Where Can I Find a Chart of All the Chemical Hazard Signs?

If you’ve ever stood in front of a chemical storage cabinet or a laboratory shelf and stared at those red diamond symbols without quite knowing what they meant — you’re not alone. Chemical hazard signs appear on everything from 200-litre industrial drums to the bottle of drain cleaner under your kitchen sink, yet most workers couldn’t name more than two or three from memory. 

The answer to “where can I find a chart of all the chemical hazard signs?” is actually straightforward: there is one single, internationally unified system that governs almost every chemical hazard symbol you will encounter in a professional setting today. It is called the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals — GHS — and it uses exactly nine pictograms to communicate the full spectrum of chemical hazards. 

This guide gives you the complete chemical hazard signs chart, a detailed explanation of every symbol, the OSHA facility signage rules that go alongside those symbols, and a direct path to sourcing compliant signs for your workplace from MySafetySign.com. 

Why Chemical Hazard Signs Exist — And Why They Matter More Than Ever 

Chemical exposure is one of the most underestimated occupational hazards in the United States. OSHA estimates that more than 32 million workers are exposed to hazardous chemicals on the job every year. Before a unified global system existed, a worker in one facility might encounter entirely different labelling conventions than a worker at another site handling the exact same chemical. Someone who didn’t speak the local language had almost no way to understand the risk they were facing. 

That is the problem the GHS was designed to solve. Developed by the United Nations and adopted by OSHA in 2012 through its Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom 2012, 29 CFR 1910.1200), the GHS replaced a patchwork of regional labelling systems with one internationally consistent set of pictograms, signal words, and hazard statements. 

The result: a red diamond with a skull and crossbones means exactly the same thing at a chemical plant in Texas as it does at a manufacturing facility in Tokyo. That consistency saves lives. 

📌 2024 HazCom Update: In May 2024, OSHA updated HazCom to align with the 7th revised edition of the UN GHS standard. Full compliance deadlines are July 20, 2026 (substances) and January 19, 2028 (mixtures). If your facility is still using pre-2024 labelling, now is the time to audit your chemical signage. 

Two Systems You Need to Know: GHS Pictogram Labels vs. OSHA Facility Signs 

Before diving into the chart itself, one critical distinction is worth making clear. In the U.S. workplace, chemical hazard communication works through two overlapping systems — and both must be in place for full OSHA compliance. 

• GHS Pictogram Labels: These are the red-bordered diamond symbols that appear on chemical product labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS). They travel with the chemical itself — on containers, packaging, and SDS documents — communicating exactly what hazard class the substance belongs to. 

• OSHA Facility-Level Chemical Safety Signs: These are the permanent or semi-permanent signs posted on walls, cabinet doors, storage areas, and work zones. They communicate hazards about a space or piece of equipment to everyone who enters — not just those reading individual container labels. 

💡 Both are required: A drum label with GHS pictograms is not a substitute for OSHA-required facility signage, and vice versa. Full HazCom compliance requires both layers of communication to be in place. 

The Complete Chart of All 9 GHS Chemical Hazard Pictograms 

The GHS system uses nine standardised pictograms. Every symbol is a black graphic on a white background inside a red diamond border. OSHA mandates eight of these under HazCom 2012; the Environmental Hazard pictogram is optional under OSHA’s jurisdiction but may appear for supplementary information and is required by many EPA and state regulations. 

Here is the complete chemical hazard signs chart for quick reference: 

Detailed Breakdown: What Every Chemical Hazard Sign Means 

The chart above gives you the at-a-glance reference. This section goes deeper — explaining exactly what each pictogram means, what kinds of chemicals carry it, and what OSHA-compliant facility signage is required in areas where those chemicals are present. 

1. Flame—Flammable 

The Flame pictogram covers a wide range of fire-related chemical hazards: flammable liquids, gases, aerosols, and solids; self-reactive substances; pyrophoric materials that ignite spontaneously on contact with air; self-heating substances; materials that emit flammable gas when they contact water; and certain organic peroxides. 

Common chemicals: Acetone, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, methanol, petrol, many aerosol sprays, spray paints, and adhesives. 

Required workplace signage in flammable areas: 

• Danger: Flammable — No Smoking, No Open Flame, No Sparks at all entry points 

• Flammable Liquid / Flammable Gas Storage Area signs on all cabinet and room doors 

• No Ignition Sources signs wherever flammable vapour may accumulate 

• Keep Away from Heat and Flame signs on individual storage cabinets 

2. Exploding Bomb—Explosive 

The Exploding Bomb marks unstable explosives in hazard divisions 1.1 through 1.6, as well as self-reactive substances and organic peroxides with explosive properties (Types A and B). Explosives require the most restrictive handling and storage conditions of any chemical category and trigger specific OSHA and ATF regulatory requirements beyond standard signage. 

Required workplace signage in explosive storage and handling areas: 

• Danger: Explosives — No Smoking, No Open Flame, No Cell Phones 

• Authorized Personnel Only — Restricted Access at all entry points 

• No Electronic Devices / No Photography where static discharge is a risk 

• Maximum Occupancy and Quantity Limits signs as required by fire code 

3. Flame Over Circle—Oxidiser 

The Flame Over Circle means the substance is an oxidising gas, liquid, or solid — it can intensify a fire or ignite materials that don’t normally burn. Oxidisers are particularly dangerous because they can dramatically accelerate combustion, which is why they must always be stored completely separately from flammable materials. This is a non-negotiable storage rule that facility signage must reinforce. 

Common oxidisers: High-concentration hydrogen peroxide, chlorine gas, potassium permanganate, nitric acid, sodium hypochlorite. 

Required workplace signage in oxidiser storage and use areas: 

• Danger: Oxidiser — Keep Away from Flammable Materials 

• No Organic Materials Stored in This Area 

• Oxidiser Storage — Separate from Flammables and Combustibles signs on cabinets 

4. Skull and Crossbones—Acute Toxicity 

The Skull and Crossbones is the classic poison symbol, and under GHS it has a specific, precise meaning: the substance causes acute toxicity — severe health effects or death from a single exposure or short-term exposure. It covers the most severe acute toxicity categories (1–3) by ingestion, skin contact, or inhalation. 

Common acutely toxic chemicals: Methanol, high-concentration pesticides and insecticides, cyanide compounds, carbon monoxide, mercury compounds. 

Required workplace signage in acutely toxic chemical areas: 

• Danger: Toxic — Authorized Personnel Only at all entry points 

• Danger: Poison — Do Not Breathe Vapors / Do Not Ingest (specific to route of exposure) 

• PPE Required — with specific equipment listed (respirator type, glove material, eye protection) 

• Emergency Eyewash and Safety Shower location signs within 10 seconds of any handling area 

5. Exclamation Mark—Irritant / Moderate Hazard 

The Exclamation Mark is arguably the most commonly encountered GHS symbol across everyday products. It covers a broad range of moderate health hazards: skin and eye irritation, skin sensitisation (allergic reactions), respiratory tract irritation, narcotic effects (drowsiness, dizziness), and the lower tier of acute toxicity (Category 4). 

While it signals a less severe hazard than the Skull and Crossbones, it still requires proper PPE communication and adequate ventilation in workplace settings. Many common industrial solvents, mild acids, and general cleaning chemicals carry this pictogram. 

Required workplace signage in irritant / moderate hazard areas: 

• Caution: Irritant — Avoid Skin and Eye Contact 

• PPE Required signs specifying safety goggles and chemical-resistant gloves 

• Ventilation Required signs in enclosed areas where respiratory irritants are used 

6. Health Hazard Silhouette—Serious Long-Term Health Hazard 

The Health Hazard pictogram — an outline of a human torso with a starburst on the chest — was introduced specifically to address long-term or chronic health effects that the Skull and Crossbones (which focuses on acute/single-dose toxicity) doesn’t capture. It covers carcinogens, mutagens, reproductive toxins, respiratory sensitisers, specific target organ toxicants from repeated exposure, and aspiration hazards. 

Common examples: Formaldehyde, benzene, asbestos, crystalline silica, diesel exhaust, many halogenated solvents. 

Required workplace signage in areas with carcinogens, reproductive toxins, or STOT substances: 

• Warning: Cancer Hazard — for known or suspected carcinogens 

• Warning: Reproductive Hazard — for substances toxic to reproduction or development 

• Warning: May Cause Organ Damage with Repeated Exposure — for chronic STOT substances 

7. Environmental Hazard—Aquatic Toxicity 

The Environmental Hazard pictogram — a dead tree and fish — indicates the substance is toxic to aquatic organisms, either acutely (short-term) or with long-term adverse environmental effects. This is the only GHS pictogram that OSHA does not mandate on product labels; it is optional under the HazCom standard. However, it is required by many EPA and state environmental regulations, and commonly appears on labels for completeness. 

Required workplace signage in areas handling environmentally hazardous chemicals: 

• Warning: Environmental Hazard — Do Not Pour Down Drain at all sinks and floor drains 

• Disposal Instructions signs at chemical disposal or waste collection stations 

• Spill Containment Area signs wherever aquatically toxic chemicals are stored in bulk 

8. Corrosion—Corrosive to Skin, Eyes, and Metals 

The Corrosion pictogram — showing a liquid damaging both a human hand and a flat surface — means the substance causes skin corrosion (tissue destruction on contact), serious eye damage, or is corrosive to metals. Corrosives are among the most immediately dangerous chemical hazards: severe acids and bases can cause tissue destruction within seconds to minutes of skin contact. 

Common corrosives: Sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, sodium hydroxide (lye/caustic soda), potassium hydroxide, battery acid, many industrial degreasers. 

Required workplace signage in corrosive handling and storage areas: 

• Danger: Corrosive — Causes Severe Burns to Skin and Eyes 

• Safety Shower and Eyewash Station — OSHA 29 CFR 1910.151 mandates eyewash within 10 seconds of travel from any corrosive handling point 

• Emergency Eyewash directional arrows visible from all positions in the area 

• PPE Required — specifically: chemical splash goggles, face shield, chemical-resistant gloves and apron 

• Acid Storage / Caustic Storage identification signs on all applicable cabinets 

9. Gas Cylinder—Gas Under Pressure 

The Gas Cylinder pictogram flags the physical hazard of pressurised storage — not chemical toxicity or flammability on its own. Those hazards would be communicated by additional pictograms on the same label. The risks flagged by this symbol are: explosive cylinder rupture if damaged or overheated, and cryogenic burns from refrigerated liquefied gases (liquid nitrogen, liquid oxygen, and similar). 

Common examples: Oxygen cylinders, nitrogen cylinders, compressed air tanks, CO₂ cylinders, acetylene, propane, helium, argon. 

Required workplace signage in compressed gas storage and use areas: 

• Danger: Compressed Gas — Secure All Cylinders Upright at All Times 

• Do Not Drop or Strike Cylinders — posted at the storage room entry 

• No Smoking and No Open Flames in areas where flammable gases are stored 

• Ventilation Required in enclosed gas storage rooms 

• Individual cylinder identification signs indicating which gas is stored in each location 

Beyond GHS: OSHA Facility-Level Chemical Hazard Signs Your Workplace Also Needs 

The nine GHS pictograms travel with the chemical. But a facility needs a second layer of hazard communication — signs that tell everyone who enters a space what to expect before they ever pick up a container. These signs are required under OSHA’s HazCom standard and must be in place wherever hazardous chemicals are stored, used, or handled. 

Chemical Storage Area Signs 

Every chemical storage signs must be clearly identified by the class of chemical it holds. Using the wrong storage-area sign — or no sign at all — is a direct OSHA compliance violation: 

• Flammable Storage: Post on all flammable storage cabinets and room doors. Do not share space with oxidisers. 

• Corrosive / Acid Storage: Post on all acid and caustic storage cabinets separately. 

• Oxidiser Storage: Post with clear separation from flammable and organic material storage. 

• Toxic Materials Storage: Required in all areas where acutely toxic (Category 1–3) chemicals are stored. 

• Compressed Gas Storage: Post with specific gas identification at multi-gas storage locations. 

PPE Requirement Signs 

Generic “PPE Required” signs are not enough. OSHA expects specific communication about what protection is needed in each area. Effective PPE signage specifies: 

• Exact eye protection type (e.g., chemical splash goggles, not just ‘safety glasses’) 

• Glove material and thickness where chemical resistance matters 

• Respiratory protection type and specific cartridge required (acid gas, organic vapour, P100, etc.) 

• Body protection requirements (lab coat, chemical-resistant apron, full suit) 

Emergency Equipment Location Signs 

Emergency equipment signs must be clearly visible from all directions of approach in any chemical handling area. Required emergency signage includes: 

• Eyewash Station: With directional arrow if the station is not in the direct line of sight from the chemical handling point. 

• Safety Shower: Required within 10 seconds of travel from any corrosive or acutely toxic chemical handling area (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.151). 

• Spill Kit Location: Prominently marked with the types of chemicals the kit is designed to address (acid spills, solvent spills, etc.). 

• Fire Extinguisher: Correctly identified by type (CO₂ for electrical and flammable liquid fires; dry chemical for chemical fires). 

• First Aid Station: Clearly signed and stocked with supplies appropriate for the chemicals present in the area. 

NFPA 704 Diamond Signs 

Alongside GHS pictogram labels and OSHA facility signs, the NFPA 704 fire diamond is a widely used chemical hazard communication tool required by many local fire codes. It is commonly posted on chemical storage rooms, tanks, process vessels, and building exteriors to give emergency responders an instant hazard overview. The diamond rates four categories: 

• Blue (Health Hazard): Scale of 0–4, where 4 means the substance can cause death or major injury with short exposure. 

• Red (Flammability): Scale of 0–4, where 4 means the material will rapidly vaporise and burn at normal temperature. 

• Yellow (Instability / Reactivity): Scale of 0–4, where 4 means the material is capable of detonation under normal conditions. 

• White (Special Hazards): Symbols for oxidiser (OX), water-reactive (W), simple asphyxiant (SA), or radioactive material. 

Where to Find a Reliable Chemical Hazard Signs Chart 

Now that you know what all nine GHS pictograms mean, here are the best sources for reference charts and for purchasing compliant workplace signs: 

• OSHA’s Official Website (osha.gov): OSHA’s Hazard Communication page provides downloadable GHS pictogram reference guides in PDF and EPS formats — the official government source, ideal for SDS station displays and worker training materials. 

• Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Every hazardous chemical must have an SDS. Section 2 of every SDS lists hazard identification including all applicable GHS pictograms for that specific chemical. Your SDS binder is always a reliable reference for specific products on site. 

• OSHA’s Quick Card: Hazard Communication — Pictogram Chart: A free, downloadable one-page pictogram reference card specifically designed for posting at worksites. Available directly from osha.gov. 

• MySafetySign.com: For durable, OSHA and ANSI-compliant workplace chemical hazard signs — from GHS pictogram labels and corrosive storage signs to flammable material signs, toxic area signs, and full facility signage packages. Available in aluminium, rigid plastic, vinyl, and corrugated plastic for every environment and application.  

Choosing the Right Material for Your Chemical Hazard Signs 

The right sign material for a chemical environment is not the same as for a general warehouse. Chemical exposure, moisture, and UV conditions all affect sign longevity — and a sign that can’t be read is a sign that isn’t protecting anyone. 

• Aluminium: The most durable and chemical-resistant option. Rust-proof, UV-stable, and weatherproof — the standard for permanent outdoor installations, chemical storage rooms, and equipment mounted near chemical processes. Resists most acids and alkalis without degrading. 

• Rigid Plastic / Fibreglass: Cost-effective for semi-permanent indoor installations. Lighter than aluminium and resistant to most cleaning chemicals — well suited to laboratory walls, utility rooms, and indoor storage areas where direct chemical splash is unlikely. 

• Vinyl (Self-Adhesive): Ideal for labelling chemical storage cabinets, equipment surfaces, pipe identification, and smaller GHS container labels. Applied directly to irregular surfaces where rigid signs are not practical. 

• Corrugated Plastic (Coroplast): Lightweight and cost-effective for temporary chemical hazard signage on construction sites, short-term project areas, and seasonal operations where signs need to be moved frequently. 

Chemical Hazard Sign Compliance Checklist 

Use this checklist to audit your facility’s current chemical hazard signage against OSHA HazCom requirements: 

GHS Label Compliance 

• All hazardous chemical containers have GHS-compliant labels with the applicable pictograms 

• Safety Data Sheets are accessible for every chemical on-site (Section 2 confirms pictograms) 

• Workers have received HazCom training covering all nine GHS pictograms and their meanings 

• Labels and training materials reflect the 2024 HazCom update by the applicable compliance deadline 

Facility Signage 

• Chemical storage areas are identified with the correct hazard class sign (Flammable, Corrosive, Oxidiser, Toxic, etc.) 

• Specific PPE requirement signs are posted at all chemical handling and storage entry points 

• Eyewash station and safety shower locations are signed and unobstructed 

• Spill kit locations are clearly identified with the chemical class covered 

• Fire extinguisher locations and types are clearly signed 

• NFPA 704 diamond signs are posted on storage rooms and tanks as required by local fire code 

• Correct signal words (DANGER vs. WARNING vs. CAUTION) match the severity of each hazard 

Ongoing Maintenance 

• Signs are inspected weekly — faded, damaged, or obscured signs are replaced immediately 

• Outdated signs (pre-HazCom 2012, or for chemicals no longer on site) have been removed 

• Any new chemical introduced to the site triggers a label review and signage update if needed 

• Training is refreshed whenever new hazardous chemicals are introduced 

Final Thoughts: The Right Sign in the Right Place Saves Lives 

Chemical hazard signs exist because chemical hazards don’t announce themselves. You can’t see most toxic vapours. You can’t feel corrosive damage until it’s already begun. You can’t always smell a flammable gas before it reaches its lower explosive limit. 

The GHS pictogram system, combined with OSHA-compliant facility signage, creates a layered communication network that gives every worker — regardless of language, experience level, or familiarity with a specific chemical — the information they need to recognise a hazard before it becomes an emergency. 

Understanding the chart is the first step. Having the right signs posted in the right locations is what actually keeps your people safe. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q : What are the 9 GHS chemical hazard pictograms? 

A : The nine GHS hazard pictograms are: (1) Flame — flammable materials; (2) Exploding Bomb — explosives and unstable reactive substances; (3) Flame Over Circle — oxidisers; (4) Skull and Crossbones — acute toxicity; (5) Exclamation Mark — irritants and moderate hazards; (6) Health Hazard Silhouette — carcinogens, reproductive toxins, and serious long-term health hazards; (7) Environmental Hazard — aquatic toxicity; (8) Corrosion — corrosive to skin, eyes, or metals; and (9) Gas Cylinder — gases under pressure. Each symbol appears as a black graphic on a white background inside a red diamond border. 

Q: Is the GHS the same as OSHA’s HazCom standard? 

A : OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom 2012, 29 CFR 1910.1200) is the U.S. federal regulation that adopted the GHS framework. The GHS itself is an international standard developed by the United Nations. In the U.S. workplace, HazCom 2012 mandates GHS-format labels and Safety Data Sheets for all hazardous chemicals, making GHS compliance and OSHA HazCom compliance effectively the same requirement. The 2024 HazCom update aligns the standard with the 7th revised edition of the UN GHS. 

Q : Where do GHS pictograms need to be displayed? 

A : GHS pictograms must appear on labels affixed to all hazardous chemical containers — from small laboratory bottles to large storage drums and shipping containers. They also appear in Section 2 of Safety Data Sheets. Separately, OSHA-compliant facility-level chemical hazard signs must be posted on walls, storage area doors, cabinet exteriors, and work zones wherever hazardous chemicals are present. The two are complementary, not interchangeable. 

Q : What is the difference between the Skull and Crossbones and the Health Hazard Silhouette? 

A : The Skull and Crossbones indicates acute toxicity — severe effects or death from a single or short-term exposure (one dose, or multiple doses within a short timeframe). The Health Hazard Silhouette indicates serious long-term or chronic health effects resulting from prolonged or repeated exposure, such as cancer, reproductive harm, or organ damage that develops over time. A chemical can carry both symbols if it poses both types of risk. 

Q : What are the penalties for missing or non-compliant chemical hazard signs? 

A : OSHA can issue citations for missing or non-compliant chemical hazard signage under 29 CFR 1910.1200. Fines range from up to $16,550 per serious violation to up to $165,514 per willful or repeat violation. Beyond direct fines, inadequate hazard communication creates significant legal liability if a worker is injured due to a chemical hazard that was not properly communicated. The cost of a fully compliant set of chemical hazard signs is a small fraction of the cost of a single serious workplace incident. 

Category: Chemicals