GHS Pictograms Guide: What Each Safety Symbol Means (2026)

What Are GHS Pictograms?

GHS (Globally Harmonized System) pictograms are standardized hazard symbols that appear on chemical labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS). Each pictogram communicates specific hazards at a glance—critical for emergency response and safe handling.

Why they exist: Before GHS, every country used different hazard symbols. A flammable warning in the US looked different from one in Europe. GHS standardized these symbols worldwide.

Where you'll see them:

• Chemical container labels
• Section 2 of every SDS (Hazard Identification)
• Workplace signage and training materials

Visual format: All GHS pictograms use:

• Red diamond border
• White background
• Black symbol
• Minimum size: large enough to be clearly visible

The 9 GHS Pictograms

1. 🔥 Flame (GHS02)

Hazards indicated:

• Flammable liquids (flashpoint < 199.4°F / 93°C)
• Flammable solids (easily ignited, burns rapidly)
• Flammable gases (ignites in air at ≤ 55.4°F / 13°C)
• Flammable aerosols (spray cans under pressure)
• Self-heating substances (can ignite without external spark)
• Substances that emit flammable gas when wet (react with water/moisture)

Signal word: Danger or Warning (depending on category)

Common chemicals:

• Acetone (Category 2 flammable liquid)
• Gasoline (Category 1 flammable liquid)
• Ethanol (Category 2 flammable liquid)
• Propane (flammable gas)
• Hexane, toluene, methanol

Hazard statements (H-codes):

• H220: Extremely flammable gas
• H224: Extremely flammable liquid and vapor
• H225: Highly flammable liquid and vapor
• H228: Flammable solid

Required PPE:

• Fire-resistant or cotton clothing (never synthetic—it melts)
• Safety glasses with side shields
• Nitrile or neoprene gloves (not PVC—it degrades)

Storage requirements:

• Approved flammable storage cabinet
• Away from ignition sources, heat, and sparks
• Cool, well-ventilated area
• Bonding and grounding when dispensing
• Maximum 60 gallons outside approved cabinets

Emergency response:

• Fire: Use dry chemical, CO2, or foam extinguisher (check SDS Section 5)
• Spill: Eliminate ignition sources, ventilate area, absorb with non-combustible material

2. 🔥🔴 Flame Over Circle (GHS03)

Hazards indicated:

• Oxidizing liquids (provide oxygen, accelerate combustion)
• Oxidizing solids (intensify fires)
• Oxidizing gases (support combustion more than air)

Signal word: Danger or Warning

What makes oxidizers dangerous: They don't burn themselves, but they make OTHER materials burn faster and hotter. A small fire becomes an intense fire when oxidizers are present.

Common chemicals:

• Hydrogen peroxide (>8% concentration)
• Sodium hypochlorite (bleach, >10%)
• Ammonium nitrate (fertilizer)
• Nitric acid
• Potassium permanganate
• Calcium hypochlorite (pool shock)

Hazard statements:

• H270: May cause or intensify fire; oxidizer
• H271: May cause fire or explosion; strong oxidizer
• H272: May intensify fire; oxidizer

Critical incompatibilities:

• ⚠️ NEVER store with flammables (Flame pictogram)
• ⚠️ NEVER store with combustible materials (paper, wood, cloth)
• ⚠️ NEVER store with reducing agents (check SDS Section 10)

Storage requirements:

• Separate area away from flammables (minimum 20 feet or firewall)
• Non-combustible shelving (metal, not wood)
• Cool, dry area (heat accelerates reactions)

Emergency response:

• Fire: Use large amounts of water (oxidizers make fires more intense—more water needed)
• Spill: Sweep up (don't use organic absorbents like sawdust—combustion risk)

3. 💣 Exploding Bomb (GHS01)

Hazards indicated:

• Explosives (can explode by shock, friction, fire, or other ignition source)
• Self-reactive substances (thermally unstable)
• Organic peroxides (can decompose explosively)

Signal word: Danger

Common chemicals:

• Benzoyl peroxide (acne medication in bulk form)
• Picric acid (when dry)
• Nitroglycerin
• TNT, dynamite (rarely in workplaces)
• Certain organic peroxides used in polymer manufacturing

Hazard statements:

• H200: Unstable explosive
• H201: Explosive; mass explosion hazard
• H240: Heating may cause an explosion
• H241: Heating may cause a fire or explosion

Special handling:

• NO shock, friction, or heat
• Store in original containers (never transfer)
• Keep away from all ignition sources
• Temperature control critical (refrigeration often required)
• Peroxides: Check expiration dates religiously (form explosive crystals over time)

Storage requirements:

• Isolated storage area
• Temperature-controlled (often refrigerated)
• No metal tools (use plastic/wood to prevent sparks)
• Grounded shelving

Emergency response:

• Evacuate immediately if container is damaged or heated
• Call bomb squad/hazmat team for large quantities
• Never attempt to move damaged containers

4. ⚗️ Corrosion (GHS05)

Hazards indicated:

• Skin corrosion (causes severe burns, tissue destruction)
• Eye damage (permanent vision loss possible)
• Corrosive to metals (can eat through containers)

Signal word: Danger

Common chemicals:

• Hydrochloric acid (muriatic acid)
• Sulfuric acid (battery acid)
• Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda, lye)
• Potassium hydroxide
• Nitric acid
• Drain cleaners (acidic or basic)

Hazard statements:

• H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
• H318: Causes serious eye damage
• H290: May be corrosive to metals

pH indicators:

• Acids: pH < 3 are typically corrosive
• Bases: pH > 11.5 are typically corrosive

Required PPE:

• Chemical goggles or face shield (ANSI Z87.1)
• Acid/alkali resistant gloves (neoprene, nitrile, butyl rubber—check SDS Section 8)
• Chemical apron or lab coat
• Long sleeves, long pants (no skin exposure)

Storage requirements:

• Corrosive cabinet or designated area
• Acids and bases MUST be segregated (separate cabinets)
• Secondary containment (spill tray)
• Non-corrodible shelving (plastic-coated or polypropylene)

Emergency response:

• Skin contact: Flush immediately with water for 15 minutes minimum (remove clothing while flushing)
• Eye contact: Eyewash for 15 minutes, holding eyelids open
• Spill: Neutralize carefully (acid spill kits for acids, base kits for bases)

Critical: Never use vinegar to neutralize base or baking soda to neutralize acid without proper training—exothermic reactions can cause splattering.

5. 💀 Skull and Crossbones (GHS06)

Hazards indicated:

• Acute toxicity (can cause death or serious injury from brief exposure)
• Routes: Oral (swallowing), dermal (skin), inhalation (breathing)

Signal word: Danger

Toxicity categories using this pictogram:

• Category 1 (most toxic): Fatal if swallowed/inhaled/skin contact
• Category 2: Fatal if swallowed/inhaled/skin contact
• Category 3: Toxic if swallowed/inhaled/skin contact

Common chemicals:

• Cyanide compounds
• Mercury and mercury compounds
• Arsenic compounds
• Pesticides/insecticides (many)
• Strychnine
• Sodium azide

Hazard statements:

• H300: Fatal if swallowed
• H310: Fatal in contact with skin
• H330: Fatal if inhaled
• H301: Toxic if swallowed
• H311: Toxic in contact with skin
• H331: Toxic if inhaled

Required PPE:

• Nitrile or neoprene gloves (specific material per SDS Section 8)
• Safety glasses or goggles
• Respirator if inhalation hazard (fit-tested, cartridge type per SDS)
• Lab coat or protective clothing

Storage requirements:

• Locked storage (restrict access)
• Separate from food/beverages
• Well-ventilated area
• Secondary containment for liquids

Emergency response:

• Exposure: Call poison control immediately (1-800-222-1222)
• Follow SDS Section 4 (First Aid)
• Medical attention required for ANY exposure

6. ⚠️🏥 Health Hazard (GHS08)

Hazards indicated (long-term health effects):

• Carcinogen (causes cancer)
• Respiratory sensitizer (can cause asthma)
• Reproductive toxicity (damages fertility or unborn child)
• Target organ toxicity (damages liver, kidneys, nervous system)
• Mutagenicity (causes genetic damage)
• Aspiration hazard (can enter lungs and cause damage)

Signal word: Danger or Warning

Common chemicals:

• Benzene (carcinogen)
• Formaldehyde (carcinogen)
• Toluene diisocyanate (respiratory sensitizer)
• Lead compounds (reproductive toxin, target organ)
• Carbon tetrachloride (target organ)
• Mineral spirits (aspiration hazard)

Hazard statements:

• H350: May cause cancer
• H340: May cause genetic defects
• H360: May damage fertility or the unborn child
• H370: Causes damage to organs
• H334: May cause allergy or asthma symptoms if inhaled
• H304: May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways

Critical difference from Skull & Crossbones:

• Skull = immediate death/serious harm
• Health Hazard = long-term damage from repeated exposure

Required PPE:

• Respirator for inhalation hazards (half-face or full-face with appropriate cartridges)
• Gloves resistant to chemical permeation
• Eye protection
• Protective clothing

Engineering controls:

• Ventilation (local exhaust or fume hood)
• Enclosed processes when possible
• Minimize exposure time

Special precautions:

• Pregnant workers: Avoid reproductive toxins (H360)
• Respiratory sensitizers: Once sensitized, even tiny amounts trigger reactions
• Carcinogens: No "safe" exposure level—minimize contact

Storage requirements:

• Locked if carcinogenic or reproductive toxin
• Designated area with restricted access
• Post warnings: "Cancer Hazard" or "Reproductive Hazard"

7. ⚠️ Exclamation Mark (GHS07)

Hazards indicated (less severe):

• Irritant (skin, eye, or respiratory irritation)
• Skin sensitizer (allergic skin reaction)
• Acute toxicity Category 4 (harmful if swallowed/inhaled/skin contact)
• Narcotic effects (drowsiness or dizziness)
• Respiratory tract irritation

Signal word: Warning

Common chemicals:

• Isopropyl alcohol (irritant)
• Acetone (irritant)
• Ammonia solutions (irritant)
• Ethanol (irritant)
• Many cleaning products
• Latex (skin sensitizer for some)

Hazard statements:

• H302: Harmful if swallowed
• H312: Harmful in contact with skin
• H332: Harmful if inhaled
• H315: Causes skin irritation
• H319: Causes serious eye irritation
• H317: May cause allergic skin reaction
• H335: May cause respiratory irritation
• H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness

Required PPE:

• Gloves (nitrile or latex for most)
• Safety glasses
• Respiratory protection for vapors/mists (if H335/H336)

Note: This pictogram is NOT used if the chemical has a more severe hazard pictogram (like Skull or Health Hazard) for the same route of exposure.

8. ⚠️💨 Gas Cylinder (GHS04)

Hazards indicated:

• Compressed gases (under pressure, can explode if heated)
• Liquefied gases (cooled under pressure)
• Dissolved gases (dissolved in solvent)
• Refrigerated liquefied gases (cryogenic, extremely cold)

Signal word: Warning

Common chemicals:

• Oxygen (compressed)
• Nitrogen (compressed or refrigerated)
• Propane (liquefied)
• Carbon dioxide (compressed or refrigerated)
• Acetylene (dissolved in acetone)
• Helium, argon, hydrogen

Hazard statements:

• H280: Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated
• H281: Contains refrigerated gas; may cause cryogenic burns or injury

Special hazards:

• Explosion risk if cylinder heated (fire, direct sunlight)
• Asphyxiation (displaces oxygen in confined spaces)
• Cryogenic burns (refrigerated gases at -130°F to -452°F)
• Pressure release (can turn cylinder into missile if valve breaks)

Required PPE:

• For cryogenic: Insulated gloves, face shield, long sleeves
• For compressed: Safety glasses, steel-toed boots

Storage requirements:

• Upright, secured with chain or strap
• Away from heat sources (no direct sunlight)
• Separate full cylinders from empty
• Caps on when not in use
• Well-ventilated area

Handling:

• Never roll or drag cylinders
• Use cylinder cart with chain
• Crack valve slowly when opening
• Never use cylinder as a roller or support

9. ☠️🐟 Environment (GHS09)

Hazards indicated:

• Aquatic toxicity (harmful to fish, aquatic life)
• Ozone depletion (damages ozone layer)
• Long-term environmental damage

Signal word: Warning (or none for less severe)

Common chemicals:

• Pesticides (many)
• Petroleum products (oil, diesel)
• Heavy metals (mercury, lead, cadmium)
• Ammonia
• Chlorinated solvents
• Antifreeze (ethylene glycol)

Hazard statements:

• H400: Very toxic to aquatic life
• H410: Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
• H411: Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects

Disposal requirements:

• NEVER pour down drains (sewer or storm drains)
• Must be disposed as hazardous waste
• Follow local regulations for disposal
• Document disposal (waste manifests)

Spill response:

• Prevent entry into waterways (drains, streams, soil)
• Dike or contain spill
• Absorb with inert material
• Dispose as hazardous waste

Note: This pictogram is not required on labels in the US (OSHA doesn't mandate it), but it appears on SDSs and international labels. Still important for environmental compliance (EPA regulations).

How to Use Pictograms in Your Workplace

1. Training

• All employees must be trained to recognize pictograms (OSHA HazCom requirement)
• Explain what each pictogram means
• Show examples from chemicals in your workplace

2. Labeling

• Ensure all containers have GHS labels with appropriate pictograms
• Replace damaged or faded labels immediately
• Secondary containers need labels too (unless for immediate use)

3. Emergency Response

• Train employees on emergency procedures for each pictogram type
• Post pictogram guides near chemical storage areas
• Include pictograms in your written HazCom program

4. PPE Selection

• Use pictograms to determine minimum PPE requirements
• Check SDS Section 8 for specific PPE (pictogram is starting point)
• Provide correct PPE types (e.g., acid-resistant gloves for Corrosion pictogram)

Quick Reference: Pictogram Priority

If you see multiple pictograms on one chemical, prioritize safety measures based on the most severe:

Highest concern (address first):

1. 💣 Exploding Bomb (explosion risk)
2. 💀 Skull & Crossbones (immediate life threat)
3. ⚗️ Corrosion (permanent injury)
4. ⚠️🏥 Health Hazard (long-term serious damage)

Medium concern: 5. 🔥 Flame (fire/explosion) 6. 🔥🔴 Oxidizer (intensifies fires) 7. ⚠️💨 Gas Cylinder (pressure hazard)

Lower concern (but still address): 8. ⚠️ Exclamation Mark (irritation/mild toxicity) 9. ☠️🐟 Environment (ecological damage)

Example: A chemical with both Skull & Crossbones AND Flame pictograms—prioritize acute toxicity controls first (ventilation, gloves, no ingestion) while also implementing flammable storage (cabinet, away from ignition).

Common Misconceptions

Myth: "If there's no pictogram, the chemical is safe." Reality: Some hazards (like simple asphyxiants or combustible dusts) don't have pictograms. Always read the full SDS.

Myth: "More pictograms = more dangerous." Reality: It's about types of hazards, not quantity. A chemical with one pictogram (Skull) might be more dangerous than one with three (Exclamation, Flame, Environment).

Myth: "Pictograms are just for shipping labels." Reality: They're required on workplace labels AND must be maintained for entire product lifecycle.

Pictogram Inspection Checklist

Monthly, verify:

• [ ] All chemical containers have labels with pictograms
• [ ] Labels are legible (not faded, torn, or covered)
• [ ] Employees can identify all pictograms
• [ ] Correct PPE is available for each pictogram hazard type
• [ ] Storage practices match pictogram hazards (flammables in cabinets, corrosives segregated, etc.)
• [ ] Emergency equipment matches hazards (eyewash for Corrosion, spill kit for Flame, etc.)

Resources

Official sources:

• OSHA HazCom Quick Card
• OSHA HazCom Standard
• UN GHS Purple Book

SDSReady: Access 100,000+ SDSs with pictogram filtering, automated hazard identification, and built-in training modules. Start free trial →

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Master GHS pictograms and you'll prevent 90% of chemical handling errors. Visual hazard communication is the fastest way to keep your team safe.