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exclamation mark pictogram

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Understanding the Exclamation Mark Pictogram Under the Hazard Communication Standard

The exclamation mark pictogram is one of the most commonly seen GHS pictograms on workplace chemical labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDSs). Under OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), 29 CFR 1910.1200, employers must ensure hazardous chemicals are properly classified, labeled, and communicated to employees through training and accessible SDSs.

This pictogram often appears on products that can irritate the skin, eyes, or respiratory system—hazards that may be underestimated because they don’t sound as dramatic as “flammable” or “toxic.” In practice, the exclamation mark acts as a clear hazard sign that a chemical can still harm workers if used improperly or without adequate controls.

OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard requires that labels and SDSs accurately reflect a chemical’s hazards and that employees are trained to understand them (29 CFR 1910.1200).

What the Exclamation Mark Pictogram Means (GHS07)

The exclamation mark pictogram (often referred to as GHS07) signals less severe acute hazards than the skull and crossbones pictogram, but it still indicates meaningful risk. Under OSHA-aligned GHS criteria used in HazCom, it commonly covers hazards such as:

  • Skin irritation (Category 2)
  • Eye irritation (Category 2)
  • Skin sensitization (Category 1)
  • Acute toxicity (Category 4) — harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or in contact with skin
  • Specific target organ toxicity—single exposure (STOT SE) (Category 3) — respiratory irritation or narcotic effects (e.g., drowsiness/dizziness)

In other words, the exclamation mark may indicate a chemical that can cause rashes, dermatitis, eye irritation, coughing, headaches, or dizziness depending on exposure route and concentration.

Where You’ll See It: Labels and SDSs

Under 29 CFR 1910.1200(f), shipped container labels must include specific elements such as:

  • Product identifier
  • Signal word
  • Hazard statement(s)
  • Precautionary statement(s)
  • Pictogram(s)
  • Supplier identification

The exclamation mark pictogram may appear alongside those items on the manufacturer label. Under 29 CFR 1910.1200(g), the SDS must also describe hazards and precautionary measures in a standardized format.

Exclamation Mark vs. Other Hazard Signs (Including Corrosion)

Confusion often happens when workers compare the exclamation mark to other hazard signs—especially the corrosive symbol.

The Exclamation Mark Pictogram Is Not the Corrosive Symbol

The corrosive symbol (GHS05) is used for chemicals that can cause severe skin burns and eye damage and/or corrode metals. People sometimes search for “corrosive chemical symbol” and expect it to be the same as the exclamation mark because both can involve skin/eye harm—but they are different.

  • Exclamation mark (GHS07): irritation, sensitization, harmful acute toxicity, respiratory irritation
  • Corrosion (GHS05): severe burns, serious eye damage, corrosive to metals

If a product causes serious eye damage (Category 1) or skin corrosion, it generally belongs under the corrosion pictogram rather than just the exclamation mark.

When Both May Appear

Depending on classification, some products may carry multiple GHS pictograms. For example, a chemical mixture might be corrosive (GHS05) and also present harmful acute toxicity (GHS07). The label should reflect the full hazard classification.

Why the Exclamation Mark Pictogram Matters for OSHA Hazard Communication

OSHA’s HazCom standard is built around the idea that employees have a right to know and understand chemical hazards. The exclamation mark pictogram supports that goal by providing a quick, visual signal that a chemical can cause health effects.

Common Workplace Risks Associated With GHS07

Even if the hazard is “only” irritation or sensitization, the work impact can be serious:

  • Dermatitis and chronic skin issues from repeated exposure to irritants
  • Asthma-like symptoms or respiratory irritation from vapors or mists
  • Allergic sensitization where a worker reacts more strongly over time
  • Near-miss incidents when dizziness or drowsiness affects attention

These risks tie directly to the need for effective training, controls, and accessible SDS information.

Training Requirements

Under 29 CFR 1910.1200(h), employers must provide effective information and training at the time of initial assignment and whenever a new chemical hazard is introduced. Training should include how to read:

  • Labels (including pictograms)
  • SDS sections (especially Sections 2, 4, 7, 8, 10, and 11)

Workers should understand what the exclamation mark means and what precautions apply (PPE, ventilation, first aid, spill response).

Practical Steps: How to Respond When You See the Exclamation Mark

Seeing the exclamation mark pictogram should trigger a consistent process—not guesswork.

1) Read the Full Label Elements

Don’t stop at the pictogram. Review:

  1. Signal word (“Warning” is common with GHS07 hazards)
  2. Hazard statements (e.g., “Causes skin irritation”)
  3. Precautionary statements (e.g., “Wear protective gloves/eye protection”)

2) Check the SDS for Specific Controls

The SDS provides details that a label cannot. Pay close attention to:

  • Section 2 (Hazard identification): classification, pictograms, hazard statements
  • Section 4 (First-aid measures): what to do for eye/skin/inhalation exposure
  • Section 7 (Handling and storage): incompatibilities and safe practices
  • Section 8 (Exposure controls/PPE): glove type, respirator needs, ventilation

3) Implement Controls Based on Exposure Route

Typical control measures include:

  • Engineering controls: local exhaust ventilation when vapors/mists irritate airways
  • Administrative controls: limiting duration/frequency of tasks that cause irritation
  • PPE: chemical-resistant gloves, splash goggles, face shields as needed

SDS and Label Management Challenges (and How SwiftSDS Helps)

Many HazCom compliance gaps happen not because employers ignore safety—but because SDS and labeling information is scattered, outdated, or hard to access when it matters. Common issues include:

  • Multiple versions of the same SDS stored in different locations
  • Missing SDSs for secondary containers or new products
  • Workers unable to retrieve SDSs quickly on the shop floor
  • Inconsistent training materials that don’t match current hazard classifications

SwiftSDS helps solve these SDS management challenges with a centralized, cloud-based SDS library and fast search tools so employees can locate the correct SDS immediately—especially helpful when a worker sees an exclamation mark pictogram on a label and needs to confirm PPE or first-aid steps.

With SwiftSDS, organizations can also strengthen HazCom programs by:

  • Maintaining a centralized SDS library aligned to OSHA requirements for accessibility (29 CFR 1910.1200(g))
  • Supporting GHS classification and labeling awareness across sites
  • Improving response readiness through mobile access to SDSs on any device
  • Connecting SDSs to chemical inventory management (locations, quantities, expiration dates) to reduce surprises and improve consistency

For more guidance on organizing chemical documents across locations, see SDS management.

Avoiding Common Misunderstandings About GHS Pictograms

The exclamation mark is widely recognized, but it’s also commonly misread. Keep these clarifications in mind:

  • It doesn’t mean “minor hazard.” Irritation and sensitization can be serious and long-term.
  • It is not the corrosive symbol; the corrosive chemical symbol (GHS05) indicates severe burns/eye damage and metal corrosion.
  • It should always be interpreted alongside the SDS and the full label.

Final Takeaway: Use the Exclamation Mark as a Prompt to Verify Controls

The exclamation mark pictogram is a high-frequency hazard sign that should trigger safe handling habits and quick verification of the SDS. Under OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200), employers must ensure workers can understand these symbols, locate SDSs, and apply protective measures consistently.

If your teams can’t quickly access the SDS when they see a pictogram on a label, your HazCom program is harder to execute in real time.

Call to Action

Strengthen your HazCom compliance and make GHS pictograms easier to act on in the field. Centralize your SDSs, improve accessibility, and connect chemicals to locations with SwiftSDS—so when a worker sees the exclamation mark pictogram, the right information is only a few taps away. Explore SwiftSDS and streamline your SDS program today.