Hazard Communication Standard: Pictograms

As of June 1, 2015, the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) will require 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.

What are pictograms?

Generally speaking, a pictogram is a symbol or picture which represents a word or idea. We see pictograms everyday in signs and labels. We are all familiar with the “No Smoking” pictogram posted in public buildings. and the “No diving” signs painted on the decks of swimming pools. The Department of Transportation (DOT) routinely requires labels with pictograms for vehicles carrying hazardous materials.

For more information, visit www.osha.gov

Click here to download the GHS Pictograms and their Corresponding Chemical Hazards Info sheet (pdf).

Name	Hazard
	Exploding Bomb Explosive (Unstable, Divisions 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4), Self Reactive (Type A and B), Organic Peroxide (Type A and B)
	Flame Flammable (Solids Categories 1 and 2, Liquids Categories 1, 2 and 3, Gases Category 1, Flammable Aerosols Categories 1 and 2), Self Reactive (Type B, C, D, E and F), Pyrophoric, Self-heating, Emits Flammable Gas, Organic Peroxide (Type B, C, D, and F)
	Flame Over Circle Oxidizer
	Gas Cylinder Gas under pressure
	Corrosive Corrosive (Skin Corrosion Categories 1A, 1B and 1C, Eye Corrosion Category 1), Corrosive to metals.
	Skull Acute toxicity (Categories 1, 2, and 3)
	Exclamation Mark Irritant (Skin Irritation Category 2 and Eye Irritation Category 2A), Dermal Sensitizer (Category 1), Acute Toxicity (Category 4, harmful), Target Organ Toxicity/STOT Category 3 = narcotic effects, respiratory irritation
	Chronic Health Hazard Carcinogen (Categories 1A, 1B, and 2), Respiratory Sensitizer Category 1), Reproductive Toxicity (Categories 1A, 1B, and 2), Target Organ Toxicity/STOT (Categories 1 and 2), Mutagenicity (Categories 1A, 1B and 2), Aspiration Toxicity (Categories 1 and 2)

Additional Pictograms
OSHA does not have jurisdiction over environmental hazards, and the following GHS pictogram will not be covered by OSHA. It may be covered by other agencies once those decisions have been made, and is provided for informational purposes.

Name	Hazard
	Environment (Non-Mandatory) Acute Aquatic Toxicity (Category 1), Chronic Aquatic Toxicity (Categories 1and 2)