The 9 GHS pictograms in plain English
| Pictogram | Hazard category | Common examples |
|---|---|---|
| Health Hazard (silhouette with starburst) | Carcinogen, mutagen, reproductive toxin, respiratory sensitizer | Benzene, formaldehyde, certain solvents |
| Flame | Flammables, self-reactives, pyrophorics | Acetone, isopropyl alcohol, gasoline |
| Exclamation Mark | Irritant, narcotic effects, skin or eye irritant | Many cleaners, mild acids, some adhesives |
| Gas Cylinder | Gases under pressure | Compressed oxygen, propane, nitrogen tanks |
| Corrosion | Skin corrosion, eye damage, corrosive to metals | Bleach, drain cleaner, sulfuric acid |
| Exploding Bomb | Explosives, self-reactive, organic peroxides | Industrial peroxides, certain initiators |
| Flame Over Circle | Oxidizers | Hydrogen peroxide concentrate, ammonium nitrate |
| Skull and Crossbones | Acute toxicity (fatal or toxic) | Methanol, certain pesticides, hydrofluoric acid |
| Environment (fish and tree) | Aquatic toxicity (not required by OSHA, required by DOT/IMO) | Many solvents and some pesticides |
How OSHA requires pictograms to appear on labels
On every shipped container, the manufacturer must display the relevant pictograms inside red diamond borders sized proportionally to the label. On workplace secondary containers (the ones you fill at your facility), you may use the same GHS pictograms or an alternative system that conveys the same information, such as the HMIS or NFPA color-bar system, as long as employees are trained on what the symbols mean.
The pictograms exist so a worker can identify the worst-case hazard at a glance — even without reading English. That only works if your secondary container labels actually carry them. A piece of masking tape with 'Acetone' written in marker is not compliant.
Why some labels show multiple pictograms
A single chemical often has multiple hazards. Acetone, for example, carries both the Flame pictogram (flammable liquid) and the Exclamation Mark pictogram (eye irritant, drowsiness/dizziness). The label must show every applicable pictogram — there is no rule limiting one symbol per container.