Chemicals are a natural part of everyday life in many companies – from industrial production and laboratories to construction sites and agriculture. With chemicals also comes a responsibility: to protect employees, customers and the environment. That is why you see the red-bordered hazard symbols on bottles, containers and safety data sheets.
Here we go through what the hazard symbols mean, how they should be handled in practice, and what laws and regulations apply.
What is a hazard symbol?
A hazard symbol (also known as a hazard pictogram) is a pictorial icon that highlights chemicals that may pose health, environmental, fire or explosion hazards. The hazard symbols are designed to be understood by everyone: you don’t need to know chemistry to understand that a picture of a flame means “flammable”. This makes it easy to identify potential hazards, regardless of situation and language.
Where are the hazard symbols found?
The hazard symbols must be clearly shown on the product, and can be found on the packaging and in the safety data sheet (SDS). Some workplaces also show hazard symbols on cabinets, containers or other storage areas, for example when chemicals are stored in large quantities.
What do H and P statements on chemicals mean?
H statements (hazard statements) describe the hazards a chemical presents. P statements (precautionary statements) describe the measures to follow for safe handling, storage and use. You will find both sets of statements in the safety data sheet and on the product packaging, together with the hazard symbols below.
What are EUH statements?
EUH statements are supplementary hazard information laid down by the EU. They are used when a chemical presents particular hazards that are not fully covered by the standard H statements, and provide additional information that matters for safe use.
What do the hazard symbols mean?
Under the CLP Regulation, the old orange hazard symbols have been replaced by red-bordered diamonds. Each symbol represents a specific type of chemical hazard:
Acute toxicity
May cause life-threatening injuries if swallowed, in contact with skin or inhaled.
Corrosive
May cause burns to skin and eyes or serious eye damage. Also used for chemicals that may be corrosive to metals.
Health hazard
May cause irritation to the skin, eyes and respiratory tract, allergic skin reactions, drowsiness and dizziness.
Chronic health hazard
May cause cancer, genetic damage, reduced fertility, birth defects, inhalation allergy, chemical pneumonia or other serious health effects.
Environmental hazard
Toxic to aquatic life, with acute and/or long-lasting effects. Must be handled so that the product, either in use or as waste, does not harm nature.
Explosive
May explode on impact, friction, sparks or heat.
Oxidising
May cause fire or contribute to the combustion of other materials.
Flammable
Can ignite easily and burn violently. Some chemicals produce flammable gas in contact with water or self-ignite in air.
Gas under pressure
Container with pressurised gas or extremely low temperature. May explode in case of external fire.
How to handle hazard symbols
Hazardous chemicals must carry a hazard label that provides information about hazards and necessary precautions. Among other things, the label must contain the hazard symbols, a signal word and hazard and precautionary statements (H and P statements).
If you notice a hazard symbol on a product, you must take extra precautions. This may involve:
- Always read the hazard label before use
- Check the safety data sheet for more information
- Follow the instructions carefully
- Use the right protective equipment
- Ensure sufficient ventilation
- Avoid mixing incompatible chemicals
- Wash hands, clothes and equipment thoroughly after use
- If swallowed or in case of poisoning, contact a poison information centre or the emergency services
Laws and regulations
In Norway and the rest of the EU/EEA, classification and labelling follow the CLP Regulation (Classification, Labelling and Packaging), which is based on the UN’s Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). CLP ensures that chemical hazards are communicated clearly through standardised pictograms, signal words, and hazard and precautionary statements. In addition, the REACH Regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) sets requirements for safety data sheets, among other things.
Outside the EU/EEA, many countries have implemented or are aligning with GHS-based classification and labelling systems. However, the specific requirements vary between countries, so companies must check the chemical legislation in each country where their products are manufactured, imported, distributed or used.
Hazard symbols are not just small icons on a label. They are the key to understanding and following chemical regulations. When employees know the symbols, read the labels and follow the instructions, they contribute to a safer working day.