The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) standardises the diamond-shaped hazard pictograms found on chemical labels and Safety Data Sheets worldwide, including in India. Recognising them at a glance is one of the fastest ways to handle an unfamiliar chemical safely.
The Pictograms You'll See Most Often on Industrial Chemicals
- Corrosion (a substance dripping onto a hand and a surface) — corrosive to skin, eyes or metals; applies to strong acids and alkalis like hydrochloric acid, caustic soda and ferric chloride.
- Flame — flammable liquids, solids or vapours; applies to most of our organic solvents (acetone, toluene, IPA and similar).
- Flame over Circle (oxidizer) — accelerates fire or combustion of other material; applies to hydrogen peroxide, hypochlorite products and other oxidizing chemicals.
- Exclamation Mark — lower-severity hazards: irritant, harmful if swallowed, or a health hazard that doesn't rise to a higher-severity pictogram.
- Health Hazard (a person with a starburst on the chest) — more severe chronic health effects such as carcinogenicity or respiratory sensitization; a smaller number of specialty chemicals carry this.
- Gas Cylinder — gases stored under pressure, such as compressed hydrogen gas or packed liquid chlorine.
- Environment — hazardous to aquatic life; relevant when planning disposal or discharge, not just handling.
Why This Matters Beyond Compliance
Pictograms are a fast, language-independent first read on a chemical before anyone opens the SDS in detail — useful for staff who may not routinely read full safety documentation, and essential during an incident when there's no time to look anything up. Make sure every container in your facility is legibly labelled, and that staff are trained to recognise these symbols on sight, not just told where the SDS binder is kept.