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Aug 22, 2016 · The GHS system, part of OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), consists of nine symbols, or pictograms, providing recognition of the hazards associated with certain substances. Use of eight of the nine are mandatory in the U.S., the exception being the environmental pictogram (see below).
- Hazardous Chemical Exposures
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- Biohazard Waste Disposal
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- PPE and Exposure Control
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- Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
Research laboratories are dynamic, fluid environments. For...
- Job Hazard Analysis
A Job Hazard Analysis or JHA is a process for breaking down...
- Particularly Hazardous Substances
Particularly hazardous substances (PHS) require additional...
- Playgrounds
The University maintains several playgrounds in various...
- History
Princeton University EHS has its roots in the health physics...
- Hazardous Chemical Exposures
Hazard pictograms alert us to the presence of a hazardous chemical. The pictograms help us to know that the chemicals we are using might cause harm to people or the environment. The GB CLP...
- Chemical Safety Signs and Symbols
- Electrical Safety Symbols
- Fire Safety Symbols
- Gas Safety Signs and Symbols
- Poison Safety Symbols
- Other Safety Symbols
Ionizing Radiation
This symbol signals the presence of ionizing radiation. This type of radiation is a significant hazard that has the potential to change the structure of molecules (including DNA) in such a way that it could disrupt normal cell functioning. In the right doses, ionizing radiation can cause germ cell damage, fetal damage, radiation sickness, or cancer. You’re already familiar with this radiation symbol – if only because you’ve seen it so often in movies. But it’s not common in most worksites. It...
Emergency Shower
This sign marks the location of the emergency shower, something workers should be aware of when handling certain hazardous materials. These emergency showers aren’t just any spot where hazardous materials can be washed off. They are purpose-built showers that must be tested at regular intervals (depending on your jurisdiction, this can be pretty specific), must deliver a specified rate of flow for a minimum period, and must deliver tepid waterinstead of cold. In many workplaces, these showers...
Biohazard
This symbol indicates the presence of biologically harmful substances, such as infection agents, live viruses, bacteria, or mold. The biohazard symbol is probably seen on a lot more t-shirts than worksites. But in certain applications (labs, pharmaceuticals, and medical facilities in particular), it continues to be an important health and safety warning. The biohazard symbol is used in WHMISbut is not an official GHS pictogram. Still, it remains prevalent because it is instantly recognizable...
Live Electrical Equipment
This symbol is displayed where there is powered electrical equipment that could deliver a shock. A similar symbol with a “flash” to the side indicates that the equipment also poses an arc flashrisk. This basic symbol is usually accompanied by text, but knowing its meaning is still important – especially since the text is typically relevant in only one language.
High Voltage or Shock Hazard
Sometimes considered interchangeable with the basic lighting bolt symbol, this one communicates a more specific hazard. Namely, that the equipment can electrocute you. You’re likely to see this type of sign around transformers, power plants, power panels, and other high voltage electricity-channelling equipment. No one should enter into areas with this symbol unless they have been authorized and trained to do so.
Connect Earth Terminal to Ground
The ground symbol is used to indicate that a piece of equipment needs to be connected to “ground” or “earth.” This usually involves driving a ground rod to a suitable depth where the electricity can safely be discharged, rather than introducing current into the surrounding materials, equipment, or workers.
No Smoking
This one might seem almost too obvious to include because it is so ubiquitous. It isn’t quite as prevalent as it once was, however. That’s because it used to be posted to denote the only places where smoking wasn’t permitted. Now, it’s largely been flipped so that smoking is only permitted in specially designated areas where second-hand smoke is unlikely to reach non-smokers. Although smoking is generally not permitted in workplaces and public areas, you might still see this sign posted where...
Fire Exit / Evacuation Route
This sign points the way out of a building or facility in the event of an emergency – which is not always the same way you came in. These signs are so commonplace that we barely notice them in most places, but they become critical when the fire alarm goes off and you have to calmly make your way to the designated exit. Elevators disable when there is a fire, so these signs also discourage people from wasting time going to them instead of heading for the stairwell. Emergency evacuation signs a...
Hot Surface
This symbol is often posted near cooktops, ovens, and other heat-generating appliances. It’s also useful on machinery casings, piping and conduits, and other surfaces that may become hot as a byproduct of their operation. The signage warns workers to avoid getting burned by coming into contact with the surface, but also that the surface is not a place to leave a jacket, stack of boxes, or anything that could cause a fire.
No Ignition Sources
This symbol depicting a lit match is usually posted alongside No Smoking signs (most commonly at gas stations). It indicates that any ignition sourcehas the potential to cause a fire. It may not be the most straightforward symbol, since it doesn’t apply only to matches, but to any source of ignition. Still, it is widely used and worth knowing.
Gas Cylinder Storage Area
These signs don’t have a standard style or dimensions. There are numerous versions of this symbol and they don’t always mean exactly the same thing. This symbol is generally used where compressed gas bottles (such as oxygen and acetylene) are stored, which requires several safety considerations. At the very least, you should be using a spotter when operating vehicles around an outdoor storage area where this symbol is posted.
Respirator Required
This symbol indicates that no work can take place in the area without the use of a respirator. You might see it, for example, on vessels that have the potential to expose workers to gases and vapors, develop an oxygen-deficient atmosphere, or house respirable particles like silica or asbestos. This is common in confined spaces, where isolation can’t be completely assured and gases could be introduced.
Chemical Weapon
This symbol is used where either the precursor chemical or the full product is made or stored. Chances are, you’ll never actually see this one in your workplace. Not unless you work for a weapons manufacturer or on a military installation. Even then, only in certain countries – the development, manufacture, and retention of these agents is banned in over 190 states through the Chemical Weapons Convention.
Poison
This classic skull and crossbones design denotes the presence of poison or toxic materials. It’s the progenitor of the modern GHS symbol for acute toxicity, but is still used on some consumer products that don’t fall under workplace chemical regulations.
Noxious / Irritant
This simple X indicates the presence of irritating materials. This symbol is more commonly used in Europe. It is particularly useful where the irritant isn’t completely contained (in a paint booth, for example) and anyone entering the area may be exposed to it.
Stop / No Admittance / Authorized Personnel Only
This ISO symbol acts as a general caution not to proceed any further. This type of sign is typically posted at the entrance to restricted areas (whether for safety or security reasons), but can also be used as a reminder for those who have clearance that they are entering an area with special safety observances (such as PPE or entrance logs).
Non-Ionizing Radiation
Non-ionizing radiation is generally considered harmless to humans, but you might still see this warning symbol around equipment that operates over communications protocols, such as transmitters, routers, and cellular antennae. Under some circumstances, these devices can interfere with one another when using shared bands, affecting the performance of electronics.
Laser
This placard is displayed wherever there are lasers that produce significant heat, could harm workers trying to peek inside the enclosures, or could cause harm when reflecting off other surfaces. Lasers are used in numerous applications, from measurement, infrared sensing, guidance, cleaning, and design, all the way to industrial metal fabrication. As they are extremely focused forms of light, they can be harmful to humans, especially to the eyes.
Hazard symbols or warning symbols are recognisable symbols designed to warn about hazardous or dangerous materials, locations, or objects, including electromagnetic fields, electric currents; harsh, toxic or unstable chemicals (acids, poisons, explosives); and radioactivity.
- Explosives. These are chemicals and preparations that explode. The symbol is a pictogram of an exploding bomb, and it's a straight replacement for the previous explosive classification.
- Flammable. Chemicals that may catch fire in contact with air, only need brief contact with an ignition source, have a very low flash point or evolve highly flammable gases in contact with water.
- Oxidising. Oxidising is a classification for chemicals and preparations that react exothermically with other chemicals. The symbol is a flame over a circle.
- Gas under pressure. Gas is stored under pressure, such as in gas containers. The symbol is a gas cylinder. This is a new symbol that wasn't represented under the old classification system.
Hazard Symbols. Chemicals are classified according to their hazards and are labelled with hazard symbols and plain-text warnings, with the inclusion of risk and safety (R and S) information. Hazard Symbols. Risk and Safety Phrases. Information on hazards of chemicals. R1 Explosive when dry.
Hazard pictograms form part of the international Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). Two sets of pictograms are included within the GHS: one for the labelling of containers and for workplace hazard warnings, and a second for use during the transport of dangerous goods.
