Chemical Safety Symbols Explained                  < To main page

A guide to meanings of common chemical safety/hazard symbols (a.k.a. warning labels, Danger symbols, Chemical safety labels...). These are the European/international standard. CLICK ON A SYMBOL FOR A LARGE VERSION, which is of a printable size and suitable for downloading. Please feel free to download and use these pictures.

	Poisonous The poison symbol is self-explanatory. Whereas most chemicals are fairly dangerous if ingested or inhaled, many of these are dangerous even on contact. Larger image >		Stow away from foodstuffs Harmful material to be kept away from edible material. Larger image >
	Environmental hazard Relatively rare with laboratory chemicals (most of which pose some environmental hazard if not got rid of correctly), these require particular care to be taken on disposal. Larger image >		Dangerous when wet This generally means that it will react fairly violently with water... Larger image >
	Corrosive Avoid contact with the skin. Bear in mind that these can (under some ciurcumstances) rust chemical cupboards. Larger image >		Flammable Gas Safety symbol used for the transport or storage of a flammable gas. Larger image >
	Explosive Again, fairly self-explanatory, though fairly seldom seen in the average lab. Bear in mind that noise and movement can also trigger explosion (not just sparks/flames!). Larger image >		Non flammable gas Safety symbol used in the transport of non flammable (and hence often non hazardous, at least out in the open) gases.Larger image >
	Flammable or extremely flammable Chemicals to be stored in flame-resistant cupboards. Volatile solvents can be a particular problem as they are prone to spread around from unsealed containers. This also covers pyrophoric materials (that catch fire spontaneously on exposure to air). Larger image >		Organic Peroxide Chemical safety symbol used in the transport and storage of organic peroxides. Larger image >
	Irritant or Harmful This symbol covers a wide range of (sometimes relatively minor) hazards - with precautions such as avoid contact with the skin, do not breathe, etc. - best to refer to relevant data sheet for details. Larger image >		Corrosive The corrosive symbol is used in the transport of corrosive materials - again, avoid contact with the skin. Larger image >
	Oxidising chemical Oxidising chemicals are materials that spontaneously evolve oxygen at room temperature or with slight heating, or that promote combustion. To be kept away from flammable chemicals at all costs! Larger image >		Inhalation Hazard Inhalation hazard transport/storage symbol. Larger image >
	Poisonous Gas Used for transport of a poisonous gas - on gas cylinders, or sometimes as an indicator on vehicles.Larger image >		Marine Pollutant Marine pollutant - do not dispose of in sewer system. Larger image >
	Miscellaneous danger Catch-all symbol for all other dangers (usually specified in the space). Larger image >		Explosive Used in the transport of explosive materials. Larger image >
	Poison More general symbol for the transport of poisonous materials (not necessarily a gas). Larger image >		Spontaneously Combustible Spontaneously combustible material (treat with great caution!...). Larger image >
	Flammable Solid Flammable solid. Larger image >		Flammable Liquid Used in the transport of flammable liquids. Larger image >

Still not found what you're looking for? Maybe try the HSE website, which is very complete and also explains the precise meaning of these symbols and where they should be used, as well as including common workplace safety signs. In the US, the NIOSH website includes full safety information for many chemicals and chemical families. Try also the HSE leaflets, as well as the ESAO site which explains the issues relating to chemical transportation and various aspects of laboratory safety. Remember that this site is for curiosity only - there's no guarantee that any of this is correct! Dave Curran