / chemical name

• Supplier identification (name, address, and contact details)

• Precautionary statements

Precautionary statements explain how to handle, store, and use the chemical safely. They outline required PPE such as gloves, eye protection, or respiratory protection, as well as any other critical safety measures.

• Hazard Pictogram

• Signal Word

There are two signal words used on HazCom labels: WARNING and DANGER. DANGER is reserved for more severe hazards, while WARNING is used for less severe hazards within a category.

• Hazard Statements

Hazard statements describe the specific hazards of the chemical. You can think of hazard statements as the written counterpart to the pictograms. Hazards fall into three main groups: health hazards, physical hazards, and environmental hazards. Each hazard statement is associated with a code that begins with the letter 'H', followed by three digits. For example, H221 corresponds 'Flammable Gas'.

• Supplemental Information

Supplemental information can include details such as net weight, expiration or manufacture date, and instructions for use. Any additional hazards not captured in the other sections should also be included here.

You can think of hazard statements as the written counterpart to the pictograms.

Here is a blank sample label from OSHA:

Where Do Safety Data Sheets Fit in My HazCom Program?

Safety Data Sheets provide detailed information about each hazardous chemical, including its identity and properties, potential health effects, recommended protective measures, and safe storage, handling, and transport procedures.

An SDS is required for every hazardous chemical in the workplace. The revised HazCom standard requires that all SDS follow a standardized 16-section format. This consistent structure makes it easier for workers and emergency responders to quickly locate critical information. OSHA provides a quick card that lists and explains all 16 sections:

Section 1. Identification: includes product identifier used on the label; manufacturer or distributor name, U.S. address and phone number; emergency phone number; recommended use; restrictions on use.

Section 2. Hazard(s) identification: includes all hazards regarding the chemical’s intrinsic properties including a change in the chemical’s physical form and chemical reaction products associated with known or reasonably anticipated uses or applications; required label elements.

Section 3. Composition/information on ingredients: includes information on chemical ingredients such as names; Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) numbers or other unique identifiers; prescribed concentration ranges for trade secret claims.

Section 4. First-aid measures: includes important symptoms/effects: acute, delayed; required treatment.

Section 5. Fire-fighting measures: lists suitable extinguishing techniques, equipment; chemical hazards from fire.

Section 6. Accidental release measures: lists emergency procedures; protective equipment; proper methods of containment and cleanup.

Section 7. Handling and storage: lists precautions for safe handling and storage, including incompatibilities.

Section 8. Exposure controls/personal protection for chemicals listed in Section 3: lists OSHA’s Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs); ACGIH Threshold Limit Values (TLVs); and any other exposure limit or range used or recommended by the chemical manufacturer, importer, or employer preparing the SDS, where available; appropriate engineering controls; personal protective equipment (PPE).

Section 9. Physical and chemical properties: lists the chemical’s characteristics, including particle size.

Section 10. Stability and reactivity: lists chemical stability and possibility of hazardous reactions, including associated with any foreseeable emergencies.

Section 11. Toxicological information: includes routes of exposure; related symptoms, acute and chronic effects; numerical measures of toxicity; interactive effects.

Section 12. Ecological information

Section 13. Disposal considerations

Section 14. Transport information

Section 15. Regulatory information

Section 16. Other information: includes the date of preparation or last revision.