GHS Pictograms

GHS Pictograms

Recognizing GHS Hazard Symbols for Safer Chemical Handling

Table of Contents

  • What Are GHS Pictograms?

  • Types of GHS Hazard Pictograms and Their Meanings
    • Chemical and Physical Hazards
      • GHS01 - Explosive Pictogram (Symbol: Exploding Bomb)
      • GHS02 - Flammable Pictogram (Symbol: Flame)
      • GHS03 - Oxidizing Pictogram (Symbol: Flame Over Circle)
      • GHS04 - Compressed Gas Pictogram (Symbol: Gas Cylinder)
      • GHS05 - Corrosive Pictogram (Symbol: Corrosion)
    • Health Hazards
      • GHS06 - Severe Toxic Pictogram (Symbol: Skull and Crossbones)
      • GHS07 - Acute Toxic (Harmful) Pictogram (Symbol: Exclamation Mark)
      • GHS08 - Long-Term Health Hazard Pictogram (Symbol: Health Hazard)
    • Environmental Hazard
      • GHS09 - Environmental Toxicity Pictogram (Symbol: Environment)
  • Choosing the Right GHS Pictogram
Clear labeling is a key part of chemical safety. In regulated industries like pharmaceuticals, biotech, and manufacturing, workers rely on visual cues to recognize and respond to potential hazards. GHS pictograms make this possible.


Developed under the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, these symbols communicate specific types of chemical hazards. Each pictogram features a distinct image inside a red diamond, making it easy to identify risks during storage, transport, or handling.


Knowing what each symbol represents helps reduce accidents and supports compliance with OSHA and international safety standards.

What Are GHS Pictograms?

GHS pictograms are standardized symbols used to communicate chemical hazards under the Globally Harmonized System. Each symbol represents a specific type of risk, including physical, health, or environmental hazards. The format, a black symbol inside a red diamond, makes these warnings highly visible and easy to interpret.


These symbols appear on chemical labels, packaging, and safety data sheets to identify hazards clearly. Understanding hazard GHS symbols helps teams apply proper storage, labeling, and protective measures throughout the workflow.

Types of GHS Hazard Pictograms and Their Meanings

There are nine official GHS pictograms, each linked to a specific class of hazard. These symbols fall into three main categories:


  • Chemical and Physical Hazards: Covers risks such as flammability, explosions, oxidation, and pressurized gases.

  • Environmental Hazards: Identifies substances that may harm aquatic ecosystems.

  • Health Hazards: Includes toxic effects, skin and eye irritation, and long-term health risks like respiratory sensitization.

These categories help users match each symbol to the type of risk involved. Learning the GHS symbols and meanings gives teams a clear reference for safe handling and proper use of hazardous materials.

Chemical and Physical Hazards

GHS01 - Explosive Pictogram (Symbol: Exploding Bomb)

The GHS01 pictogram is used for unstable materials that may explode under heat, shock, or friction. The symbol shows a bursting bomb, indicating a risk of violent reaction.


This pictogram appears on substances classified as self-reactive, organic peroxides, or explosive mixtures. Common examples include certain lab reagents, ammunition components, and some industrial blasting agents. Products with this label require careful handling, secure storage, and distance from ignition sources.

GHS02 - Flammable Pictogram (Symbol: Flame)

The GHS02 pictogram marks substances that can catch fire easily. The flame symbol applies to flammable gases, liquids, solids, aerosols, and self-heating materials.


This symbol is often found on alcohols, solvents like acetone, propane tanks, and certain powders that ignite in air. These materials can burn rapidly when exposed to heat, sparks, or open flame. Proper labeling using GHS pictograms helps prevent accidents during storage and handling.

GHS03 - Oxidizing Pictogram (Symbol: Flame Over Circle)

The GHS03 pictogram identifies oxidizers, chemicals that can cause or intensify a fire without being flammable themselves. The symbol shows a flame over a circle, signaling that the substance may supply oxygen or another oxidizing agent during a reaction.


Materials in this category include hydrogen peroxide solutions, nitrates, and certain peroxides used in industrial and laboratory processes. These substances may react violently when in contact with fuels, organic materials, or reducing agents, and they require separate storage to reduce fire risk.

GHS04 - Compressed Gas Pictogram (Symbol: Gas Cylinder)

The GHS04 pictogram is used for gases stored under pressure. The symbol shows a gas cylinder, warning that the contents may explode if heated or rupture due to internal pressure.


This label appears on cylinders containing compressed, liquefied, or dissolved gases, such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and propane. Even inert gases pose risks if containers are damaged or exposed to high temperatures. Safe storage, proper ventilation, and secure handling are key precautions for any product marked with this pictogram.

GHS05 - Corrosive Pictogram (Symbol: Corrosion)

The GHS05 pictogram is used for chemicals that cause serious damage to skin, eyes, or metals. The symbol shows a hand and a metal surface being corroded by liquid, signaling the risk of severe burns and material degradation.


Strong acids and bases fall under this category, including sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide, and ammonium hydroxide. Contact can result in irreversible injury, and fumes may also be harmful. Clear labeling and proper handling practices are required to limit exposure and prevent damage to equipment.

Health Hazards

GHS06 - Severe Toxic Pictogram (Symbol: Skull and Crossbones)

The GHS06 pictogram signals acute toxicity that can cause serious harm or death after short exposure. The symbol features a skull and crossbones, warning of immediate danger through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact.


Common substances in this category include cyanides, certain pesticides, and toxic industrial chemicals like phosgene. These materials require strict controls, protective gear, and secure labeling to reduce the risk of accidental exposure. Products marked with this symbol should only be handled by trained personnel.

GHS07 - Acute Toxic (Harmful) Pictogram (Symbol: Exclamation Mark)

The GHS07 pictogram represents substances that may cause less severe health effects after short-term exposure. The exclamation mark symbol covers skin and eye irritation, skin sensitization, and certain levels of acute toxicity.


Examples include isopropanol, ammonia solutions, and some cleaning agents. These chemicals may not be deadly in small amounts, but can still lead to discomfort, allergic reactions, or temporary injury. Correct labeling using hazard GHS symbols helps workers apply the right precautions during everyday tasks.

GHS08 - Long-Term Health Hazard Pictogram (Symbol: Health Hazard)

The GHS08 pictogram is used for substances that may cause serious or lasting health effects over time. The symbol shows a silhouette of a person with a star-shaped mark on the chest, indicating potential internal damage.


Chemicals in this category may lead to cancer, respiratory issues, reproductive harm, or organ damage after prolonged or repeated exposure. Examples include formaldehyde, benzene, and some heavy metals. Understanding the GHS hazard pictograms' meaning helps teams manage chronic risks that may not be immediately visible during handling.

Environmental Hazard

GHS09 - Environmental Toxicity Pictogram (Symbol: Environment)

The GHS09 pictogram identifies substances that pose a threat to aquatic life. The symbol shows a dead tree and fish, signaling environmental toxicity in both short- and long-term exposure.


Materials such as mercury compounds, certain solvents, and industrial pesticides often carry this label. These substances can contaminate water sources and disrupt ecosystems if spilled or improperly disposed of. Proper containment and clear labeling using GHS pictograms help reduce environmental impact during transport and use.

Choosing the Right GHS Pictogram

Selecting the correct GHS pictogram depends on the specific hazards associated with a chemical product. Each substance must be evaluated for physical, health, and environmental risks, and labels should reflect every applicable classification. Using the right combination of GHS pictograms not only improves safety but also keeps your operation aligned with OSHA and global standards.


Accurate labeling starts with reliable materials and clear printing. GMP Labeling offers high-quality hazard labels designed for durability, compliance, and visibility in regulated environments. Reach out to a specialist to learn more today.

Related Products

Preprinted GHS Compliant Labels
For facilities that need ready-to-use labels with GHS-compliant layouts and durable materials, GMP offers a full line of preprinted GHS labels designed for chemical environments. These labels support fast deployment, consistent formatting, and long-term readability.

Custom GHS Label Design Tool

Do you need labels tailored to your specific chemicals, facility, or workflow? Our Custom GHS Label Design Tool allows you to build compliant layouts with the correct pictograms, signal words, hazard statements, and precautionary statements pulled directly from OSHA criteria.

GHS Capable Label Printers

For high-volume or frequently changing labeling needs, we offer GHS-capable label printers that support on-demand, durable chemical labeling. Our printers help facilities keep containers clearly marked even as batches, processes, or workplace conditions change.

!