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What a “Hazard Picture” Means Under OSHA HazCom

In everyday workplace language, people often say “hazard picture” or “hazard image” to describe the visual symbols that warn employees about chemical dangers. Under OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom), these visuals are not optional decoration—they are a required part of how chemical hazards are communicated and understood.

OSHA’s HazCom (29 CFR 1910.1200) aligns with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) and requires standardized label elements, including pictograms, to help workers quickly recognize hazard types. A hazard picture is most commonly a GHS pictogram: a black symbol on a white background with a red diamond border. These pictograms appear on shipped container labels and are also referenced in Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).

Bottom line: A hazard picture is a fast, visual cue that supports (but never replaces) the written hazard information required by OSHA HazCom.

The OSHA Requirements Behind Hazard Images

OSHA HazCom requires chemical manufacturers and importers to classify chemical hazards and provide proper labels and SDSs. Employers must ensure that these labels and SDSs are maintained and accessible so employees can understand the hazards they may be exposed to.

Key HazCom label elements that include hazard images

Under 29 CFR 1910.1200(f), shipped container labels must include specific elements. The hazard picture/hazard image component is typically the pictogram(s), which are part of the label requirements and reinforce:

  • The hazard class and category (e.g., flammable liquids, skin corrosion)
  • The signal word (Danger/Warning)
  • Hazard statement(s) (standardized phrases)
  • Precautionary statement(s) (how to prevent harm)

Even if employees recognize the hazard picture immediately, OSHA still expects a complete HazCom program: labels, SDSs, training, and written procedures.

How hazard images relate to SDS requirements

OSHA requires employers to maintain an SDS for each hazardous chemical and make it readily accessible (29 CFR 1910.1200(g)). While SDSs are text-heavy, they support and expand on what a hazard picture implies, including critical details such as exposure controls, first aid, and spill response.

Common GHS Hazard Pictograms (Hazard Pictures) and What They Communicate

A hazard image is effective because it compresses complex hazard data into an instantly recognizable symbol. Below are the main GHS pictograms used under HazCom and what they generally indicate.

Health and toxicity hazard pictures

  • Skull and crossbones: Acute toxicity (can be fatal or toxic with short exposure)
  • Health hazard silhouette (person with starburst on chest): Carcinogenicity, respiratory sensitization, reproductive toxicity, specific target organ toxicity, aspiration hazard
  • Exclamation mark: Irritant effects (skin/eye), skin sensitization, acute toxicity (harmful), narcotic effects

Physical hazard pictures

  • Flame: Flammables, pyrophorics, self-heating substances, emits flammable gas, self-reactives, organic peroxides
  • Flame over circle: Oxidizers
  • Exploding bomb: Explosives, self-reactives, organic peroxides (higher hazard categories)
  • Gas cylinder: Gases under pressure

Environmental hazard picture

  • Environment (dead tree and fish): Aquatic toxicity. (Note: OSHA does not enforce environmental hazards the way some other jurisdictions do, but this pictogram may still appear on labels provided by manufacturers.)

Corrosive hazard picture

  • Corrosion (test tubes pouring on hand/metal): Skin corrosion/burns, serious eye damage, corrosive to metals

A key training point: One chemical may require multiple pictograms, so employees should look at the complete label and the SDS rather than relying on a single hazard image.

Why Hazard Pictures Matter for Employee Understanding

Hazard images are designed to speed recognition. That’s especially important in:

  • High-turnover environments (rapid onboarding needs)
  • Multi-language workplaces (visual cues complement translation efforts)
  • Emergency scenarios (spills, leaks, exposures)

However, OSHA’s HazCom training requirement (29 CFR 1910.1200(h)) makes it clear that employees must be trained on the details behind the symbols, including:

  • What the label elements mean
  • How to read and find information in the SDS
  • The chemical hazards in their work area
  • Protective measures (PPE, safe handling, emergency procedures)

A hazard picture helps employees notice the risk quickly; training and SDS access help them respond correctly.

Common Workplace Mistakes with Hazard Images (and How to Avoid Them)

Even when businesses try to do the right thing, hazard pictures can be misused or misunderstood. These are frequent HazCom gaps that can cause confusion—and potentially increase OSHA citation risk.

Mistake 1: Missing pictograms on secondary containers

If you transfer a chemical from a shipped container into a workplace container (like a spray bottle), HazCom still requires appropriate labeling (29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(6)). Employers often forget to include key label elements.

  • Best practice: Ensure secondary labels include, at minimum, product identifier and general hazard information consistent with HazCom.

Mistake 2: Using non-standard “hazard images” instead of GHS pictograms

Some workplaces use custom icons (skulls, flames, colored dots) that aren’t aligned with HazCom/GHS. While internal systems can supplement communication, they should not replace required label elements on hazardous chemicals.

  • Best practice: Keep GHS pictograms and required HazCom label elements primary; use internal icons only as a supplement.

Mistake 3: Outdated SDSs that don’t match current hazards

If the SDS is outdated or missing, employees may rely too heavily on the hazard picture without getting the most current control measures.

  • Best practice: Maintain an up-to-date, readily accessible SDS library for every hazardous chemical onsite.

Mistake 4: Employees recognize the image but don’t know the controls

Knowing a chemical is “corrosive” doesn’t automatically mean employees know the right gloves, eyewash requirements, storage compatibility, or spill response.

  • Best practice: Tie hazard picture recognition to specific workplace procedures during training.

Making Hazard Images Actionable: Tie Labels to SDS Access and Inventory

A hazard picture is most useful when it connects workers to the next step: finding the SDS and following site-specific procedures. This is where many employers struggle—SDS binders go missing, multiple versions circulate, and employees can’t find the right sheet quickly.

SwiftSDS helps close that gap by giving you a centralized, cloud-based SDS library that supports OSHA HazCom recordkeeping and real-time access. With mobile access, employees can pull up the correct SDS on the spot—whether they’re on the production floor, in a warehouse aisle, or at a remote job site.

SwiftSDS can also support stronger hazard communication through:

  • Centralized SDS Library to store and organize every SDS in one secure location
  • OSHA HazCom support (29 CFR 1910.1200) by making SDSs readily accessible and easier to keep current
  • GHS support to align your program with standardized hazard classification and labeling practices
  • Chemical inventory management to track where chemicals are used, helping you target training and ensure correct secondary labeling

If you’re building a more effective HazCom program, also consider linking your process documents and training materials from your SDS system. (For more resources, see SDS management.)

How to Train Employees to Interpret Hazard Pictures Correctly

To meet OSHA’s HazCom training expectations and improve comprehension, include hazard images in hands-on training—not just in slide decks.

Practical training steps

  1. Show employees the main GHS pictograms used in your facility.
  2. Walk through a real container label and identify:
    • Product identifier
    • Pictogram(s) / hazard picture(s)
    • Signal word
    • Hazard statements
    • Precautionary statements
  3. Pull the matching SDS and practice locating key sections (e.g., first aid, PPE, handling/storage).
  4. Run short scenarios (spill, splash exposure, incompatible storage) where employees must use the label and SDS to decide actions.

Reinforcement ideas

  • Post quick-reference charts near chemical storage areas (as supplemental information)
  • Add QR codes or access instructions so workers can quickly reach the SDS via a mobile device
  • Audit secondary containers to verify labels are present and legible

Conclusion: Hazard Pictures Work Best as Part of a Complete HazCom System

A hazard picture or hazard image—especially a GHS pictogram—is one of the fastest ways to communicate chemical danger. But it’s only one element of OSHA HazCom compliance. The strongest programs connect hazard images to complete labels, current SDSs, and training that teaches workers what to do.

When workers can recognize the hazard picture and immediately access the SDS and site procedures, hazard communication becomes practical—not just compliant.

Call to action: If your team struggles to find SDSs quickly, manage multiple versions, or keep chemical records organized, consider SwiftSDS. Centralize your SDS library, support your HazCom program, and give employees instant mobile access to the information behind every hazard image—so they can work safer and respond faster.