GHS Pictograms Chart: What Each Symbol Means and What to Do

This GHS pictogram chart covers supply and workplace container labels under UN GHS Rev.11, US OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200 and the EU Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation. It does not cover transport labels, or pesticides that OSHA leaves to US Environmental Protection Agency labeling (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200, 2026). The actions are first steps; the product's own label and safety data sheet (SDS) govern.

The GHS pictogram table: nine symbols and the first action for each

The GHS pictogram table below links each of the nine GHS pictograms to the hazard classes it signals, the first actions to take when you see it, and the safety data sheet (SDS) sections that hold the details. The hazard classes follow OSHA's pictogram list (OSHA QuickCard, 2024) and the GHS code list (UNECE, 2025). Each action paraphrases a precautionary statement that 29 CFR 1910.1200 Appendix C assigns to that hazard (OSHA App. C, 2026); the environment row uses GHS annex 3 (UNECE, 2025). The table decides what to do on sight:

Take the flame row as an example: keep the product away from heat, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources, ground and bond containers during transfer, and read the flash point in SDS section 9 (OSHA App. D, 2026). The actions in this table are first responses, not a control plan. Where the product label, SDS section 7 or SDS section 8 says more, follow the product documents.

How do you use the GHS pictogram table on the shop floor?

The GHS pictogram table works on the shop floor as a four-step read: name the pictogram, read the signal word and hazard statements next to it, act on the precautionary statements, then open the SDS sections in the last column. Under OSHA, a shipped container label keeps the signal word, hazard statements and pictograms together, so the words explaining a pictogram sit beside it (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200, 2026). On the SDS, section 2 holds the classification and label elements, section 7 the handling, storage and incompatibilities, section 8 the exposure limits and personal protective equipment, and section 11 the health effects (OSHA App. D, 2026).

Illustrative example: a drum of degreasing solvent shows the flame, exclamation mark and health hazard pictograms. Read the flame row first. Before any transfer, remove ignition sources and ground and bond the drum as SDS section 7 directs; in the United States, flammable liquid storage container size and type follow 29 CFR 1910.106, and SDS sections 7 and 9 must note when an alternate calculation was used for storage and the storage classification differs from section 2 (OSHA App. D, 2026). The other two rows then send you to SDS section 8 for the exposure limit, ventilation and respirator type, and to section 11 for the organs affected. Dispose of rinse solvent and rags only as SDS section 13 directs and under the hazardous waste rules of your jurisdiction, such as US EPA rules in 40 CFR parts 260 to 273 (EPA, 2026).

Which GHS pictogram replaces another on the same label?

Three GHS pictograms replace the exclamation mark on the same label: the skull and crossbones replaces it for acute toxicity, the corrosion pictogram replaces it for skin or eye irritation, and the health hazard pictogram for respiratory sensitization replaces it for skin sensitization and skin or eye irritation (UNECE, 2025; OSHA App. C, 2026). The wording differs slightly by jurisdiction. The GHS and EU CLP drop the exclamation mark entirely when the skull and crossbones applies (UNECE, 2025; CLP Article 26, 2008), while OSHA drops it only "where it is used for acute toxicity" (OSHA App. C, 2026). This suggests that on a US label, an acutely toxic product that is also a skin irritant can still show the exclamation mark, because the OSHA rule is limited to the acute toxicity use.

For physical hazard pictograms, the GHS defers to the precedence rules of the UN Model Regulations and lets a competent authority require all physical hazard symbols in workplace situations (UNECE, 2025). EU CLP writes two physical rules into law: when the exploding bomb applies, the flame and flame over circle become optional unless more than one of them is compulsory, and when the flame or the skull and crossbones applies, the gas cylinder becomes optional (CLP Article 26, 2008). OSHA Appendix C lists precedence rules only for the exclamation mark, but where a Department of Transportation pictogram appears on a shipped container, the OSHA label pictogram for the same hazard is not required (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200, 2026).

Which GHS pictogram is not required under OSHA?

The environment pictogram (GHS09) is the GHS pictogram not required under OSHA: the Hazard Communication Standard designates eight pictograms, and OSHA lists the environment pictogram as non-mandatory (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200, 2026; OSHA QuickCard, 2024). A US label may leave it off even for a product toxic to aquatic life. OSHA also marks two exclamation mark uses as non-mandatory: hazards not otherwise classified (HNOC), where the words "Hazard Not Otherwise Classified" or "HNOC" must appear below the pictogram if it is used (OSHA App. C, 2026), and hazardous to the ozone layer (OSHA QuickCard, 2024).

Under the GHS and EU CLP, the environment pictogram marks the main aquatic hazard categories. The GHS assigns the environment symbol to short-term aquatic hazard Category 1 and long-term aquatic hazard Categories 1 and 2 (UNECE, 2025), and EU CLP requires those label elements for products meeting the aquatic hazard criteria (CLP Annex I 4.1.4, 2008). A drum relabeled for a US site can lose the pictogram while the hazard remains, and SDS section 12 on ecological information is non-mandatory under OSHA (OSHA App. D, 2026). As of 2026-10-13, OSHA's updated standard took effect July 19, 2024; manufacturers, importers and distributors had to comply for substances by May 19, 2026 and have until November 19, 2027 for mixtures, and employers must, as necessary, update alternative workplace labeling and the hazard communication program and provide any additional employee training by November 20, 2026 for substances and May 19, 2028 for mixtures (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200, 2026).

Where the GHS pictogram table does not apply

The GHS pictogram table does not apply to transport labels, to products outside the hazard communication labeling rules, or as proof that an unmarked product is safe. Transport pictograms under the UN Model Regulations are printed or affixed on a background of contrasting colour with the symbol in the upper half, and have minimum dimensions of 100 mm by 100 mm, with exceptions for very small packagings and gas cylinders (UNECE, 2025), so a diamond on a shipping package can mean a transport class rather than a GHS supply hazard. In the United States, OSHA does not require its labels on pesticides subject to FIFRA labeling or on chemicals subject to labeling rules issued by the Environmental Protection Agency under the Toxic Substances Control Act (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200, 2026).

A missing pictogram does not mean a missing hazard. Under OSHA, a Category 4 flammable liquid carries no pictogram, only the signal word "Warning" and the hazard statement "Combustible liquid" (OSHA App. C, 2026). For packages that will not be exported, the GHS also lets a competent authority allow a black border instead of a red frame (UNECE, 2025), so color alone does not confirm a GHS pictogram. When a label, an SDS and an imported relabel disagree, Lubinpla works the case from your own SDS, TDS and site history and returns one cited document for your review.