How many pictograms are accepted on all SDSs?

• A. 7
• B. 8
• C. 9
• D. 12

Answer: (C)

Under the Globally Harmonized System for hazard communication, there are nine standard pictograms that may appear on Safety Data Sheets. This is why nine is the accepted number. They cover a range of hazard types: an exploding bomb for explosive or self‑reactive hazards; a flame for flammable hazards; a flame over a circle for oxidizers; a gas cylinder for gases under pressure; a corrosion symbol for skin/eye damage and metal corrosion; a skull and crossbones for acute toxicity; a health hazard symbol for serious health effects such as carcinogenicity or respiratory sensitization; an exclamation mark for lesser hazards like irritation or sensitization; and the environment symbol for aquatic toxicity. Not every SDS will display all nine; the actual pictograms shown depend on the hazards present, but nine is the complete set defined by the system.