Key point
GHS uses nine pictograms, each a red-bordered diamond holding a black symbol on white. The code identifies the pictogram, the symbol gives the visual cue, and the meaning states the hazard class.
The Globally Harmonized System defines nine hazard pictograms used in hazard labelling and, in the EU, under CLP. Each is a diamond with a red border and a black symbol on a white field.
Overview#
| Code | Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| GHS01 | Exploding bomb | Explosive |
| GHS02 | Flame | Flammable |
| GHS03 | Flame over circle | Oxidising |
| GHS04 | Gas cylinder | Gas under pressure |
| GHS05 | Corrosion | Corrosive to skin, eyes, and metals |
| GHS06 | Skull and crossbones | Acute toxicity |
| GHS07 | Exclamation mark | Irritant, skin sensitiser, harmful |
| GHS08 | Health hazard (person silhouette) | Carcinogen, mutagen, reprotoxic, respiratory sensitiser |
| GHS09 | Environment | Hazardous to the aquatic environment |
GHS07 covers lower-level health effects, while GHS08 marks the more serious longer-term ones. GHS09 is the only environmental pictogram.