The (M)SDS HyperGlossary: Pictograms

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Pictograms

Definition

Pictograms are pictorial symbols for a word, phrase, object, or concept. Some familiar examples are the silhouette of man or woman to indicate the location of a restroom and the "No Smoking" signs that have the image of a lit cigarette with a red slash and circle.

Additional Info

The word pictograph is a variant of "pictogram" and is sometimes used interchangeably. There are differences between the two terms, however they appear finely nuanced depending on many factors and as far as we know there is no clearcut differentiation. Some interpret pictograph to apply specifically to graphical data or even to rock drawings (which are more accurately described as petroglyphs).

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Paragraph (c) of 29 CFR 1910.1200, the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, the primary regulation concerning (material) safety data sheets in the US, defines a pictogram as a composition that may include a symbol plus other graphic elements, such as a border, background pattern, or color, that is intended to convey specific information about the hazards of a chemical. Eight pictograms are designated under this standard for application to a hazard category.

The applicable pictograms are required label elements for hazardous chemicals shipped from a chemical manufacturer, importer or other "responsible party". Appendix C of the Standard explains the required label elements and paragraph C.2.3 specifically states:

C.2.3.1 Pictograms shall be in the shape of a square set at a point and shall include a black hazard symbol on a white background with a red frame sufficiently wide to be clearly visible. A square red frame set at a point without a hazard symbol is not a pictogram and is not permitted on the label.

C.2.3.2 One of eight standard hazard symbols shall be used in each pictogram. The eight hazard symbols are depicted in Figure C.1. A pictogram using the exclamation mark symbol is presented in Figure C.2, for the purpose of illustration.

C.2.3.3 The exclamation mark pictogram is permitted (but not required) for HNOCs as long as the words "Hazard Not Otherwise Classified" or the letters "HNOC" appear below the pictogram.

C.2.3.4 Pictograms may only appear once on a label. If multiple hazards require the use of the same pictogram, it may not appear a second time on the label.

Note: Appendix D, Section 2(b) requires the applicable signal word, hazard statements, symbols and precautionary statements on the SDS. Hazard symbols may be supplied as graphical reproductions in black and white or as the name of the symbol, such as "flame" or "skull and crossbones". Thus, symbol information is required, but the full red-framed pictogram graphic is not required on the SDS itself.

OSHA requires eight hazard pictograms under the HCS. The environmental pictogram shown below is part of the GHS but is not required by OSHA. The hazard classification process may call for the same pictogram for several hazards, but it appears only once on a label (Appendix C, paragraph C.2.3.4). Pictograms must be clearly visible.

Pictogram and Descriptor	Hazard Class and Category	Safety Emporium Item #
Exploding Bomb	Unstable explosives Explosives: Division 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, and 1.4 Self-reactive substances and mixtures: Types A and B Organic peroxides: Types A and B	03602
Flame	Flammable gases: categories 1A and 1B Flammable aerosols: categories 1 and 2 Flammable liquids: categories 1, 2 and 3 Flammable solids: categories 1 and 2 Self-reactive substances and mixtures: Types B, C, D, E, and F Pyrophoric liquids: category 1 Pyrophoric solids: category 1 Self-heating substances and mixtures: categories 1 and 2 Substances and mixtures, which in contact with water, emit flammable gases: categories 1, 2, and 3 Organic peroxides: Types B, C, D, E, and F Chemicals under pressure: categories 1 and 2 Desensitized explosives: categories 1, 2, 3 and 4	03600
Flame Over Circle	Oxidizing gases: category 1 Oxidizing liquids: categories 1, 2, and 3 Oxidizing solids: categories 1, 2, and 3	03601
Gas Cylinder	Gases under pressure, including compressed gases, liquified gases, refrigerated liquified gases, and dissolved gases. Chemicals under pressure: categories 1, 2 and 3	03604
Corrosion	Corrosive to metals: category 1 Skin corrosion: categories 1A, 1B, and 1C Serious eye damage: category 1	03603
Skull and Crossbones	Acute toxicity (oral, dermal or inhalation): categories 1,2,3	03605
Exclamation Mark	Acute toxicity (oral, dermal or inhalation): category 4 Skin irritation: category 2 Eye irritation: category 2 Skin sensitization: category 1 Specific Target Organ Toxicity (Single exposure): category 3	03608
Health Hazard	Respiratory sensitization: category 1 Germ cell mutagenicity: categories 1A, 1B, and 2 Carcinogenicity: categories 1A, 1B, and 2 Reproductive toxicity: categories 1A, 1B, and 2 Specific Target Organ Toxicity (Single exposure): categories 1 and 2 Specific Target Organ Toxicity (Repeated exposure): categories 1 and 2 Aspiration Hazard, category 1	03606
Environmental	Hazardous to the aquatic environment (Acute hazard): category 1 Hazardous to the aquatic environment (Chronic hazard): categories 1 and 2	03607

Some pictograms take precedence over others. Per paragraph C.2.1 of Appendix C of the HazCom Standard:

C.2.1 Precedence of hazard information

C.2.1.1
If the signal word "Danger" is included, the signal word "Warning" shall not appear;

C.2.1.2
If the skull and crossbones pictogram is included, the exclamation mark pictogram shall not appear where it is used for acute toxicity;

C.2.1.3
If the corrosive pictogram is included, the exclamation mark pictogram shall not appear where it is used for skin or eye irritation;

C.2.1.4
If the health hazard pictogram is included for respiratory sensitization, the exclamation mark pictogram shall not appear where it is used for skin sensitization or for skin or eye irritation.

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