1. Chemical Safety for Environmental Services:
Hazard Symbols

2. Cleaning Agents and Disinfectants
Chemical cleaning agents are essential to the EVS technician in order to keep the healthcare environment clean
It is important to know about safe use of these chemicals before you use them
Read the labels to know how to use them

3. Symbols for Hazardous Chemicals to Alert EVS Technicians on Safe-Use Practices
There are nine different symbols for hazardous chemicals you might see on labels of products needed to do your work
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that every hazardous chemical have symbols that apply to these chemicals under OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard
Be able to identify these symbols and what they mean
Be able to identify which symbols you are likely to see on the chemicals you use and wear proper personal protective equipment when using them
HCS Pictograms and Hazards

4. Labels for Hazardous Chemicals Must Contain
Name, Address and Telephone Number of the manufacturer
Product Identifier - how the hazardous chemical is identified
Signal Word - indicate the relative level of severity of the hazard
- Two standard words are: Danger or Warning
Hazard Statements - describe the nature of the hazard(s)
Precautionary Statements - describe recommended measures that should be taken to minimize or prevent adverse effects
Pictograms - graphic symbols used to communicate specific information about the hazards of a chemical

5. Pictogram Symbols: Health Hazard
Chemicals that have the potential to cause cancer, other illnesses or are toxic if used without protective equipment; usually over a period of time of repeated exposure

6. Pictogram Symbol: Flame
Chemicals that can start a fire or release gases that could start a fire

7. Pictogram Symbol: Exclamation Mark
Chemicals that irritate the skin and eyes, ears, nose, throat
These can trigger asthma attacks

8. Pictogram Symbol: Gas Cylinder
You may clean rooms where there are portable oxygen tanks of various sizes
These tanks must be secured
If accidently knocked over, they can shoot away like a missile or rocket, causing injury and property damage

9. Pictogram Symbol: Corrosion
Chemicals, like bleach, that can burn your skin, hurt your eyes, and damage metals

10. Pictogram Symbol: Exploding Bomb
Chemicals that could react to create an explosion
Very few chemicals used in healthcare fall into this category

11. Pictogram Symbol: Flame over Circle
Chemicals that release oxygen, making it easier for them to catch fire
Examples include bleach, and hydrogen peroxide which is found in some disinfectants

12. Pictogram Symbol: Skull and Crossbones
Very toxic chemicals that could be fatal—even with one exposure

13. Pictogram Symbol: Environment
Chemicals that can cause environmental problems
Some chemicals used in healthcare have to be “neutralized” (made safe) before pouring into the sink

14. Putting it all together: Example of all the important safety information on the label
Source; OSHA. Hazard Communication Standard: Labels and Pictograms, 2013.