HazCom and GHS Pictograms: Labels, SDS and Training Explained

HazCom is the OSHA rule that requires chemical manufacturers and importers to evaluate the hazards of the chemicals they make or import, and to pass that information down the supply chain on labels and Safety Data Sheets. Employers must then make sure that information reaches their workers.

Every employer with hazardous chemicals in the workplace must have:

• A written hazard communication program describing how labels, SDSs and training are handled, with a list of the hazardous chemicals present.
• Labels on containers of hazardous chemicals.
• Safety Data Sheets for each hazardous chemical, readily accessible to workers during every shift.
• Training for workers at the time of their initial assignment and whenever a new chemical hazard is introduced.

HazCom is one of the standards OSHA cites most often every year, usually because a written program is missing, SDSs are missing, or workers were not trained.

GHS pictograms are black symbols inside a red-bordered diamond. Each one tells you the type of hazard at a glance. OSHA requires eight of them on labels; the environment pictogram is allowed but not required, because environmental hazards fall outside OSHA’s jurisdiction.

Health hazard

Carcinogens, mutagens, reproductive toxicity, respiratory sensitizers, target organ toxicity, aspiration hazard.

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.

Gas cylinder

Gases under pressure. The container may explode if heated.

Corrosion

Skin corrosion and burns, serious eye damage, corrosive to metals.

Exploding bomb

Explosives, self-reactives, organic peroxides.

Flame over circle

Oxidizers, which can cause or intensify a fire.

Skull and crossbones

Acute toxicity (fatal or toxic) even in small amounts.

Environment

Aquatic toxicity. Optional under OSHA HazCom; often seen on products shipped internationally.

Labels on shipped containers must include six elements:

1. Product identifier: the name or number that matches the SDS.
2. Signal word: “Danger” for the more severe hazards or “Warning” for less severe ones. Only one is used.
3. Hazard statements: standard phrases such as “Causes serious eye damage.”
4. Pictograms for each hazard class that requires one.
5. Precautionary statements: how to prevent exposure, respond, store and dispose of the product.
6. Name, address and phone number of the manufacturer, importer or other responsible party.

Inside the workplace, employers can use the full shipped label or an alternative workplace label that gives the product identifier and general hazard information, as long as workers are trained to understand it. A small portable container filled for one worker’s immediate use during their shift does not need a label.

Every SDS uses the same 16 sections in the same order, so you always know where to look:

*Sections 12 to 15 must be included, but OSHA does not enforce their content because other agencies regulate those topics. In an emergency, go first to Section 2 (hazards), Section 4 (first aid), Section 6 (spills) and Section 8 (PPE).

OSHA published an updated HazCom standard in May 2024, aligning it with GHS Revision 7. Key changes include new rules for labeling very small containers, clarified labeling rules for containers that have been released for shipment, new hazard classes and categories (such as for aerosols, desensitized explosives and flammable gases), and updated SDS content. Manufacturers and distributors have phased compliance dates running into 2027, and employers must update their workplace labels, written program and training within six months of each date where needed.

Any worker who may be exposed to hazardous chemicals under normal working conditions or in a foreseeable emergency needs HazCom training. That includes many jobs in:

Training must cover the requirements of the standard, where hazardous chemicals are present in the work area, the location of the written program and SDSs, how to detect a release, the physical and health hazards of the chemicals, protective measures and PPE, and how to read labels and SDSs.

OSHA does not approve, certify or accredit online training providers. An online HazCom course covers the general knowledge. Your employer must still train you on the specific chemicals, SDS locations and procedures at your site. With Gama Safety you pass the exam with 80% or better (unlimited free retakes) and download your certificate and printable wallet card right away.