Safety and compliance marks
Electrical safety, disposal and regulatory marks found on products, rating plates and packaging.
Alternating current2 meaningsAlternating currentShows the appliance runs on alternating current, as on the rating plate: 220–240 V~ is single-phase mains, 3N~ (380–415 V 3N~) a three-phase supply with neutral.Differs by brand.On IEC 60417
Battery chargingWarning signsBattery chargingBatteries are being charged in this area, and charging them is a source of danger. Take care near the batteries and the charging equipment, and follow the safety rules set for the area.On ISO 7010
Biological hazardWarning signsBiological hazardBiological agents that can cause infection or illness, such as harmful micro-organisms, are present here. Enter or handle material only if you are authorised and use the protective measures required.On ISO 7010
CE markingSafety and compliance marksCE markingThe manufacturer declares that the product meets the EU requirements that apply to it, here for electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility. Applied to the appliance and its rating plate.On Safety and compliance marks
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
Crossed-out wheelie bin (WEEE)Safety and compliance marksCrossed-out wheelie bin (WEEE)The product is electrical or electronic equipment and must not go in general household waste. Take it to a collection point for electrical and electronic equipment (or back to the shop) so it can be recycled safely. The bar underneath means the product was placed on the market after August 2005.On EN 50419
Do not extinguish with waterProhibition signsDo not extinguish with waterWater must not be used to put out a fire in this area or on this equipment, for example because of electrical equipment or materials that react with water. Use the extinguisher type intended for the hazard instead.On ISO 7010
Do not touchProhibition signsDo not touchYou must not touch the equipment, surface or object the sign is placed on or next to. Keep your hands away from it, because touching it may be dangerous or may damage it.On ISO 7010
Do not use lift in the event of fireProhibition signsDo not use lift in the event of fireIf there is a fire, do not use this lift to leave the building. Use the stairs and the marked escape routes instead.On ISO 7010
Drop (fall hazard)Warning signsDrop (fall hazard)There is a drop here and you could fall from height or over an edge. Take care where you step, keep away from the edge and use any guarding or fall protection provided.On ISO 7010- EU EcolabelSafety and compliance marksEU EcolabelThe official, voluntary environmental label of the European Union. It is awarded to goods and services that have a lower environmental impact across their whole life cycle, from raw materials to use and disposal, according to criteria set for each product group (for example detergents, paints, textiles or tourist accommodation). Products carry a registration number next to the flower. It helps to spot genuine green products and to avoid vague environmental claims.On Safety and compliance marks
ElectricityWarning signsElectricityThere is a risk of electric shock here, for example from live parts behind a cover or inside a cabinet. Do not open, touch or work on the equipment unless you are qualified and it has been made safe.On ISO 7010
Emergency exit (left)Emergency exit and first-aid signsEmergency exit (left)This marks an emergency exit or escape route, with the figure running to the left. Follow it to leave the building in an emergency; it is usually placed above the exit or with a direction arrow along the route.On ISO 7010
Emergency exit (right)Emergency exit and first-aid signsEmergency exit (right)This marks an emergency exit or escape route, with the figure running to the right. Follow it to leave the building in an emergency; it is usually placed above the exit or with a direction arrow along the route.On ISO 7010
Emergency telephoneEmergency exit and first-aid signsEmergency telephoneThere is a telephone here for calling for help in an emergency, for first aid or for escape. Use it to raise the alarm or summon assistance.On ISO 7010
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
Explosive materialWarning signsExplosive materialExplosive material is present or stored here and can explode. Keep heat, flames and sparks away and follow the rules for the area.On ISO 7010
Eyewash stationEmergency exit and first-aid signsEyewash stationAn eyewash station is located here for rinsing the eyes after a splash or contamination. Use it straight away if something gets into your eyes.On ISO 7010
Fire alarm call pointFire equipment signsFire alarm call pointA manual fire alarm call point is located here. If you discover a fire, press it to raise the alarm.On ISO 7010
Fire extinguisherFire equipment signsFire extinguisherA fire extinguisher is located here. Red signs mark the location of fire-fighting equipment, so you can find it quickly when there is a fire.On ISO 7010
Fire hose reelFire equipment signsFire hose reelA fire hose reel is located here. Red signs mark the location of fire-fighting equipment, so you can find it quickly when there is a fire.On ISO 7010
Fire ladderFire equipment signsFire ladderA ladder for fire-fighting use is located here. Red signs mark the location of fire-fighting equipment, so you can find it quickly when there is a fire.On ISO 7010
First aidEmergency exit and first-aid signsFirst aidFirst-aid equipment or a first-aid point is located here. Go here to find help or supplies for treating an injury.On ISO 7010
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
Forklift trucks and other industrial vehiclesWarning signsForklift trucks and other industrial vehiclesForklift trucks or other industrial vehicles operate in this area. Stay alert, keep to pedestrian routes and make sure drivers can see you.On ISO 7010
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
General mandatory action signMandatory signsGeneral mandatory action signThis blue sign means there is something you must do here. On its own it does not say what, so it is accompanied where necessary by another sign or a text panel that states the required action; follow that instruction.On ISO 7010
General prohibition signProhibition signsGeneral prohibition signThis is the plain prohibition sign: a red ring and diagonal bar on white means an action is not allowed. On its own it does not say what is forbidden, so it is used with a text panel that names the prohibited action; read that panel and do not do what it says.On ISO 7010
General warning signWarning signsGeneral warning signThis yellow warning sign means there is a hazard here and you should be careful and take precautions. It is a general sign, so it is usually accompanied by a text panel or another sign that names the danger.On ISO 7010
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
Laser beamWarning signsLaser beamA laser beam is in use here and can injure your eyes or skin. Never look into the beam and keep out of its path unless you are authorised and protected.On ISO 7010
No activated mobile phonesProhibition signsNo activated mobile phonesMobile phones must not be switched on or used in this area. The sign concerns phones that are switched on, so turn yours off before you enter the area.On ISO 7010
No open flame; fire, open ignition sources and smoking prohibitedProhibition signsNo open flame; fire, open ignition sources and smoking prohibitedOpen flames, fire and smoking are all forbidden here, usually because flammable materials or vapours are present. Do not light matches or lighters and do not smoke or bring any other naked flame into the area.On ISO 7010
No smokingProhibition signsNo smokingYou must not smoke in the area where this sign is shown. It is one of the standard prohibition signs for workplaces, which are round with a red edge and diagonal bar over a black picture on white.On ISO 7010
No thoroughfare / no access for pedestriansProhibition signsNo thoroughfare / no access for pedestriansPeople on foot must not enter or pass through this area, for example a route meant only for vehicles. Use the pedestrian route provided instead.On ISO 7010- Nordic Swan EcolabelSafety and compliance marksNordic Swan EcolabelThe official ecolabel of the Nordic countries. Only products and services that hold a valid licence from Nordic Ecolabelling may show it, after meeting its environmental and health criteria for that product type. Next to the logo there is usually a licence number that identifies the certified product. The mark is voluntary: products without it are not necessarily worse, but the ones carrying it have been checked against the label's requirements.On Safety and compliance marks
Not drinking waterProhibition signsNot drinking waterThe water from this tap or outlet is not drinking water. Do not drink it or use it to fill drinking vessels or bottles.On ISO 7010
Overhead loadWarning signsOverhead loadLoads are lifted or suspended overhead here, for example by a crane or hoist, and could fall. Never stand or walk under a suspended load.On ISO 7010
Protective earthSafety and compliance marksProtective earthMarks the terminal or screw where the protective earth (yellow-green) wire must be connected. On appliances: the earthing cable goes here, and the socket must be earthed. Never leave it unconnected.On IEC 60417
Radioactive material or ionising radiationWarning signsRadioactive material or ionising radiationRadioactive material or ionising radiation is present here. Do not enter or handle anything unless you are authorised, and follow the protection rules for the area.On ISO 7010
Safety showerEmergency exit and first-aid signsSafety showerAn emergency safety shower is located here for rinsing the body after contamination, such as a chemical splash. Get under it straight away if your skin or clothes are contaminated.On ISO 7010
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
Slippery surfaceWarning signsSlippery surfaceThe floor or surface here is slippery, for example because it is wet or has just been cleaned, and you could slip and fall. Walk carefully or use another route; portable versions of the sign are used while the hazard lasts.On ISO 7010
StretcherEmergency exit and first-aid signsStretcherA stretcher is kept here for carrying an injured person. Fetch it when someone cannot be moved safely in another way.On ISO 7010
UKCA markingSafety and compliance marksUKCA markingUK Conformity Assessed. The manufacturer, or its authorised representative, declares that the product meets the UK rules that apply to it, for example on electrical safety, toys or machinery. It is used for products sold in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales); Northern Ireland uses CE or CE with UKNI instead. Great Britain also still accepts the CE marking, so a product may carry either mark or both. It is not a quality award or a sign of where the product was made. The mark must be at least 5 mm high unless the product rules say otherwise.On Safety and compliance marks
Warning (exclamation mark)2 meaningsWarning (exclamation mark)Marks a safety warning or important caution. Read the text that comes with it before using, cleaning or servicing the product.Differs by brand.On ISO 7000
Warning: flammable material2 meaningsWarning: flammable materialSafety sign warning of a fire hazard from flammable material nearby or inside the product. Keep flames and other ignition sources away.Differs by brand.On ISO 7010
Wear ear protectionMandatory signsWear ear protectionYou must wear ear protection, such as ear defenders or earplugs, in this area. It is used where noise levels can damage your hearing.On ISO 7010
Wear eye protectionMandatory signsWear eye protectionYou must wear eye protection, such as safety glasses or goggles, in this area or for this task. It protects your eyes from hazards such as flying particles or splashes.On ISO 7010
Wear head protectionMandatory signsWear head protectionYou must wear a safety helmet (hard hat) in this area. It protects your head where there is a risk of falling objects or of striking your head.On ISO 7010
Wear protective glovesMandatory signsWear protective glovesYou must wear protective gloves in this area or for this task. Use gloves suitable for the hazard, for example cuts, chemicals or heat.On ISO 7010
Wear respiratory protectionMandatory signsWear respiratory protectionYou must wear respiratory protective equipment, such as a suitable mask or respirator, in this area. It is used where the air may contain dust, fumes, gases or other harmful substances.On ISO 7010
Wear safety footwearMandatory signsWear safety footwearYou must wear safety boots or shoes in this area. Normal shoes are not enough where feet can be hurt, for example by falling or heavy objects.On ISO 7010