Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are fundamental documents in laboratory safety that provide comprehensive information about hazardous chemicals, including crucial visual symbols known as pictograms. These standardized symbols serve as immediate visual warnings to laboratory personnel about potential hazards associated with chemical substances. Understanding SDS symbols is essential for maintaining a safe laboratory environment and ensuring proper chemical handling procedures. 

Brief Introduction of SDS Symbols in Laboratories 

Definition, Purpose and International Standardization 

SDS symbols, formally known as GHS (Globally Harmonized System) hazard pictograms, are standardized graphical compositions that include symbols with specific graphic elements such as: 

• Borders 

• Background patterns 

• Colors 

These pictograms are designed to provide hazard information to handlers of chemicals at a glance, universally. Each pictogram consists of a symbol on a white background framed within a red border and represents distinct hazards. 

The GHS hazard pictograms are part of the internationally harmonized system created by the United Nations that defines and classifies chemicals with respect to their hazards. This system ensures consistent communication of chemical hazards across borders and industries. The pictograms have been adopted and implemented worldwide in different local regulations, including the EU CLP regulation. 

 

The Nine GHS Pictograms: Complete Guide 

There are nine distinct GHS pictograms, each representing different hazard categories. These are grouped into three main categories: physical hazards, health hazards, and environmental hazards. 

 

i) Physical Hazard Pictograms

1. Explosive (GHS01) 

• Symbol: Exploding bomb 

• Hazards: Unstable explosives, explosives divisions 1.1-1.6, self-reactive substances, organic peroxides 

• Examples: TNT, nitroglycerin, azidoazide azide 

2. Flammable (GHS02) 

• Symbol: Flame 

• Hazards: Flammable gases, liquids, and solids; pyrophoric substances; self-heating materials; organic peroxides 

• Precautions: Keep away from flames, sparks, and ignition sources 

3. Oxidizing (GHS03) 

• Symbol: Flame over circle 

• Hazards: Oxidizing gases, liquids, and solids that can intensify fires 

• Risk: Can cause or contribute to combustion even without an ignition source 

4. Gas Under Pressure (GHS04) 

• Symbol: Gas cylinder 

• Hazards: Compressed gases, liquefied gases, refrigerated liquefied gases, dissolved gases 

• Warning: Containers may explode when heated 

5. Corrosive (GHS05) 

• Symbol: Corrosion 

• Hazards: Skin corrosion, eye damage, corrosive to metals 

• Effects: Can cause severe damage to skin, eyes, and materials 

 

ii) Health Hazard Pictograms

6. Acute Toxicity (GHS06) 

• Symbol: Skull and crossbones 

• Hazards: Acute toxicity (fatal or toxic) 

• Severity: Highly toxic substances that may be fatal after minimal exposure 

7. Health Hazard/Irritant (GHS07) 

• Symbol: Exclamation mark 

• Hazards: Skin and eye irritation, skin sensitization, acute toxicity (harmful), narcotic effects, respiratory tract irritation 

• Classification: Less severe health effects compared to serious health hazards 

8. Serious Health Hazard (GHS08) 

• Symbol: Health hazard silhouette 

• Hazards: Carcinogens, mutagenicity, reproductive toxicity, respiratory sensitizers, target organ toxicity, aspiration toxicity 

• Long-term effects: Can cause serious, often chronic health problems 

 

iii) Environmental Hazard Pictogram

9. Environmental Hazard (GHS09) 

• Symbol: Dead fish and tree 

• Hazards: Aquatic toxicity, environmental damage 

• Note: Not mandatory in the United States but required in many other jurisdictions 

 

Understanding SDS Structure and Usage 

The 16 Sections of SDS 

Safety Data Sheets are organized into 16 standardized sections to ensure consistent information presentation: 

1. Sections 1-8: General Information 

• Identification: Product name, manufacturer details, emergency contacts 

• Hazard Identification: All hazards and required label elements including pictograms 

• Composition/Ingredients: Chemical composition and hazardous ingredients 

• First Aid Measures: Emergency treatment procedures 

• Fire-Fighting Measures: Extinguishing techniques and fire hazards 

• Accidental Release Measures: Spill response and containment procedures 

• Handling and Storage: Safe handling practices and storage requirements 

• Exposure Controls/Personal Protection: PPE requirements and exposure limits 

 2. Sections 9-11: Technical Information 

• Physical and Chemical Properties: Chemical characteristics 

• Stability and Reactivity: Chemical stability and hazardous reactions 

• Toxicological Information: Health effects and exposure routes 

3. Sections 12-15: Regulatory Information (Non-mandatory for OSHA) 

• Ecological Information: Environmental impact 

• Disposal Considerations: Waste handling and disposal methods 

• Transport Information: Shipping and transportation requirements 

• Regulatory Information: Applicable regulations 

4. Section 16: Other Information 

• Other Information: Preparation date and additional relevant information 

 

How to Access and Use SDS 

SDS must be accessible at all times in laboratories, either as paper copies or through electronic access. Laboratory personnel should be familiar with the SDS database system and know how to locate relevant safety information quickly. Principal investigators are responsible for educating their employees about the hazards of specific chemicals using SDS information. 

Laboratory Safety Precautions and Best Practices 

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 

Understanding SDS symbols helps determine appropriate PPE requirements: 

• Safety goggles: Mandatory for all laboratory workers, especially around corrosive or irritant chemicals 

• Lab coats: Required protection that should not be worn in common areas 

• Gloves: Must be worn when handling chemicals, with specific materials recommended based on chemical compatibility 

• Closed-toe shoes: Essential footwear requirement in all laboratories 

• Respiratory protection: Required for certain toxic or volatile substances 

 

2. Emergency Procedures 

Laboratory personnel must know the locations and proper operation of safety equipment: 

• Eyewash stations: For immediate irrigation in case of eye contact with chemicals 

• Safety showers: For emergency decontamination 

• Fire extinguishers: Appropriate for specific types of chemical fires 

• Emergency exits: Multiple escape routes should be identified 

 

3. Chemical Storage and Handling 

Proper storage practices based on SDS symbol information include: 

• Separating incompatible chemicals (oxidizers from flammables) 

• Using appropriate storage containers for corrosive materials 

• Maintaining proper ventilation for volatile substances 

• Implementing proper waste segregation procedures 

 

Critical Safety Cautions 

1. Understanding Symbol Severity 

Different symbols indicate varying levels of hazard severity: 

• Danger vs. Warning: Signal words indicate hazard intensity, with “Danger” representing higher hazards than “Warning” 

• Multiple pictograms: A single chemical may display multiple hazard symbols simultaneously 

• Precedence rules: When multiple hazards exist, specific rules determine which pictograms take priority 

 

2. Common Laboratory Hazards 

Based on SDS symbols, laboratory personnel should be particularly cautious of: 

• Flammable materials: Keep away from ignition sources and heat 

• Corrosive substances: Avoid skin and eye contact, ensure proper ventilation 

• Toxic chemicals: Use appropriate respiratory protection and handle in fume hoods 

• Explosive materials: Separate from friction, shock, and heat sources 

 

3. Emergency Response 

When accidents occur involving chemicals with specific SDS symbols: 

• Eye contact: Immediately irrigate with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes 

• Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothing and flush with water immediately 

• Inhalation: Move to fresh air and seek medical attention if symptoms persist 

• Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed; seek immediate medical attention 

 

Regulatory Compliance and Training 

1. OSHA Requirements 

The Hazard Communication Standard requires laboratories to: 

• Maintain accessible SDS for all hazardous chemicals 

• Train employees on hazard recognition and safe handling procedures 

• Ensure proper labeling with appropriate pictograms 

• Implement written hazard communication programs 

2. Ongoing Training and Updates 

Laboratory safety requires continuous education: 

• Regular review of SDS for frequently used chemicals 

• Updates when new chemicals are introduced 

• Periodic safety assessments and training refreshers 

• Documentation of safety training and chemical inventories 

 

Benefits of Using SDS Symbols in Laboratories 

The benefits of using Safety Data Sheet (SDS) symbols in laboratories are significant for ensuring safety, effective hazard communication, and regulatory compliance. Here are the key advantages: 

• Quick Hazard Recognition 

SDS symbols provide a standardized, visual way to quickly identify chemical hazards, such as health risks, flammability, toxicity, and biohazards. This helps laboratory personnel immediately recognize potential dangers without needing to read lengthy text descriptions. 

• Prevention of Accidents 

By clearly signaling the presence of hazardous materials or environments, SDS symbols help prevent accidents and injuries by alerting personnel to take appropriate precautions before handling chemicals or entering certain areas.  

• Universal Communication 

SDS symbols follow globally harmonized standards (GHS), making them universally recognizable regardless of language barriers. This consistency facilitates communication of hazards across different countries and workplaces. 

• Supports Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) 

Knowing and understanding SDS symbols is essential for adopting GLP, which promotes safe and responsible laboratory work. Proper use of symbols helps maintain a safe working environment and reduces the risk of chemical exposure. 

• Legal and Regulatory Compliance 

SDS symbols are part of the hazard communication standards required by regulatory bodies such as OSHA in the US. Using these symbols helps laboratories comply with safety regulations and fulfill the duty to warn employees about chemical hazards. 

• Efficient Training and Emergency Response 

SDS symbols serve as an effective training tool, helping lab workers learn about chemical hazards and the necessary protective measures. In emergencies, the symbols provide quick guidance to responders on the nature of the hazards involved. 

• Enhanced Safety Data Sheet Accessibility 

SDS symbols complement the detailed information in Safety Data Sheets by providing immediate visual cues on containers and labels, improving the overall hazard communication system in the lab. 

 

Conclusion 

SDS symbols serve as critical visual communication tools that provide immediate hazard recognition in laboratory environments. Understanding these nine standardized pictograms, their meanings, and associated safety precautions is essential for maintaining laboratory safety and regulatory compliance. Proper interpretation of SDS symbols, combined with appropriate safety training and emergency preparedness, creates a foundation for safe chemical handling practices in all laboratory settings. Laboratory personnel must remain vigilant in reviewing SDS information, implementing proper safety protocols, and maintaining current knowledge of hazard communication requirements to ensure a safe working environment for all.