GHS symbols are standardised hazard pictograms used to communicate the physical, health and environmental hazards of chemicals. They help workers quickly recognise the type of risk associated with a hazardous chemical before handling, storing or using it.

Australia uses the 7th Revised Edition of the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS 7). Since 1 January 2023, GHS 7 has been required for newly manufactured or imported hazardous chemicals in Australia.

There are nine GHS hazard pictograms. Understanding what each one means is useful for workplaces such as warehouses, laboratories, workshops, manufacturing facilities, farms and chemical storage areas.

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What Are the 9 GHS Hazard Pictograms?

Each GHS pictogram represents a particular group of chemical hazards. The symbol provides quick visual recognition, while the chemical label and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provide more detailed information about the hazard and the required precautions.

Safe Work Australia identifies these nine pictograms as representing physical, health and environmental chemical hazards.

A chemical may display more than one pictogram if it has multiple classified hazards. For example, a chemical can be both flammable and harmful to health.

Which GHS Symbols Are Commonly Confused?

Some GHS symbols look similar but communicate different hazards. Understanding these differences is more useful than simply memorising the nine images.

Flame vs. Flame Over Circle

The Flame pictogram (GHS02) identifies flammable hazards.

The Flame Over Circle pictogram (GHS03) identifies oxidising hazards. Oxidisers can cause or intensify a fire even though they are not necessarily flammable in the same way as a fuel.

This distinction matters when chemicals are stored near combustible or incompatible materials.

Skull and Crossbones vs Exclamation Mark

The Skull and Crossbones (GHS06) is associated with acute toxicity classifications involving serious toxic effects.

The Exclamation Mark (GHS07) can identify hazards such as irritation, skin sensitisation or harmful exposure.

An exclamation mark should therefore not be interpreted as meaning the chemical is harmless. It still communicates a recognised hazard.

Exclamation Mark vs. Health Hazard

These are also easy to confuse.

The Exclamation Mark commonly covers effects such as irritation and certain harmful exposures.

The Health Hazard pictogram (GHS08) can represent more serious or longer-term effects such as carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity, respiratory sensitisation and specific organ hazards.

Some chemicals require both pictograms because they present different types of health risks. Safe Work Australia's Hazardous Chemicals Information System contains examples where GHS07 and GHS08 appear together.

What Else Appears on a GHS Chemical Label?

A pictogram is only one part of GHS hazard communication.

Depending on the classification, a hazardous chemical label may also include:

• the product identifier,
• hazard pictograms,
• a Danger or Warning signal word,
• hazard statements,
• precautionary statements,
• supplier information, and
• other information required by applicable labelling rules.

The pictogram shows the broad type of hazard. The accompanying wording explains what the hazard actually is and what precautions may be necessary.

For this reason, workers should not rely on a symbol alone when deciding how to handle a chemical.

Read the label and current SDS together, particularly when determining storage, PPE, first aid, spill response, or exposure-control requirements.

GHS Symbols vs Hazchem Placards vs Dangerous Goods Labels

One of the biggest sources of confusion in chemical signage is assuming that every chemical hazard symbol performs the same job.

It does not.

Are GHS Symbols the Same as Hazchem Placards?

No. Safe Work Australia states that workplaces storing hazardous chemicals above the relevant placard quantity may require prescribed placards. These use particular formats and Dangerous Goods class labels.

Importantly, GHS pictograms must not be used as substitutes for required hazardous-chemical placards.

For example, an external warning placard displaying HAZCHEM has a different purpose from the pictograms shown on a chemical container.

A GHS pictogram tells users about the chemical's classified hazard.

A required storage placard communicates information about hazardous chemicals stored at the workplace, including details relevant to emergency services.

Are GHS Symbols the Same as Dangerous Goods Labels?

Not exactly. The Australian Dangerous Goods Code applies to the transport of dangerous goods by road and rail. Safe Work Australia explains that, in certain workplace-labelling situations, an ADG class label may substitute for a corresponding GHS pictogram when they represent the same hazard.

However, a GHS pictogram and an ADG class label should generally not both be used to represent the same hazard on the same workplace chemical label.

Choose hazard identification according to the chemical, its classification and the context in which the information is being displayed.

Where Are GHS Signs and Labels Used?

GHS pictograms are primarily used to communicate chemical hazards on hazardous chemical labels. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) provide more detailed information about the chemical's hazards, handling, storage and emergency measures.

Typical environments for GHS signs include:

• chemical storage areas,
• warehouses,
• manufacturing plants,
• laboratories,
• workshops,
• maintenance facilities,
• agricultural workplaces,
• cleaning chemical areas,
• industrial processing facilities, and
• chemical handling or decanting locations.

Supplementary workplace signage can help workers recognise a hazard before approaching an area, but it should not be assumed to replace required chemical labels or prescribed placards.

Safe Work Australia notes that safety signs can form part of hazardous-chemical risk control and should be clearly visible to people approaching the hazard. Separate requirements apply where statutory placarding is required.

How Do You Know Which GHS Symbol to Use?

The correct GHS pictogram is determined by the chemical's hazard classification.

Do not select a symbol simply because it appears appropriate.

Manufacturers and importers classify hazardous chemicals according to GHS requirements, and that classification determines the pictograms, signal words and hazard statements that apply. Australia currently uses the 7th Revised Edition of the Globally Harmonised System (GHS 7) to classify and label hazardous chemicals.

Before selecting chemical hazard identification, check:

1. The chemical label – identify the pictograms and hazard statements already assigned to the product.
2. The current Safety Data Sheet – check classification, handling, storage, PPE and emergency information.
3. The purpose of the sign or label – container identification, workplace warning and statutory placarding are different functions.
4. Applicable workplace requirements – requirements may vary depending on the chemical, quantity, location and jurisdiction.

Do not add extra GHS symbols simply because they make a sign appear more cautious.

Correct hazard identification is more useful than displaying more hazard symbols.

Common GHS Signage Mistakes to Avoid

Several mistakes can reduce the clarity of workplace chemical hazard communication.

1. Using the Wrong Pictogram

Choose symbols based on the chemical's actual classification rather than its product name or how dangerous it appears.

2. Treating the Exclamation Mark as a Minor Hazard

GHS07 still communicates a genuine health hazard. Workers should check the accompanying hazard statements instead of judging risk by the symbol's appearance.

3. Using Only the Symbol

A pictogram provides rapid recognition but cannot communicate every handling, storage or emergency requirement.

Always refer to the chemical label and SDS where detailed safety information is required.

4. Confusing GHS Signs With Hazchem Placards

A large GHS pictogram is not automatically a compliant hazardous-chemical storage placard. Safe Work Australia specifically states that GHS pictograms must not be used for placarding.

5. Assuming One Chemical Can Have Only One Symbol

A chemical can have several hazard classifications and therefore require multiple pictograms.

For example, Safe Work Australia's HCIS lists xylene with the Flame, Exclamation Mark and Health Hazard pictograms because it has multiple classified hazards.

Choosing GHS Signs and Labels for Your Workplace

Start with the chemical and hazard information already available.

For individual chemical containers:
Check the required GHS label information and the chemical's current SDS.

For chemical work or storage areas:
Use appropriate workplace hazard signage where additional visual communication will help workers recognise the hazard.

For hazardous chemical storage requiring placarding:
Use the prescribed placard appropriate to the storage arrangement rather than substituting a GHS pictogram.

For dangerous goods being transported:
Refer to the applicable dangerous-goods transport requirements and ADG class labels.

This approach keeps each form of hazard communication in its proper context.

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Clear GHS Identification Supports Safer Chemical Workplaces

The nine GHS pictograms provide a consistent visual system for identifying chemical hazards, from flammable and corrosive substances to acute toxicity and serious long-term health risks.

For Australian workplaces, the most important point is not simply memorising each symbol. It is understanding what the symbol represents and how it fits with the chemical label, Safety Data Sheet, workplace signage and any required placarding.

K2K Signs Australia supplies GHS signs and GHS label rolls for workplace chemical hazard identification, along with Hazchem signs and related safety signage for industrial and commercial environments.

Explore the relevant GHS signs and labels to help communicate chemical hazards clearly throughout your workplace.