Safety & PPE Reference Library · Wall Charts

GHS Pictogram Chart for PPE Rooms

The nine GHS hazard pictograms used under the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, each paired with the PPE question it should raise before a worker handles the product.

Ref SP-021229 CFR 1910.1200 Appendix C

Draft, open for review. Check every value against the governing standard and the manufacturer’s data before use.

What it is

The OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) adopts the Globally Harmonized System (GHS). Container labels carry red-bordered diamond pictograms that flag hazard classes. Appendix C sets out the pictograms and label elements. A pictogram is a prompt, not a PPE prescription. The PPE needed comes from Section 8 of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and the employer's hazard assessment.

How to use it

Find each pictogram on the label.
Read the PPE question in the chart.
Open SDS Section 8 (exposure controls and personal protection) for the answer.
Check the precautionary statements on the label for specific PPE wording.

Pictogram chart

Pictogram	Hazards it flags	PPE question to ask
Health hazard (silhouette with starburst)	Carcinogen, mutagen, reproductive toxicity, respiratory sensitizer, target organ toxicity, aspiration	Does the SDS call for a respirator, and is a respiratory program in place?
Flame	Flammable gases, liquids and solids, self-heating, pyrophoric, emits flammable gas	Is FR clothing needed, and is static control footwear required?
Exclamation mark	Irritant, skin sensitizer, acute toxicity (lower category), narcotic effects	Which glove material and eye protection does the SDS specify?
Gas cylinder	Gases under pressure	Are cryogenic gloves and a face shield needed for liquefied gases?
Corrosion	Skin corrosion, serious eye damage, corrosive to metals	Are splash goggles, a face shield, and chemical-resistant gloves and apron needed?
Exploding bomb	Explosives, self-reactives, organic peroxides	What does the SDS require beyond standard PPE? Is this a controlled area?
Flame over circle	Oxidizers	Is clothing compatible with oxidizers, and are gloves free of oil and grease?
Skull and crossbones	Acute toxicity (severe)	Which respirator, glove and body protection keep out every route of exposure?
Environment (dead tree and fish)	Aquatic toxicity	Is spill kit PPE on hand? Note: OSHA does not require this pictogram.

Key points

Nine pictograms exist in GHS. OSHA's HCS requires eight; the environment pictogram is optional under OSHA.
Glove material comes from the SDS and the glove maker's chemical resistance data, not from the pictogram.
One label may carry several pictograms. Answer every question.
Signal words ("Danger" or "Warning") tell you the severity within a hazard class.

Common mistakes

Reading the exclamation mark as "low risk, no PPE".
Picking a glove by color or habit instead of the SDS.
Treating pictograms on shipping (DOT) labels as the same system. They look similar but serve transport rules.
Posting an old chart with the black-and-orange square symbols, which are not GHS.

Governing standards: 29 CFR 1910.1200 and Appendix C; 29 CFR 1910.132.

Reference only. Verify against the current governing code or standard, the manufacturer's data and the project documents before use. Apps for Distributors disclaims liability arising from reliance on this reference.

More in Wall Charts

← All Safety & PPE sheets