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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/osha-hazcom-signal-word-danger

On a chemical label, which signal word means the more severe hazard?

Danger; Warning is used for less severe hazards.

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  1. Danger ✔
  2. Warning
  3. Caution

Why: HazCom uses only two signal words. Danger marks the more severe hazards and Warning the less severe. If Danger is on a label, Warning does not also appear.

Huh, didn't know that: Caution is not a HazCom signal word at all, even though you see it on many signs.

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Why do chemists like nitrates so much? They're cheaper than day rates.
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References

Answer: Danger. HazCom uses only two signal words. Danger marks the more severe hazards and Warning the less severe. If Danger is on a label, Warning does not also appear.

  1. 29 CFR 1910.1200 Hazard Communication (eCFR) www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/section-1910.1200
    “Danger” is used for the more severe hazards, while “warning” is used for the less severe.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. 29 CFR 1910.1200 Hazard Communication (eCFR), Appendix C www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/section-1910.1200
    If the signal word “Danger” is included, the signal word “Warning” shall not appear
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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