What do chemical hazard symbols mean?

When working with chemicals, safety depends on clear communication. That’s where chemical hazard signs and symbols come in. These pictograms, classifications, and segregation rules help organisations and workers quickly identify risks and manage them effectively. At RMT Global, we simplify chemical risk management through ChemAlert, and understanding these hazard symbols is a crucial first step.

Understanding GHS Pictograms

The Globally Harmonised System (GHS) provides standard pictograms to communicate chemical hazards. These diamond-shaped symbols appear on product labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

Here’s what they mean:

• Explosive –   Substances that can explode or react violently (e.g., organic peroxides,  self-reactive substances).
• Flammable –   Materials that catch fire easily, including gases, liquids, and solids.
• Oxidising –   Chemicals that cause or intensify fire.
• Corrosive –   Substances that damage skin, eyes, or metals.
• Toxic –   Chemicals that can be deadly when inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed.
• Compressed   Gas – Gases stored under pressure, either liquefied or dissolved.
• Irritant –   Chemicals causing skin or eye irritation, respiratory issues, or narcotic  effects.
• Health   Hazard – Long-term risks such as respiratory sensitisation,  carcinogenicity, or organ damage.
• Environmental   Hazard – Chemicals that are harmful to aquatic life or the environment.

These symbols are designed to be instantly recognisable, ensuring workers take appropriate precautions before handling any chemical.

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Dangerous Goods Classifications

In addition to GHS symbols, chemicals are classified under the Dangerous Goods system for transport and storage. Each classification has its own hazard diamond.

1. Class     1 – Explosives (e.g., ANFO)
2. Class     2 – Gases (flammable, non-flammable, toxic)
3. Class     3 – Flammable Liquids (e.g., petrol)
4. Class     4 – Flammable Solids and Substances That React When Wet     (e.g., sulphur, calcium carbide)
5. Class     5 – Oxidising Substances and Organic Peroxides     (e.g., sodium nitrate, hydrogen peroxide)
6. Class     6 – Toxic & Infectious Substances (e.g., sodium cyanide,  asbestos)
7. Class     7 – Radioactive Materials (e.g., uranium)
8. Class     8 – Corrosive Substances (e.g., hydrochloric acid)
9. Class     9 – Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods.

Each class carries uniquehandling, storage, and transport requirements.

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Why segregation matters

Not all chemicals can be stored together. Improper segregation can result in dangerous reactions, such as fires, toxic gases, or explosions. These gregation notation key helps determine which classes of chemicals must be stored separately to minimise risks.

For example:

• Explosives  should always be isolated.
• Corrosives  must be stored away from flammables.
• Oxidisers  should never be stored with combustibles.

By following these guidelines, organisations can reduce the likelihood of chemical incidents.

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Making compliance easier with ChemAlert

ChemAlert, developed by RMT Global, provides instant access to Safety Data Sheets, chemical classifications, and segregation rules.

With ChemAlert, your team can:

• Instantly  identify chemical hazards.
• Access  up-to-date regulatory information.
• Implement  safe storage and segregation practices.
• Simplify compliance reporting and risk management.

Final thoughts

Chemical hazard symbols and classifications are more than just labels they’re life-saving tools. By understanding them, your workplace can prevent accidents, protect employees, and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

At RMT Global, we believe that smarter chemical management leads to safer workplaces.

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Learn more about how ChemAlert can help your organisation manage chemical risk and ask for a demostration here

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