Chemical hazard pictograms
The red-framed GHS pictograms on chemical, cleaning and DIY product labels, and what each hazard means for safe use and storage.
Corrosion (GHS05)Chemical hazard pictogramsCorrosion (GHS05)The product can cause severe skin burns and serious eye damage, and some can also corrode metals. Typical examples are strong drain cleaners, descalers and some oven cleaners. Wear protective gloves and eye protection, avoid splashes, and keep it in its original container. If it gets on skin or in the eyes, rinse with plenty of water at once and get medical advice.On GHS
Environment (GHS09)Chemical hazard pictogramsEnvironment (GHS09)The product is toxic to fish and other aquatic life, in some cases with long-lasting effects. Do not pour it down the drain or into soil or water, avoid releasing it into the environment, collect spills, and take leftovers and empty containers to a hazardous-waste collection point.On GHS
Exclamation mark (GHS07)Chemical hazard pictogramsExclamation mark (GHS07)The product is hazardous but less severely than products with the skull or corrosion pictograms. It may be harmful if swallowed, breathed in or on skin, irritate the skin, eyes or airways, cause an allergic skin reaction, or cause drowsiness or dizziness. It is also used for products that harm the ozone layer. Many household cleaners carry it. Avoid contact with skin and eyes, use it in a ventilated area and wash your hands after use.On GHS
Exploding bomb (GHS01)Chemical hazard pictogramsExploding bomb (GHS01)The product can explode, or burn or throw out fragments violently, when it is heated, struck, rubbed or set off by a spark. It is used for explosives and for self-reactive substances and organic peroxides that may explode when heated. Keep it away from heat, flames and sparks, do not grind, drop or hit it, and store it only as the label says. The signal word is usually "Danger".On GHS
Flame (GHS02)Chemical hazard pictogramsFlame (GHS02)The product catches fire easily. It covers flammable gases, aerosols, liquids and solids, products that ignite on contact with air or heat up by themselves, products that give off flammable gas when wet, and some self-reactive substances and organic peroxides. Keep it away from heat, sparks, open flames and hot surfaces, do not smoke nearby, keep the container closed and use it only where there is good ventilation.On GHS
Flame over circle (GHS03)Chemical hazard pictogramsFlame over circle (GHS03)The product is an oxidizer: it does not have to burn itself, but it supplies oxygen and can start a fire or make one burn much more fiercely, and some can cause an explosion. It is used for oxidizing gases, liquids and solids such as some pool and bleaching chemicals. Keep it away from fuels, clothing and other combustible materials, and store it apart from flammable products.On GHS
Gas cylinder (GHS04)Chemical hazard pictogramsGas cylinder (GHS04)The container holds gas under pressure: compressed, liquefied, dissolved or refrigerated liquefied gas. It may explode if heated, so protect it from sunlight and keep it in a well-ventilated place. Refrigerated (very cold) gases can also cause cold burns or injury, so wear cold-insulating gloves and eye protection when handling them.On GHS
Health hazard (GHS08)Chemical hazard pictogramsHealth hazard (GHS08)The product can cause serious or long-term harm to health. It is used for substances that may cause cancer, damage genes or fertility or the unborn child, cause asthma-like allergy when breathed in, damage organs after one or repeated exposure, or be fatal if swallowed and it enters the airways. Avoid breathing it in, wear the protection the label asks for, and follow the precautions closely, especially if pregnant.On GHS
Skull and crossbones (GHS06)Chemical hazard pictogramsSkull and crossbones (GHS06)The product is toxic and can kill or seriously poison even in small amounts if swallowed, breathed in or in contact with skin. It marks the most severe acute toxicity categories. Do not eat, drink or smoke while using it, avoid breathing vapours or dust, wear the protection the label asks for, and keep it locked away from children. If exposure happens, get medical help immediately.On GHS