Pictograms
The GHS aligned Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) establishes new symbols called pictograms which are required on labels and safety data sheets. Pictogram means a composition that may include a symbol plus other graphic elements, such as a border, background patter, or color, that is intended to convey specific information about the hazards of a chemical. Eight pictograms are designated under the HCS for application to a hazard category.
You may be familiar with some of the pictograms while others may be completely new to you. It is important that every WSU employee that uses hazardous chemicals be familiar with the pictograms and associated hazards listed below. Some of the pictograms are straightforward and represent only one hazard, such as the flame over circle pictogram for oxidizing chemicals, or the skull and crossbones pictogram for acutely toxic chemicals. Other pictograms can represent multiple hazards, such as the health hazard pictogram for carcinogen, mutagen, reproductive toxicity, etc.
Pictograms and Hazards |
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Health Hazard Carcinogen Respiratory Sensitizer Reproductive Toxicity Target Organ Toxicity Mutagenicity Aspiration Toxicity |
Flame Flammables Self-Reactives Pyrophorics Self-Heating Emits Flammable Gas Organic Peroxides |
Exclamation Mark Irritant Skin Sensitizer Acute Toxicity (harmful) Narcotic Effects Respiratory Tract Irritant |
Gas Cylinder Gases Under Pressure |
Corrosion Skin Corrosion/Burns Eye Damage Corrosive to Metals |
Exploding Bomb Explosives Self-Reactives Organic Peroxides |
Flame Over Circle Oxidizers |
Environment* Aquatic Toxicity |
Skull and Crossbones Acute Toxicity (fatal/severe) |