Hazard Symbols
The first time we all would have come across a hazard symbol even without knowing what it means would be during our early childhood and the one and only symbol known would be the human skull with crossed bones. It was the scariness of the symbol which kept us away rather than the real danger which lies behind it. When knowledge dawns we realize that these symbols have to be taken seriously.
Its a known fact that we cannot draw our own danger symbols and expect everyone to understand it, this was the very basis for standardizing hazard symbols and meanings they convey. The united nations designed GHS (Globally harmonized system of classification and labelling of chemicals) pictograms to harmonize chemical hazard warning internationally.Almost all hazard symbols in use perfectly convey the warning symbol and have been aptly used. There are nine basic pictograms of all hazard symbols that are used widely. The symbols mentioned below are for use other than transport of dangerous goods :-
Acute Toxic
The skull and crossbones is an indication of acute toxicity. When displayed on chemical labels the message sent across is, they are toxic to the extent of being fatal when inhaled, swallowed and on contact with skin.
Health Hazard
The health hazard symbol is a clear indication of the substance being carcinogenic,it induces respiratory irritation, directly causes damage to organs and also imparts reproductive toxicity.
Flammable
The picture of the flame abruptly indicates the substance is flammable when it comes into contact with air or it may even heat up by itself and ignite spontaneously.
Exclamation mark
This is a generic symbol which in addition to cautioning also indicates that it causes irritation, acute toxicity, narcotic effect,respiratory tract irritation and causes damage to internal organs.
Flame over circle
This symbol sends a word of caution for all gases and liquids that oxidize. Though this reaction does not cause explosions it is capable of loosing its nature and transforming to another undesired substance.
Gas Cylinder
The pictogram of gas cylinder indicates that the consignment has liquified gases, compressed gas or dissolved gases.
Exploding Bomb
Needless to say the explosive hazard symbol indicates an explosion where the substance contained may react on its own and may cause a noticeable increase in air pressure.
Environmental hazard
The dead fish in the pictogram indicates that the substance is hazardous to aqualtic life and should not be let into lakes, rivers etc. Further more it indicates that there is a possibility of the ecosystem being damaged for years.
Corrosion
There is a clear indication in the picture that the substance contained is capable of corroding metals and skin.
Safety is of paramount importance while handling chemicals, and being literate on the hazard symbols will play a major role in cutting down mishaps and in tactfully handling accidents.Understanding hazard symbols and their meanings should be made a mandate for all those handling chemicals.Addition of new hazard symbols does not happen at regular intervals but updations have to be kept track of.
