I think this is the point I was trying to get at, especially when one is trying to inventory and store a chemical.  The user of a chemical must read and understand the  (M)SDS and be prepared to address all of the hazards associated with this chemical.  A chemical may/should have multiple pictograms on its label to warn the user, and that’s all the more reason to pay careful attention to how this chemical will be used, stored, and disposed of.

 

Armen

 

 

 

> Maybe there isn’t an order and the user has to be aware that the chemical has multiple, simultaneous hazards

 

There are various categories with a specific hazard class (for example, 1-4 for flammable liquids), but it doesn't seem reasonable that they were intended to compare the degree of hazard associated with a specific pictogram, since the units of the associated hazards are entirely different. So, I don't think the fact that a chemical is a Class 3 flammable is more or less important than it being a Class 2 carcinogen. It depends on the scenario you're evaluating as well as the chemical…

 

- Ralph

 

Ralph Stuart CIH

Chemical Hygiene Officer

Department of Environmental Health and Safety

Cornell University

 

rstuart**At_Symbol_Here**cornell.edu