OSHA 10-Hour Construction ReviewHealth Hazards in ConstructionMedium
A construction worker is exposed to a chemical that causes a burning sensation on the skin and irritation to the respiratory tract. Which type of GHS pictogram would most likely be found on the label of this chemical?
- ACorrosion
- BHealth Hazard
- CSkull and Crossbones
- DFlame
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Corrosion
A burning sensation on the skin is indicative of skin corrosion/irritation. The GHS pictogram for Corrosion (a hand and surface being corroded) specifically represents skin corrosion/burns and serious eye damage. It also covers respiratory tract irritation that causes corrosive effects.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Health Hazard (person silhouette) indicates carcinogenicity, respiratory sensitizer, target organ toxicity, etc., but not direct skin burn/corrosion.
- C. Skull and Crossbones indicates acute toxicity (fatal or toxic).
- D. Flame indicates flammability, pyrophorics, self-heating, etc.
GHS Corrosion Pictogram
The GHS pictogram showing a hand with liquid dripping on it and a corroded surface, indicating skin corrosion/burns, serious eye damage, and corrosivity to metals.
- Represents corrosive hazards.
- Includes skin and eye damage.
- Also applies to respiratory tract irritation from corrosive substances.
Memory trick: GHS: A Flame, Skull, Exclamation, Gas, Health, Corrosion, Environment, Exploding Bomb, Cylinder.