Hazard Communication
The Skull & Crossbones
Acute Toxicity
Acute Toxicity
OSHA 1910.1200 · GHS Categories 1–3 = Fatal or Toxic <300 mg/kg Oral · Immediate Hazard
The skull and crossbones GHS pictogram appears on products that can kill or cause serious harm from a single acute exposure — skin contact, ingestion, or inhalation. This is not a chronic hazard symbol (that's the exclamation mark or health hazard). Products with this symbol can cause rapid, serious injury in minutes. Treat them with extreme respect on every NYC construction site.
Acute Toxicity Categories
- Category 1: Very small amounts cause death — LD50 below 5 mg/kg body weight (oral). Extremely rare in construction products
- Category 2: Fatal in small amounts — LD50 5–50 mg/kg. Some concentrated pesticides, industrial solvents
- Category 3: Toxic — LD50 50–300 mg/kg. More common in construction chemicals — certain strippers, heavy-duty degreasers, some concrete additives
- The skull/crossbones always means Categories 1–3. Category 4 (harmful) uses the exclamation mark pictogram instead
Routes of Exposure — Know How It Gets In
- Inhalation: Vapors, dusts, and mists can be inhaled — often the most rapid route to systemic toxicity
- Skin absorption: Some chemicals (benzene, certain solvents) penetrate intact skin — gloves must be compatible with the specific chemical
- Ingestion: Contaminated hands touching the mouth — wash hands before eating, drinking, or touching your face after working with these products
Emergency Response for Acute Toxic Exposure
- SDS Section 4 (First Aid Measures) must be consulted immediately for any acute toxic exposure — not all treatments are the same
- Some chemicals: do NOT induce vomiting if ingested. Call Poison Control (800-222-1222) before any treatment
- All skull/crossbones exposures require immediate medical attention — do not "wait and see"
Discussion Questions
- What does the skull and crossbones pictogram tell you that the exclamation mark pictogram does not?
- A worker gets concentrated acid-based cleaner on their skin. Where do you look to find the correct first aid response?
- Name two routes of exposure for chemicals on this site that workers might not think of besides direct skin contact.
- What is the Poison Control number and when would you call it on this site?
Sign-Off
Project Address
Date
Time
Foreman / Supervisor
SSM / SSC Name & License No.
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