GHS Symbol Guide
Look up GHS chemical hazard pictograms, their meanings, and recommended safety precautions.
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GHS Symbol Guide
Look up GHS chemical hazard pictograms, their meanings, and recommended safety precautions.
Data last maintained
About GHS Symbol Guide
Nine pictograms across physical, health, and environmental hazards
The guide explains the nine GHS pictograms with hazard categories, plain-language meanings, example risks, and safety precaution notes. It is useful for recognizing label language while reading product labels or safety data sheets for lab, workplace, or household chemicals.
Filter by hazard family or search by hazard word
Category filters separate physical, health, and environmental hazards, while search handles terms such as toxic, flammable, corrosive, explosive, or aquatic. Selecting a pictogram opens the detailed hazard description and precaution list, and the current state can be shared in the URL.
Not a substitute for SDS, training, or emergency response
GHS pictograms are only one part of chemical hazard communication. Confirm the actual product label, SDS, local workplace rules, PPE requirements, disposal procedures, and emergency instructions before handling chemicals; this page is not legal compliance, lab protocol, or incident-response advice.
FAQ
Common questions and answers about this topic.
What is GHS?
GHS stands for the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. It is an international standard managed by the United Nations to ensure chemical safety information is consistent worldwide.
Where can I find these symbols?
You can find GHS pictograms on chemical product labels, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and shipping containers. They are usually printed as red diamonds with black symbols on a white background.
What is the difference between GHS and DOT labels?
GHS pictograms are primarily for workplace safety and chemical handling, while DOT (Department of Transportation) labels are used for the transport of dangerous goods. DOT labels are often colored and include a class number at the bottom.
Data Sources
This tool's data is compiled from the authoritative sources below.
- UNECE GHS Rev.11 (2025)(opens in a new tab)
- UNECE GHS pictograms(opens in a new tab)
- OSHA Hazard Communication Pictograms(opens in a new tab)
- OSHA 3491 Hazard Communication Standard Pictogram Quick Card(opens in a new tab)
Data last maintained