If you haven’t read Part 1, then go back and check it out before continuing with this post!

What Do Those Little Weird Pictograms Mean?

 

We’ll start with this one. This one is fairly obvious – it means the labeled substance is flammable. It can be a flammable gas or aerosol, or a flammable liquid, or a flammable solid. Or it can be a substance that reacts with air or water and catches fire. The text on the label will tell you the specific hazard, but you know to keep this away from heat, sparks, open flames, and hot surfaces. And don’t smoke around it!

 

 

 

This one is pretty obvious too – it means the labeled substance is corrosive. It may burn your skin, eyes, or lungs through contact or through inhaling mist or fumes. Or it may be corrosive to metals. Always check the label text. And don’t forget to wear protective gloves, clothing, and goggles!

 

 

 

 

I bet you can guess what this one means. That’s right – poison. (No, not pirates.) It may be toxic or even fatal if swallowed, inhaled, or allowed to contact your skin. The label text will explain the type of hazard and the degree of hazard, but as a general rule, use it only with adequate ventilation and don’t eat, drink, or smoke when you’re using it.

 

 

 

I’ll finish this entry with the last obvious one. This one means the contents are a gas under pressure or a refrigerated liquefied gas. Gases under pressure may explode if heated; refrigerated liquefied gases can cause low-temperature “burns” or frostbite. Use and store these in a well-ventilated place. If it’s a refrigerated liquefied gas, wear cold-insulating gloves and goggles or a face shield when you use it.

 

Next time on GHS, Schmee-H-S Part 3: the less self-explanatory pictograms