A brief summary of GHS Chemical Hazard symbols

1. All hazardous substances sold in the UK now have to be classified according to the
CLP regulations. As a part of this, the containers must contain one or more of these
pictograms to describe the nature of the hazards.

2. GHS01 Explosive
This label applies to substances
that are explosive, self-reactive
or to some organic peroxides.
eg 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine
(2,4-DNPH)

3. GHS02 Flammable
This label applies to flammable
solids, liquids and gases. It
includes pyrophoric and self-
heating substances as well as
organic peroxides that are not
explosive
eg ethanol, propanone

4. GHS03 Oxidising
This label applies to solids,
liquids or gases that are
oxidising agents – that will
cause or enhance combustion.
eg potassium(VII) manganate,
sodium chlorate(v)

5. GHS04 Compressed Gas
This label applies to gases in
cylinders but also to liquefied
gases and to dissolved gases
eg hydrogen, oxygen

6. GHS05 Corrosive
This label applies to solids
liquids or gases that can cause
skin corrosion and/or serious
eye damage.
eg sodium hydroxide, copper
sulphate (eye damage only)

7. GHS06 Toxic
This label applies to substances
that cause acute toxicity either
by ingestion, inhalation or skin
absorption. There are three
categories, 1 being the most
toxic.
eg Potassium cyanide (Cat 2/1 –
depending on route). Barium
chloride (Cat 3)

8. GHS07 Harmful
This label applies to substances
of a lower hazard: mainly things
that are harmful rather than
toxic or irritant rather than
corrosive.
eg 1 mol l-1 sulphuric acid,
Barium carbonate

9. GHS08 Health Hazard
This label applies to substances
that cause long-term health
effects: carcinogens, mutagens,
reproductive toxins, specific
target organ toxins etc.
eg dichloromethane, potassium
dichromate

10. GHS09 Environmental Hazard
This label applies to substances
that cause harm (either acute or
chronic) to the aquatic
environment.
eg copper chloride,
bromobenzene