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GHS pictogram guide

The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) uses nine red diamond pictograms to warn about chemical hazards. Here is what each one means, which hazard classes it covers, the signal word that goes with it and typical hazard statements, plus a lookup for any H code.

H code lookup

Find any hazard statement and the pictogram and signal word it normally comes with. Some categories have no pictogram.

65 hazard statements

  • H200Unstable explosivePhysical hazard. Signal word: DangerGHS01: Exploding bomb
  • H201Explosive, mass explosion hazardPhysical hazard. Signal word: DangerGHS01: Exploding bomb
  • H202Explosive, severe projection hazardPhysical hazard. Signal word: DangerGHS01: Exploding bomb
  • H203Explosive, fire, blast or projection hazardPhysical hazard. Signal word: DangerGHS01: Exploding bomb
  • H204Fire or projection hazardPhysical hazard. Signal word: WarningGHS01: Exploding bomb
  • H220Extremely flammable gasPhysical hazard. Signal word: DangerGHS02: Flame
  • H221Flammable gasPhysical hazard. Signal word: WarningNo pictogram
  • H222Extremely flammable aerosolPhysical hazard. Signal word: DangerGHS02: Flame
  • H223Flammable aerosolPhysical hazard. Signal word: WarningGHS02: Flame
  • H224Extremely flammable liquid and vapourPhysical hazard. Signal word: DangerGHS02: Flame
  • H225Highly flammable liquid and vapourPhysical hazard. Signal word: DangerGHS02: Flame
  • H226Flammable liquid and vapourPhysical hazard. Signal word: WarningGHS02: Flame
  • H227Combustible liquidPhysical hazard. Signal word: WarningNo pictogram
  • H228Flammable solidPhysical hazard. Signal word: Danger or WarningGHS02: Flame
  • H229Pressurised container, may burst if heatedPhysical hazard. Signal word: Danger or WarningNo pictogram
  • H232May ignite spontaneously if exposed to airPhysical hazard. Signal word: DangerGHS02: Flame
  • H240Heating may cause an explosionPhysical hazard. Signal word: DangerGHS01: Exploding bomb
  • H241Heating may cause a fire or explosionPhysical hazard. Signal word: DangerGHS01: Exploding bombGHS02: Flame
  • H242Heating may cause a firePhysical hazard. Signal word: Danger or WarningGHS02: Flame
  • H250Catches fire spontaneously if exposed to airPhysical hazard. Signal word: DangerGHS02: Flame
  • H251Self-heating, may catch firePhysical hazard. Signal word: DangerGHS02: Flame
  • H252Self-heating in large quantities, may catch firePhysical hazard. Signal word: WarningGHS02: Flame
  • H260In contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneouslyPhysical hazard. Signal word: DangerGHS02: Flame
  • H261In contact with water releases flammable gasPhysical hazard. Signal word: Danger or WarningGHS02: Flame
  • H270May cause or intensify fire, oxidiserPhysical hazard. Signal word: DangerGHS03: Flame over circle
  • H271May cause fire or explosion, strong oxidiserPhysical hazard. Signal word: DangerGHS03: Flame over circle
  • H272May intensify fire, oxidiserPhysical hazard. Signal word: Danger or WarningGHS03: Flame over circle
  • H280Contains gas under pressure, may explode if heatedPhysical hazard. Signal word: WarningGHS04: Gas cylinder
  • H281Contains refrigerated gas, may cause cryogenic burns or injuryPhysical hazard. Signal word: WarningGHS04: Gas cylinder
  • H290May be corrosive to metalsPhysical hazard. Signal word: WarningGHS05: Corrosion
  • H300Fatal if swallowedHealth hazard. Signal word: DangerGHS06: Skull and crossbones
  • H301Toxic if swallowedHealth hazard. Signal word: DangerGHS06: Skull and crossbones
  • H302Harmful if swallowedHealth hazard. Signal word: WarningGHS07: Exclamation mark
  • H304May be fatal if swallowed and enters airwaysHealth hazard. Signal word: DangerGHS08: Health hazard
  • H310Fatal in contact with skinHealth hazard. Signal word: DangerGHS06: Skull and crossbones
  • H311Toxic in contact with skinHealth hazard. Signal word: DangerGHS06: Skull and crossbones
  • H312Harmful in contact with skinHealth hazard. Signal word: WarningGHS07: Exclamation mark
  • H314Causes severe skin burns and eye damageHealth hazard. Signal word: DangerGHS05: Corrosion
  • H315Causes skin irritationHealth hazard. Signal word: WarningGHS07: Exclamation mark
  • H317May cause an allergic skin reactionHealth hazard. Signal word: WarningGHS07: Exclamation mark
  • H318Causes serious eye damageHealth hazard. Signal word: DangerGHS05: Corrosion
  • H319Causes serious eye irritationHealth hazard. Signal word: WarningGHS07: Exclamation mark
  • H330Fatal if inhaledHealth hazard. Signal word: DangerGHS06: Skull and crossbones
  • H331Toxic if inhaledHealth hazard. Signal word: DangerGHS06: Skull and crossbones
  • H332Harmful if inhaledHealth hazard. Signal word: WarningGHS07: Exclamation mark
  • H334May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaledHealth hazard. Signal word: DangerGHS08: Health hazard
  • H335May cause respiratory irritationHealth hazard. Signal word: WarningGHS07: Exclamation mark
  • H336May cause drowsiness or dizzinessHealth hazard. Signal word: WarningGHS07: Exclamation mark
  • H340May cause genetic defectsHealth hazard. Signal word: DangerGHS08: Health hazard
  • H341Suspected of causing genetic defectsHealth hazard. Signal word: WarningGHS08: Health hazard
  • H350May cause cancerHealth hazard. Signal word: DangerGHS08: Health hazard
  • H351Suspected of causing cancerHealth hazard. Signal word: WarningGHS08: Health hazard
  • H360May damage fertility or the unborn childHealth hazard. Signal word: DangerGHS08: Health hazard
  • H361Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn childHealth hazard. Signal word: WarningGHS08: Health hazard
  • H362May cause harm to breast-fed childrenHealth hazard. Signal word: noneNo pictogram
  • H370Causes damage to organsHealth hazard. Signal word: DangerGHS08: Health hazard
  • H371May cause damage to organsHealth hazard. Signal word: WarningGHS08: Health hazard
  • H372Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposureHealth hazard. Signal word: DangerGHS08: Health hazard
  • H373May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposureHealth hazard. Signal word: WarningGHS08: Health hazard
  • H400Very toxic to aquatic lifeEnvironmental hazard. Signal word: WarningGHS09: Environment
  • H410Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effectsEnvironmental hazard. Signal word: WarningGHS09: Environment
  • H411Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effectsEnvironmental hazard. Signal word: noneGHS09: Environment
  • H412Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effectsEnvironmental hazard. Signal word: noneNo pictogram
  • H413May cause long lasting harmful effects to aquatic lifeEnvironmental hazard. Signal word: noneNo pictogram
  • H420Harms public health and the environment by destroying ozone in the upper atmosphereEnvironmental hazard. Signal word: WarningGHS07: Exclamation mark

How a GHS label works

A GHS label on a chemical container carries six elements, and section 2 of the safety data sheet repeats them:

  • the product identifier, such as the chemical name and CAS number
  • one or more hazard pictograms
  • a signal word, Danger for the more severe categories or Warning for the less severe ones
  • hazard statements (H codes) describing the nature of the hazard
  • precautionary statements (P codes) on prevention, response, storage and disposal
  • the name, address and phone number of the supplier

Pictograms follow precedence rules so labels stay readable. If the skull and crossbones (GHS06) applies, the exclamation mark (GHS07) is not added. If the corrosion pictogram (GHS05) applies, GHS07 is not used for skin or eye irritation. Only one signal word is shown, and Danger wins over Warning.

GHS pictograms are for supply and use. Transport uses separate dangerous goods labels, diamonds with class numbers such as 3 for flammable liquids, defined in the UN Model Regulations, ADR, IMDG and IATA rules. A drum often carries both.

Worked example

A practical case, step by step

Read the label of acetone, CAS 67-64-1, as classified under the EU CLP regulation.

  1. 1
    Pictograms: GHS02 flame and GHS07 exclamation mark.
  2. 2
    Signal word: Danger, because the flammable liquid category 2 calls for it.
  3. 3
    Hazard statements: H225 Highly flammable liquid and vapour, H319 Causes serious eye irritation, H336 May cause drowsiness or dizziness.
  4. 4
    So store it away from ignition sources, wear eye protection and use it with good ventilation, as the P statements on the label and the safety data sheet set out.

The nine pictograms in detail

Hazard classes, signal words, example statements and typical chemicals

GHS01: Exploding bomb

GHS01, exploding bomb

Explosive

The substance can explode, or burn violently and throw fragments, from heat, shock or friction.

Hazard classes

  • Unstable explosives and explosives of divisions 1.1 to 1.4
  • Self-reactive substances and mixtures, types A and B
  • Organic peroxides, types A and B

Signal word

Danger for most categories, Warning for division 1.4

Example hazard statements

  • H200 Unstable explosive
  • H201 Explosive, mass explosion hazard
  • H203 Explosive, fire, blast or projection hazard
  • H240 Heating may cause an explosion

Typical examples. Commercial explosives, detonators, some dry picrates and type A or B organic peroxides.

Usually also regulated as dangerous goods class 1 and by explosives licensing rules. Never ship without the right UN number and authority approval.

GHS01 in the glossary
GHS02: Flame

GHS02, flame

Flammable

Catches fire easily: flammable gases, aerosols, liquids and solids, plus materials that ignite in air or release flammable gas with water.

Hazard classes

  • Flammable gases (category 1), aerosols, liquids (categories 1 to 3) and solids
  • Pyrophoric liquids and solids, self-heating substances
  • Substances that emit flammable gas in contact with water
  • Self-reactive substances and organic peroxides, types B to F

Signal word

Danger or Warning depending on the category

Example hazard statements

  • H224 Extremely flammable liquid and vapour
  • H225 Highly flammable liquid and vapour
  • H226 Flammable liquid and vapour
  • H228 Flammable solid
  • H260 In contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously

Typical examples. Acetone, ethanol and methanol carry H225 as liquids. See Acetone, Ethanol, Methanol.

Check the flash point on the SDS. It decides the flammable liquid category and the dangerous goods class 3 packing group.

GHS02 in the glossary
GHS03: Flame over circle

GHS03, flame over circle

Oxidiser

Gives off oxygen or similar, so it can cause or intensify a fire in other materials even without air.

Hazard classes

  • Oxidising gases
  • Oxidising liquids
  • Oxidising solids

Signal word

Danger for categories 1 and 2, Warning for category 3

Example hazard statements

  • H270 May cause or intensify fire, oxidiser
  • H271 May cause fire or explosion, strong oxidiser
  • H272 May intensify fire, oxidiser

Typical examples. Potassium permanganate and sodium nitrate carry H272. Strong hydrogen peroxide solutions carry H271 or H272. See Potassium permanganate, Hydrogen peroxide, Sodium nitrate.

Store away from fuels, solvents and reducing agents. Oxidisers ship as dangerous goods class 5.1.

GHS03 in the glossary
GHS04: Gas cylinder

GHS04, gas cylinder

Gas under pressure

A gas stored under pressure in a cylinder or tank. It may explode if heated, and refrigerated gases can cause cold burns.

Hazard classes

  • Compressed gases
  • Liquefied gases
  • Refrigerated liquefied gases
  • Dissolved gases

Signal word

Warning

Example hazard statements

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

Typical examples. Nitrogen and carbon dioxide cylinders carry H280. See Nitrogen, Carbon dioxide.

The pictogram says nothing about other hazards of the gas, so a toxic or flammable gas also carries GHS06 or GHS02.

GHS04 in the glossary
GHS05: Corrosion

GHS05, corrosion

Corrosive

Destroys skin or eyes on contact, or attacks metals.

Hazard classes

  • Corrosive to metals
  • Skin corrosion (category 1)
  • Serious eye damage (category 1)

Signal word

Danger for skin and eye effects, Warning for corrosive to metals only

Example hazard statements

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

Typical examples. Sodium hydroxide and concentrated sulfuric acid carry H314. See Sodium hydroxide, Sulfuric acid, Hydrochloric acid.

Wear eye protection whenever this pictogram is on the label. Corrosives ship as dangerous goods class 8.

GHS05 in the glossary
GHS06: Skull and crossbones

GHS06, skull and crossbones

Acute toxicity, severe

Can kill or seriously poison in small amounts if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

Hazard classes

  • Acute toxicity, oral, dermal or inhalation, categories 1 to 3

Signal word

Danger

Example hazard statements

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

Typical examples. Methanol carries H301, H311 and H331. Sodium cyanide carries H300. See Methanol, Sodium cyanide.

When GHS06 is on the label, the exclamation mark GHS07 is left off, because the stronger symbol already covers it.

GHS06 in the glossary
GHS07: Exclamation mark

GHS07, exclamation mark

Harmful or irritant

Less severe health effects: harmful if swallowed, skin and eye irritation, skin allergy, drowsiness or respiratory irritation.

Hazard classes

  • Acute toxicity, category 4
  • Skin irritation and eye irritation, category 2
  • Skin sensitisation
  • Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure, category 3
  • Hazardous to the ozone layer

Signal word

Warning

Example hazard statements

  • H302 Harmful if swallowed
  • H315 Causes skin irritation
  • H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction
  • H319 Causes serious eye irritation
  • H335 May cause respiratory irritation
  • H336 May cause drowsiness or dizziness

Typical examples. Citric acid carries H319. Acetone carries H319 and H336 next to its flame pictogram. See Citric acid, Acetone.

Not used for skin or eye irritation when GHS05 is shown, and not for skin sensitisation when GHS08 is shown for respiratory sensitisation.

GHS07 in the glossary
GHS08: Health hazard

GHS08, health hazard

Serious health hazard

Long term or serious health effects: cancer, genetic damage, harm to fertility or the unborn child, organ damage, asthma or aspiration hazard.

Hazard classes

  • Respiratory sensitisation
  • Germ cell mutagenicity, carcinogenicity and reproductive toxicity
  • Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure categories 1 and 2, and repeated exposure
  • Aspiration hazard

Signal word

Danger for category 1, Warning for category 2

Example hazard statements

  • H304 May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways
  • H334 May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled
  • H340 May cause genetic defects
  • H350 May cause cancer
  • H360 May damage fertility or the unborn child
  • H372 Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure

Typical examples. Benzene carries H350, H340, H372 and H304. Formaldehyde carries H350. See Benzene, Formaldehyde.

Many buyers screen out GHS08 materials for consumer products. Check REACH SVHC and CMR lists before you specify one.

GHS08 in the glossary
GHS09: Environment

GHS09, environment

Hazardous to the aquatic environment

Toxic to fish, algae or other aquatic life, often with long lasting effects.

Hazard classes

  • Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute category 1
  • Hazardous to the aquatic environment, chronic categories 1 and 2

Signal word

Warning for category 1, no signal word for chronic category 2

Example 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

Typical examples. Copper sulfate pentahydrate and zinc oxide carry H400 and H410. See Copper sulfate pentahydrate, Zinc oxide.

Mandatory in the EU under CLP but optional under US OSHA HazCom. Often also triggers the marine pollutant mark in sea transport.

GHS09 in the glossary

Frequently asked questions

How many GHS pictograms are there?
Nine: exploding bomb (GHS01), flame (GHS02), flame over circle (GHS03), gas cylinder (GHS04), corrosion (GHS05), skull and crossbones (GHS06), exclamation mark (GHS07), health hazard (GHS08) and environment (GHS09).
What is the difference between Danger and Warning?
Both are signal words. Danger is used for the more severe hazard categories and Warning for the less severe ones. A label shows only one, and if any hazard calls for Danger, Danger is used.
Are GHS pictograms the same as transport labels?
No. Transport labels for dangerous goods are also diamonds but use colours and class numbers, for example a red label with a flame and the number 3 for flammable liquids. A package can carry both kinds.
Can I print these pictograms on my labels?
These drawings are for explanation. For product labels use the official artwork published by the UN (GHS Annex 3) or your regulator, at the minimum size and with the red border your local rules require.
Where do I find the pictograms for a specific chemical?
In section 2 of its safety data sheet, on the supplier label and on the safety tab of each chemical page on CompoundList, which shows a GHS classification summary. That summary is not a safety data sheet, so always check the supplier's SDS.

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