GHS hazard pictograms


Hazard pictograms form part of the international Globally [Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals]. Two sets of pictograms are included within the GHS: one for the labelling of containers and for workplace hazard warnings, and a second for use during the transport of dangerous goods. Either one or the other is chosen, depending on the target audience, but the two are not used together for the same hazard. The two sets of pictograms use the same symbols for the same hazards, although certain symbols are not required for transport pictograms. Transport pictograms come in a wider variety of colors and may contain additional information such as a subcategory number.
Hazard pictograms are one of the key elements for the labelling of containers under the GHS, along with:
  • an identification of the product;
  • a signal word – either Danger or Warning – where necessary
  • hazard statements, indicating the nature and degree of the risks posed by the product
  • precautionary statements, indicating how the product should be handled to minimize risks to the user
  • the identity of the supplier
The GHS chemical hazard pictograms are intended to provide the basis for or to replace national systems of hazard pictograms. It has still to be implemented by the European Union in 2009.
The GHS transport pictograms are the same as those recommended in the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, widely implemented in national regulations such as the U.S. Federal Hazardous Materials Transportation Act and D.O.T. regulations at 49 C.F.R. 100–185.

Physical hazards pictograms

Health hazards pictograms

Physical and health hazard pictograms

PictogramUsage
150px
  • Explosives, divisions 1.5, 1.6
  • Flammable gases, category 2
  • Self-reactive substances and mixtures, type G
  • Organic peroxides, type G
  • Skin corrosion, categories 1A, 1B, 1C
  • Serious eye damage, category 1
GHS05: Corrosive
  • Explosives, divisions 1.5, 1.6
  • Flammable gases, category 2
  • Self-reactive substances and mixtures, type G
  • Organic peroxides, type G
  • Skin corrosion, categories 1A, 1B, 1C
  • Serious eye damage, category 1

    • Environmental hazards pictograms

    Transport pictograms

    Class 1: Explosives

    Pictogram Usage
    150px
    ;Explosives
    Note: The asterisks are replaced by the class number and compatibility code
    Divisions 1.1–1.3
    ;Explosives
    Note: The asterisks are replaced by the class number and compatibility code

    Explosives – Substances and articles which are classified as explosives but which present no significant hazard
    Note: The asterisk is replaced by the compatibility code
    Division 1.4
    Explosives – Substances and articles which are classified as explosives but which present no significant hazard
    Note: The asterisk is replaced by the compatibility code

    Explosives – Very insensitive substances which have a mass explosion hazard
    Note: The asterisk is replaced by the compatibility code
    Division 1.5
    Explosives – Very insensitive substances which have a mass explosion hazard
    Note: The asterisk is replaced by the compatibility code

    Explosives – No hazard statement
    Note: The asterisk is replaced by the compatibility code
    Division 1.6
    Explosives – No hazard statement
    Note: The asterisk is replaced by the compatibility code

    Class 2: Gases

    Classes 3 and 4: Flammable liquids and solids

    Other GHS transport classes

    Non-GHS transport pictograms

    The following pictograms are included in the UN Model Regulations but have not been incorporated into the GHS because of the nature of the hazards.