GHS Pictograms — Frequently Asked Questions

GHS pictograms are standardized hazard symbols used on chemical labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) worldwide. Each pictogram consists of a black hazard symbol on a white background inside a red diamond-shaped border. They were developed by the United Nations as part of the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals.

There are 9 official GHS pictograms, numbered GHS01 through GHS09. They cover explosive substances (GHS01), flammable materials (GHS02), oxidisers (GHS03), compressed gases (GHS04), corrosive substances (GHS05), acute toxicity (GHS06), general health hazards (GHS07), serious health hazards (GHS08), and environmental hazards (GHS09).

The border of a GHS pictogram is red. The background inside the diamond is white, and the hazard symbol is black. This specific combination — red border, white background, black symbol — is mandated by the GHS standard and CLP Regulation to ensure maximum visibility.

GHS is the international UN standard, while CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation) is the EU implementation of GHS. CLP pictograms are identical in appearance to GHS pictograms but may have slightly different classification rules. In practice, the 9 pictograms look the same under both systems.

The GHS system uses 9 pictograms in total. However, not all 9 appear on every label — only the pictograms relevant to that substance's hazard classification are required. Priority rules (CLP Article 26) mean that some pictograms replace others when both would otherwise apply.

Under CLP Regulation (Annex I, Table 1.3), the minimum pictogram size depends on container volume: for containers up to 3L, pictograms must be at least 16×16 mm; for 3–50L containers, at least 23×23 mm; for 50–500L containers, at least 32×32 mm; and for containers over 500L, at least 46×46 mm.

Yes — all 9 GHS pictograms are available as free SVG downloads on this site. They are based on the official UN/UNECE GHS standard and are free to use in safety documentation, labels, and SDS. Download GHS pictograms: /ghs/ghs01/

Download GHS pictograms →

The exclamation mark pictogram (GHS07) indicates substances that are harmful if swallowed, in contact with skin, or if inhaled; substances that cause skin or eye irritation; and substances that may cause allergic skin reactions. It is used for less severe hazards than the skull and crossbones (GHS06).

A compliant GHS/CLP label must include: product identifier, supplier information, hazard pictograms, signal word (Danger or Warning), hazard statements (H-phrases), and precautionary statements (P-phrases). Use our free GHS Label Constructor (/label-constructor/) to build a compliant label for any substance in our database.

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GHS labels use one of two signal words: "Danger" for more severe hazards (categories 1-2 for most hazard classes) and "Warning" for less severe hazards (categories 3-4). Only one signal word appears on a label — if Danger applies, Warning is omitted.