# Safety Pictograms

Part of the Chemistry Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/chemistry/guide/index.md)

*1. Chemical Safety*

> **1c.** Review the pictograms in Section 2 of each SDS. What do they mean, and how do you see them used in your community?

You have probably seen those small diamond-shaped symbols with red borders on cleaning products, paint cans, or laboratory chemicals. Those are **GHS pictograms** — a universal visual language that tells you about a chemical's hazards at a glance, even if you cannot read the label's language.

### The Nine GHS Pictograms

The Globally Harmonized System uses nine standard pictograms. Each one warns about a specific type of hazard:

| Pictogram | Name | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Flame | **Flammable** | Can catch fire easily. Includes flammable liquids, gases, and solids. |
| Flame over circle | **Oxidizer** | Can cause or intensify a fire by providing oxygen. |
| Exploding bomb | **Explosive** | Can explode under certain conditions (heat, shock, friction). |
| Skull and crossbones | **Acute toxicity (severe)** | Can cause death or serious harm with a single exposure. |
| Exclamation mark | **Irritant / Harmful** | Can cause less serious health effects like skin or eye irritation. |
| Health hazard | **Serious health hazard** | Can cause long-term health problems like cancer, organ damage, or respiratory sensitization. |
| Corrosion | **Corrosive** | Destroys skin tissue or corrodes metals on contact. |
| Gas cylinder | **Gas under pressure** | Contains gas stored under pressure. May explode if heated. |
| Environment | **Environmental hazard** | Toxic to aquatic life or the environment. |

![A grid showing all nine GHS hazard pictograms with their red diamond borders, each labeled with its name and description](https://ik.imagekit.io/doulacoop/tr:w-800/mbu-assets/merit-badges/chemistry/guide/ghs-pictograms-grid?v=3c9d9cfc)

### What Pictograms Do Your Three Chemicals Have?

When you look at Section 2 of each SDS, here is what you will typically find:

**Sucrose (sugar):** Usually no GHS pictograms at all. Sugar is not classified as hazardous under the GHS system. Some SDS documents may note minor dust irritation, but it does not warrant a pictogram.

**Isopropyl alcohol:** You will likely see two pictograms:
- **Flame** — It is a flammable liquid (flash point around 12°C / 53°F)
- **Exclamation mark** — It can cause eye irritation and drowsiness if inhaled

**Waterproofing spray:** Typically shows three or more pictograms:
- **Flame** — Extremely flammable aerosol
- **Exclamation mark** — Irritant to eyes and skin
- **Health hazard** — May cause respiratory damage if inhaled
- **Environment** — Some formulas are toxic to aquatic life

> **Did You Know?**
>
> Before GHS pictograms were adopted worldwide starting in 2003, every country had its own hazard symbols. A skull and crossbones in one country might mean something slightly different in another. The GHS system unified everything so that a red-bordered diamond means the same thing everywhere on Earth.

### Pictograms in Your Community

Once you know what to look for, you will start noticing GHS pictograms everywhere:

- **At home** — Oven cleaner, drain cleaner, bleach, spray paint, nail polish remover, and lighter fluid all carry pictograms.
- **At school** — Chemistry labs, art rooms (solvents, glazes), and custodial supply closets all have chemicals with pictograms on the labels.
- **In your community** — Gas stations (fuel pumps), hardware stores (paints and adhesives), swimming pool supply shops (chlorine), and farms (pesticides and fertilizers) all use GHS-labeled products.
- **On the road** — Delivery trucks carrying hazardous materials display placards that are closely related to GHS pictograms.

> **Tip**
>
> Take a walk through your home and count how many products have GHS pictograms. Check under the kitchen sink, in the garage, in the bathroom, and in the laundry room. You might be surprised how many chemicals you interact with every day. Bring your list to your counselor meeting — it is a great conversation starter for this requirement.

### Signal Words

In addition to pictograms, Section 2 of the SDS includes a **signal word** that tells you how severe the hazard is:

- **Danger** — Used for more severe hazards. If you see this word, take extra precautions.
- **Warning** — Used for less severe hazards. Still take it seriously, but the risk is lower.
- **No signal word** — The chemical is not classified as hazardous (like sucrose).

> **Safety First!**
>
> Never ignore a pictogram you do not recognize. If you see a symbol on a product and are not sure what it means, look it up before using the product. Assumptions about chemical safety can lead to serious injuries.

Video: [Safety Pictograms in SDS](https://youtube.com/shorts/x_TebXJET0Y)

[OSHA — GHS Pictograms and Hazards](https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHA3491QuickCardPictogram.pdf): Quick reference card showing all nine GHS pictograms with their meanings.

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