Hazardous chemical label elements

The 'Flame' pictogram and the signal word 'Danger' on a gas cylinder label indicate that it contains an 'Extremely flammable gas' (Category 1A) or 'Flammable gas' (Category 1B). According to OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard, you must follow specific safety precautions when handling these gases.

Key prevention measures found on the label include keeping the cylinder away from heat, sparks, open flames, and other ignition sources, and prohibiting smoking in the area, as detailed in Appendix C to 1910.1200. In case of a leak, you should not extinguish a gas fire unless the leak can be stopped safely, and all ignition sources must be eliminated.

For chemicals classified with severe long-term health hazards, the precautionary statement "Store locked up" must be included on the label. This requirement, found throughout Appendix C of 1910.1200, applies to many serious hazards, including:

• Carcinogenicity (Categories 1 & 2)
• Germ Cell Mutagenicity (Categories 1 & 2)
• Reproductive Toxicity (Categories 1 & 2)
• Aspiration Hazard (Category 1)
• Specific Target Organ Toxicity (Single and Repeated Exposure, Categories 1 & 2)

Yes, OSHA allows both the Department of Transportation (DOT) placard and the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) pictogram for the same hazard to be present on a label. While the standard previously indicated the HCS pictogram should not appear if a DOT placard is used, OSHA now permits both to accommodate international trade requirements and to avoid confusion. This clarification is detailed in a 2021 letter of interpretation and aligns with proposed updates to the standard's Appendix C.