GHS Hazard Sign, Symbol & Pictogram Meanings

Imagine reaching for a container labelled only “Corrosive” without a pictogram. Would you handle it more carefully if a warning symbol appeared? A study by Eric Boelhouwer et al. found that adding pictograms to labels led people to rate hazards as more serious. Signal words like “Danger” or “Warning” increased the risk perception.

A GHS hazard sign helps you spot dangers and avoid accidents at work or home. Whether you’re using lab chemicals, industrial solvents, or household cleaners, reading these labels keeps you and your coworkers safe. Keep reading to discover how GHS hazard signs work and make your workplace safer. 

What Is a GHS Hazard Sign And Its Importance?

In 2002, the UN gave the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, or GHS Hazard Sign, as a “purple book.”. The UN encouraged the adoption and implementation of GHS across nations. In 2012, the USA included GHS in its Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) under OSHA’s HCS 2012 rule. 

Let us discuss the role it plays in hazard communication and its importance:

Role of GHS in Hazard Communication

The GHS framework has reduced the inconsistency in hazard communication by establishing global standards for safety. It provides elements that are recognized across nations with consistent labels, like pictograms,  signal words, and warnings. These elements also include precautionary details defined by GHS to ensure every workplace remains safe. Its creation has improved the overall hazard management as it makes sure that each worker in the supply chain has access to safety information.

Legal Requirements In The US

OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) requires every hazardous chemical container to have a GHS label. Labels include printed information on product name, signal word, hazard warnings, precautionary statements, and pictograms. It mandates manufacturers to create Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and classify chemicals according to GHS. These regulations ensure that each employer applies them and makes safety documents accessible to the workers.

Importance of Workplace Safety And Employee Protection

When OSHA aligned GHS into its HCS standards, it projected that it would reduce 43 fatalities and 585 injuries, and illnesses each year. This standardization serves the workers in the USA who come from different cultures and speak different native languages. Through consistent hazard communication, they handle and store toxic chemicals responsibly and follow emergency protocols efficiently. This further saves lives, ensures legal compliance, lowers costs, and boosts productivity.

Read More: What Is Hazard Communication Standard (HCS)?

What Are The 9 GHS Hazard Pictograms And Their Meanings?

GHS pictograms are simple graphic symbols that show different types of chemical hazards. They play a key role in the GHS system by making sure everyone, no matter their language or reading ability, can recognize dangers. Each GHS Hazard sign features a black sign on a white background inside a red and diamond-shaped frame. These are:

• GHS01: Explosives (Exploding Bomb Symbol)

It signals materials prone to sudden and violent energy release. It includes unstable explosives, certain self-reactive substances, and organic peroxides.  For example, fireworks.

• GHS02: Flammables (Flame Symbol)

It shows substances that ignite easily, such as flammable liquids, pyrophoric materials, self-heating chemicals, and those that emit flammable gas on contact with water.  Examples are spirit, acetone, and aerosols containing paint.

• GHS03: Oxidizers (Flame Over Circle Symbol)

Represents oxidizers or compounds that provide oxygen to fuel combustion and present a fire danger even in the absence of external ignition. Chlorine compounds and hydrogen peroxide are common examples. 

• GHS04: Gases Under Pressure (Gas Cylinder Symbol)

Indicates threats such as cylinder rupture, projectile hazards, asphyxiation, and chemical exposure by marking compressed gases and pressurized substances. 

• GHS05: Corrosives (Corrosion Symbol)

It signals substances that may result in severe skin burns, eye damage, and metal corrosion. Examples include sodium hydroxide and phenol.

• GHS06: Toxicity (Skull and Crossbones Symbol)

In addition to warning that compounds can be hazardous or fatal if inhaled, consumed, or absorbed via the skin, it also indicates acute toxicity. De-icing agents and antifreeze are typical examples.

• GHS07: Health Hazards (Exclamation Mark Symbol)

Represents minor health hazards from substances that may cause skin/eye irritation, breathing problems, skin sensitivity, and hallucinations. Includes washing liquids and detergent tablets.

• GHS08: Long-term Health Hazards (Person’s Silhouette with Star Symbol)

It appears on the packaging of carcinogenic and mutagenic materials. Some of these may also cause reproductive toxicity and specific target organ toxicity. Benzene, silica dust, and lead compounds are some examples of such substances.

• GHS09: Environmental Hazards (Dead Fish and Tree Symbol)

It highlights environmental hazards and others that may be toxic to aquatic life. It warns that chemicals can harm wildlife, disrupt ecosystems, and contaminate soil and water.  Examples are petroleum products and pesticides.

• Additional OSHA-Required Symbols

OSHA recognizes extra symbols like the ozone-depleting substances icon, reflecting evolving environmental concerns. It integrates these within existing safety regulations, creating unique compliance steps. 

How to Interpret GHS Labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS)?

To understand GHS labels, you must enroll in an OSHA-compliant HAZMAT training that will teach you all the aspects of reading warnings and safety practices. You may prepare for this training by understanding its various aspects, such as:

Components of a GHS Label

GHS labels include a product identifier, pictograms, one signal word (“Danger” or “Warning”), hazard statements, precautionary statements, and supplier information. Its pictograms give visual cues with a signal word like “Danger” that indicates severity. It also comprises text statements that describe risks and safety actions. 

Reading Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

The OSHA and UN give Safety Data Sheets (SDS), which are 16-section documents. They make workers and first responders aware of hazardous chemicals, with information on how to handle, store, and use them. It includes identification, hazard and composition details, spills, handling and storage, exposure controls, properties, reactivity, toxicity, ecology, disposal, transportation, and regulatory information. Its first aid sections address the early response to inhalation or contact injuries. The section on handling and storage gives safe conditions and incompatibilities to avoid mishaps.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many workers neglect the fine text and statements mentioned in the pictograms and have incomplete knowledge about chemical interactions. This makes them even more prone to risk and hazards. In addition to this, if they do not attend refresher courses, they end up working with outdated knowledge, which may lead to misinterpretation of updated labels and SDSs. These mistakes may seem common, but they may cause hazardous accidents if ignored. Hence, you must strive for continuous learning to ensure you follow all the safety precautions.

Read More: OSHA Sign Requirements: Everything Employers Need to Know

Take The First Step Towards A Safe Workplace

A GHS hazard sign, with its consistent layout and easy-to-understand symbol, has bridged the global gap in hazard communication. Through consistent and standardized pictograms, signal words, and labels, it ensures safety across industries that handle hazardous substances in their daily operations. 

When you learn OSHA-regulated hazard warnings on labels and in SDSs, you fulfill your legal and ethical responsibility to uphold the safety of the workplace. You become more confident while working with hazardous materials, and also protect the environment with the safe disposal guidelines for chemicals. So, why wait? Enroll in a Hazardous Chemical Information Awareness course today to learn all about the GHS signs and safety protocols!

References:

• https://www.osha.gov/hazcom/facts-hcs-ghs

• https://www.osha.gov/hazcom/global

• https://unece.org/about-ghs