Chemical safety is a critical aspect of workplace safety. Whether you’re a purchasing agent acquiring chemicals for your organization or a lab worker handling them daily, understanding chemical hazard symbols is essential. These symbols, represented as pictograms, communicate vital information about chemical risks, ensuring that users can take the necessary precautions.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has adopted the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for chemical labeling in the United States. This article provides a high-level overview of the nine OSHA chemical hazard pictograms, their meanings, and their importance in maintaining safety in the workplace.

What Are OSHA Pictograms?

OSHA pictograms are standardized symbols found on chemical labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS). These symbols visually communicate specific hazards associated with chemicals, such as toxicity, flammability, or environmental damage. Each pictogram has a black symbol on a white background, framed by a red diamond border. Below, we explore each of the nine pictograms in detail.

The 9 Common OSHA Pictograms

1. Health Hazard

Description: A silhouette of a human torso with a starburst symbol on the chest. Meaning: Indicates chemicals that can cause serious health issues, such as respiratory problems, cancer, or organ toxicity. Examples: Carcinogens, mutagens, and respiratory sensitizers.

2. Flame

Description: A flame symbol. Meaning: Represents flammable substances, self-reactive chemicals, and organic peroxides. Examples: Alcohol, gasoline, and acetone.

3. Exclamation Mark

Description: An exclamation mark symbol. Meaning: Signifies irritants, skin sensitizers, and chemicals causing less severe health effects. Examples: Acids causing skin irritation or substances causing allergic reactions.

4. Gas Cylinder

Description: A cylinder-shaped symbol. Meaning: Warns of gases under pressure, which may explode if heated. Examples: Compressed oxygen and carbon dioxide cylinders.

5. Corrosion

Description: Test tubes pouring liquid onto a surface and a hand. Meaning: Denotes corrosive materials that can damage skin, eyes, or metals. Examples: Sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid.

6. Exploding Bomb

Description: A symbol of an exploding object. Meaning: Indicates explosive chemicals and those that may undergo rapid decomposition. Examples: Fireworks and certain peroxides.

7. Flame Over Circle

Description: A flame over a circular object. Meaning: Identifies oxidizers, which can intensify fires or cause combustion. Examples: Hydrogen peroxide and potassium nitrate.

8. Skull and Crossbones

Description: A skull and crossbones symbol. Meaning: Signifies acute toxicity and chemicals that can cause severe harm or death if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed. Examples: Cyanide, pesticides.

9. Environment

Description: A tree and a dead fish. Meaning: Indicates chemicals that pose a hazard to aquatic environments. Examples: Heavy metals and certain solvents.

Note: While the environmental pictogram is part of GHS, it is not mandatory under OSHA regulations.

Why Are These Symbols Important?

The OSHA pictograms play a pivotal role in workplace safety by enabling clear and immediate identification of chemical hazards. Proper interpretation of these symbols ensures that workers can implement appropriate safety measures, use personal protective equipment (PPE), and prevent accidents.

FAQs

What do OSHA pictograms represent? OSHA pictograms visually convey the specific hazards associated with chemicals, such as toxicity, flammability, and environmental risks.

Are all nine pictograms required on labels? Most are mandatory under OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard, except for the Environment pictogram, which is optional in the U.S.

Where can I find these pictograms? They appear on chemical container labels and within Section 2 of the Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

What should I do if I see one of these symbols? Refer to the label and SDS for detailed hazard information, recommended PPE, and safe handling procedures.

Conclusion

Understanding OSHA chemical hazard pictograms is vital for maintaining safety in workplaces that handle hazardous materials. By recognizing these symbols and the risks they signify, employees and employers can take proactive steps to minimize dangers and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

For a detailed guide to OSHA pictograms, visit the official OSHA Quick Card.