GHS Hazard Pictograms

GHS Hazard Pictograms are recognized symbols that make up the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). These pictograms are diamond-shaped, with red borders and a black symbol on a white background. Each symbol is different and is used to help identify the nature of the chemical hazard: physical, health, and environmental. They are as follows:

GHS01: Explosive: Not only covering explosions, this pictogram indicates substances and mixtures that are self-reactive.

GHS02: Flammable: The flame symbol is universally recognized as meaning fire. Chemicals with this pictogram are flammable gases, aerosols, liquids, and solids. Also covers self-heating mixtures, pyrophoric or combustible liquids and solids.

GHS03: Oxidizing: Oxidization can be dangerous in industrial settings, and this pictogram represents chemicals that can oxidize and lose electrons.

GHS04: Compressed Gas: This pictogram indicates the chemical is a gas under pressure. It may include compressed gases, gases that have been dissolved, or liquified gases.

GHS05:Corrosive: If a chemical is corrosive to metals, it can cause corrosion burns to the skin, can cause serious eye damage, and should be marked with this pictogram.

GHS06: Toxic: The skull & crossbones represent acute toxicity, but at a much more dangerous level than the exclamation pictogram.

GHS07: Exclamation Mark: Chemicals that are acutely toxic, substances that can be absorbed through skin or respiration, and can cause damage to human health, are labeled with this pictogram.

GHS08:Health Hazard/Hazardous to Ozone Layer: Any chemicals that are carcinogens, can cause mutations, or otherwise cause damage to one or more organs when inhaled are marked with this pictogram.

GHS09: Hazardous to the Environment: Reserved for chemicals that cause aquatic toxicity, specifically for acute and chronic hazards. While part of the GHS system, this pictogram is not enforced by OSHA, which often confuses users about how many GHS pictograms there are.

This set of GHS pictograms is used for the labeling of chemical containers or communicating workplace hazards. The other set of hazard pictograms is used for labeling vehicles carrying hazardous chemicals and to alert workers involved in their storage and handling. It’s important to know what type of hazard pictograms can be used, depending on the nature of the hazard.