GHS pictogram

One of nine standard symbols in a red diamond indicating a category of chemical hazard.

GHS defines nine pictograms, each a black symbol on white within a red diamond border: flame, flame over circle, exploding bomb, corrosion, gas cylinder, skull and crossbones, exclamation mark, health hazard, and environment.

Which pictograms apply follows from the hazard classification, so they are derived rather than chosen. The environment pictogram is not required under OSHA HazCom, though it appears on many sheets.

A container label must carry every pictogram its classification calls for.

Related terms

• GHSThe UN system that standardises how chemical hazards are classified, labelled and described on safety data sheets.
• Hazard classThe nature of a chemical hazard under GHS: flammable liquid, skin corrosion, carcinogenicity and so on.
• Secondary container labelThe label required when a chemical is transferred out of its original manufacturer container.

A plain-English explanation, not legal advice. Figures are the federal baseline; your state may differ, so see the state-by-state requirements.