Household or industrial cleaners, fuels, paints, gases, and many other products can create serious risks when they’re not handled the right way. That’s why workers must be able to spot chemical hazards quickly. The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) uses pictograms to show these dangers.

At some point, you have probably seen these symbols on a product. The pictograms are black symbols on a white background with a red diamond-shaped border. Under OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard, chemical labels must include these symbols to warn workers about specific hazards.

The Nine GHS Pictograms

1. Health Hazard

The health hazard symbol looks like a person with a star shape on the chest. It warns of serious or long-term health effects from prolonged exposure, including cancer, organ damage, breathing problems, or harm to reproductive health.

2. Flame

The flame symbol marks chemicals that can catch fire. It may also appear on products that can heat up or burn when exposed to air, water, or other conditions. If you see this symbol on a product, be sure to keep those materials away from heat, sparks, and open flames.

3. Exclamation Mark

The exclamation mark warns of less severe health hazards. A chemical with this symbol may irritate the skin, eyes, or breathing system. It may also cause an allergic skin reaction, dizziness, or harmful effects if swallowed or inhaled.

4. Gas Cylinder

This pictogram means the container holds gas under pressure, which can represent multiple hazards. It can mean the container may explode if it becomes too hot, or perhaps the gas is extremely cold and can cause burns or frostbite. It depends on the contents, and it typically requires more information.

5. Corrosion

The corrosion symbol shows liquid damaging a hand and a metal surface. It warns that a chemical can cause severe chemical burns, damage sensitive parts of the body, or corrode materials.

6. Exploding Bomb

This symbol represents an explosion risk. It may appear on explosives and chemicals that can become unstable if exposed to outside factors. Heat, shock, friction, improper storage, or other factors may cause these materials to explode.

7. Flame Over a Circle

A flame over a circle means the chemical is an oxidizer. Oxidizers can make a fire burn faster or become more intense. They should be stored away from fuels, oils, paper, and other materials that can burn.

8. Skull and Crossbones

The skull and crossbones warns of severe acute toxicity, meaning that even a small amount of the chemical may be deadly or highly toxic. If it is swallowed, inhaled, absorbed through the skin, or handled improperly in any way, it could have a significant impact on your health.

9. Environment

This symbol shows a dead tree and fish, and it means the chemical may harm aquatic wildlife. OSHA does not require this pictogram because they would rather focus on workplace health and safety, not wildlife. However, companies may still include it on labels due to the harmful nature of the product. When you see this symbol, it could mean that there is a specific way that the chemical should be disposed of, or that special precautions should be made during use or transportation.

A Pictogram Is Only Part of the Label

A GHS pictogram gives workers a quick warning, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. Workers should also read the product identifier, signal word, hazard statements, precautionary statements, and supplier information on the label. Then they should review the product’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before using an unfamiliar chemical. The SDS contains all the information that workers should need to handle the product correctly, including the necessary PPE.

“GHS pictograms give employees a fast and easy way to spot potential hazards before an accident happens,” says Ryan Ruggles, Safety Market Manager at Martin Supply. “Companies that combine clear labeling with proper training and the right PPE are taking an important step in protecting their people and building a strong safety culture.”

Safety leaders should make sure every chemical container is labeled, and every worker understands the symbols. Labels must remain readable, and the SDS should be easy to find. Clear labels and proper training can help prevent injuries, fires, chemical exposure, and costly downtime. Martin Supply can help your facility find the safety products, personal protective equipment, and workplace solutions needed to support a stronger chemical safety program.

Contact your Martin Sales Rep or call 800.828.8116 to discuss your facility’s needs.