OSHA Chemical Safety Symbols PDF

 What are the OSHA chemical safety symbols? These symbols are standardized — always on a white background with a black pictograph and red border. Corrosion: The corrosion sign features two test tubes pouring out a liquid that appears...

 What are the OSHA chemical safety symbols? These symbols are standardized — always on a white background with a black pictograph and red border. Corrosion: The corrosion sign features two test tubes pouring out a liquid that appears damaging, one above a surface and the other above a human hand. It warns against the potential damage that corrosive substances, such as certain acids,  Exclamation mark: A large exclamation mark, this sign warns of things that may be o irritating, particularly to the skin, eyes or respiratory system. This mainly includes chemicals and substances, like adhesives and skin sensitizers.  Exploding bomb: Showcasing a bomb in the o process of exploding, this sign signifies the presence of explosive or self-reacting substances.  Flame: This sign features an open flame. It’s used to o indicate flammable materials, including self- reacting substances and substances that give off flammable gas Flame over circle: The image of the flame sitting on top of a circle is used for oxidizing substances or substances that give off oxygen or other flammable materials. If these substances get too close to reactive chemicals or an ignition source, they could create fire or an explosion.  Gas cylinder: A gas cylinder sign indicates that gas is being stored under pressure. When stored in this manner, gases may be reactive, explosive or otherwise harmful if heated or disturbed  Health hazard: The health hazard symbol is a silhouette of a human torso with white markings covering the chest. This sign alerts people to chemicals and materials that are harmful to human health, particularly carcinogens. Skull and crossbones: The skull and crossbones sign exhibits the extreme dangers of being exposed to an acutely toxic substance or a substance that can make you sick, even fatally so, after a single exposure. What are the types of safety signs? Danger signs Danger signs are used to warn people of “immediate danger” in the workplace and take whatever precautions are necessary. These signs are reserved for the most severe hazards in the workplace, such as warning against radiation or high electrical voltage.  Danger signs must be red on the top panel, white on the lower panel, and black around the borders. The word “DANGER” must be prominently featured in the top panel.  Caution signs are used to alert employees t o more moderate risks , such as a slippery floor or an employees- only area. They may point out potential hazards  Typically, caution signs have a yellow background with black text. They may also use yellow lettering surrounded by a black panel. No matter which style you choose, the sign must read “CAUTION” near the top. A safety message or symbol may follow. In certain circumstances, you may be able to use a warning tag instead of a caution sign. A warning tag exhibits the level of hazard — more hazard than a caution sign but less than a danger sign. These tags should read “WARNING,” followed by a message describing what the sign is warning against.  Exit signs OSHA requires organizations to display exit signs throughout the workplace — including at exit doors, the intersection of hallways, and stairways — to signify where entrances and exits are located. Not only is this helpful for people finding their way around the workspace, but it could mean the difference between life and death during an emergency. Exit signs are usually white and red or green, though certain municipalities may permit you to use other colors. The background may be white with red or green lettering, or the inverse. At a minimum, the letters must be six inches high and three-quarters of an inch wide. The more exit signs the better so feel free to provide additional messaging to stimulate proper navigation.  Instructional signs Instead of warning employees about potential hazards, instructional signs provide information. They may remind workers about proper procedures or policies they must follow, such as when operating machinery or wearing personal prote ctive equipment  Traffic control signs Depending on where you work, you may also need to display signs to control traffic a nd parking. These signs may designate where drivers can park, indicate where pedestrians can safely walk or remind people about the rules of the road (such as the stop signs).  Accident prevention tags Accident prevention ta gs are used only for temporary hazards. They’re most used to indicate that equipment is broken, out of service or due for repairs. Use a tag only when there is no permanent or specific sign available.  CONCLUSION: Safety signs and symbols clearly play a major role in a safe workplace. They work in conjunction to keep employees safe. And since there are many different kinds — and varied situations that dictate what sign and / or symbol is required — digging into the details is important to ensure you’re accommodating the safest situation.