The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) requires pictograms on labels to alert users of the chemical hazards to which they may be exposed. Each pictogram consists of a symbol on a white background framed within a red border and represents a distinct hazard(s).

The pictogram on the label is determined by the chemical hazard classification.

HCS Pictograms and Hazards

Health Hazard

• Carcinogen
• Mutagenicity
• Reproductive Toxicity
• Respiratory Sensitizer
• Target Organ Toxicity
• Aspiration Toxicity

Flame

• Flammables
• Pyrophorics
• Self-Heating
• Emits Flammable Gas
• Self-Reactives
• Organic Peroxides

Exclamation Mark

• Irritant (skin and eye)
• Skin Sensitizer
• Acute Toxicity (harmful)
• Narcotic Effects
• Respiratory Tract

Irritant

• Hazardous to Ozone Layer (Non-Mandatory)

Gas Cylinder

• Gases Under Pressure

Corrosion

• Skin Corrosion/Burns
• Eye Damage
• Corrosive to Metals

Exploding Bomb

• Explosives
• Self-Reactives
• Organic Peroxides

Flame Over Circle

• Oxidizers

Environment (Non-Mandatory)

• Aquatic Toxicity

Skull and Crossbones

• Acute Toxicity (fatal or toxic)