50 Best Hazard Pictogram Resources and GHS Symbol References

When OSHA revised its Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to conform with the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS), the goal was to unify labels and classifications of chemicals. Companies must use the proper labels to comply with OSHA’s regulations, which include displaying required information and other elements on the labels themselves.
One of the label requirements is a pictogram, or GHS hazard symbol, that visually represents hazardous products. Pictograms group products according to risk level and communicate the type of risk in three categories: environmental risk, chemical/physical risk, and health risk. The nine pictograms each represent certain risks in one or more categories.
Because companies must comply with OSHA’s GHS requirements, it is essential that you understand the ins and outs of the pictograms and GHS itself.
To help you ensure compliance, and to help you prepare workers to understand the hazard pictograms and labels they come across, we have rounded up 50 of the best hazard pictogram resources and GHS label references available. Our top resource picks are from government agencies, leading companies, and other authorities and include articles, fact sheets, official documents, and several other types of information sources.
To simplify your search, we have categorized our 50 best hazard pictogram and GHS label resources and then alphabetized the resources within each category; thus, the resources are not ranked or rated in any way.
1. GHS Hazard Classification, Pt. 1: Everything You Need to Know
@ERAenvironment
ERA Environmental are experts in risk management, environmental reporting, compliance, SDS-GHS, health, and safety. The first of a three-part series on GHS Hazard Classification, this article outlines the process you need to undergo when classifying your hazardous chemicals.
Three key points from GHS Hazard Classification, Pt. 1: Everything You Need to Know:
Cost: FREE
2. GHS Labels: What They Look Like and What They Mean
@LearnAtVivid
An online safety training company, Vivid Learning Systems helps save lives in high-risk environments and makes life easier for safety professionals. Their hazard pictogram article provides an overview of the nine pictograms under the GHS and their corresponding hazards.
Three key points from GHS Labels: What They Look Like and What They Mean:
Cost: FREE
3. New Hazard Labels and Legislation
@RSC_EiC
From the Royal Society of Chemistry, Education in Chemistry magazine presents news, articles, and resources for chemistry teachers. Bob Worley’s EiC article explores the pictograms, signal word, hazard statements, and precautionary statements.
Three key points from New Hazard Labels and Legislation:
Cost: FREE
4. OSHA Adopts GHS – Now What?
@OccHealthSafety
Occupational Health & Safety magazine is a trusted source of information for safety and health professionals in the United States. Glenn Trout’s OH&S article emphasizes the need for employers to train employees on GHS formats, especially because of the new pictograms.
Three key points from OSHA Adopts GHS – Now What?:
Cost: FREE
5. OSHA and DOT Issue Joint Memorandum on Hazardous Chemicals
@JacksonLewisPC
Jackson Lewis P.C. is a law firm with attorneys in major cities across the United States serving clients in a broad range of practices and industries. One way the firm helps people is providing insight and commentary on occupational safety and health issues in their OSHA Law Blog. For example, Tressi L. Cordaro’s article covers the joint memorandum issued by OSHA and the Department of Transportation (DOT) after there was confusion about the labels required when transporting certain substances.
Three key points from OSHA and DOT Issue Joint Memorandum on Hazardous Chemicals:
Cost: FREE
6. OSHA Answers Questions About GHS Styled Labels and Blacking Out of Pictograms
@MSDSonline
MSDSonline provides on-demand environmental health and safety solutions that empower your company to manage safety compliance programs from any internet-connected computer. They address questions they have received about complying with the GHS rules, particularly the questions about labels and pictograms, in this article.
Three key points from OSHA Answers Questions About GHS Styled Labels and Blacking Out of Pictograms:
Cost: FREE
7. Understanding HAZCOM 2012 Part 3: OSHA vs. DOT Hazard Labels… Who to Follow?
Focus Systems released a three-part series to help readers understand HazCom2012. In this third part of the series, regulatory director Jack E. Shea addresses the question of DOT and OSHA label confusion.
Three key points from Understanding HAZCOM 2012 Part 3: OSHA vs. DOT Hazard Labels… Who to Follow?:
Cost: FREE
8. What GHS Hazard Communiation Labels Mean to Workers
@LabManager
Lab Manager provides lab professionals with the latest trends, innovations, and insights. This Lab Manager article centers on how GHS hazard communication labels affect workers and the responsibility employers have to ensure workers have a clear understanding of the labels and the hazards they represent.
Three key points from What GHS Hazard Communication Labels Mean to Workers:
Cost: FREE
9. Your Guide to the New Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals
@Envirox_Clean
EnvirOx provides a healthier, safer cleaning solution for people and the environment. In this article, EnvirOx provides a complete overview of GHS and its impact on chemical labeling. The article also provides helpful visuals to break down labels and explain pictograms, signal words, hazard statements, and precautionary statements.
Three key points from Your Guide to the New Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals:
10. WHMIS 2015 – Pictograms
@CCOHS
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) is Canada’s national resource for advancing workplace health and safety. Their fact sheet, WHMIS 2015 – Pictograms, alerts readers that the country has aligned the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) with the GHS and covers the new requirements.
Three key facts from WHMIS 2015 – Pictograms:
Cost: FREE
11. The 9 Hazard Communication Standard Pictograms
@BLR_EHS
BLR EHS provides comprehensive state and federal compliance information for environmental, health, and safety professionals. This general information resource provides a look at the nine hazard pictograms and the hazards they represent.
Three key facts from The 9 Hazard Communication Standard Pictograms:
Cost: FREE
12. Chemical Hazard Classification – Safety Library
@Illinois_Alma
The Division of Research Safety at the University of Illinois presents this GHS fact sheet. The document provides an overview of the new requirements as opted by OSHA, including the legal requirements, GHS label elements, GHS hazard classes, and safety data sheets (SDS).
Three key facts from Chemical Hazard Classification – Safety Library:
Cost: FREE
13. CLP Pictograms – ECHA
@EU_ECHA
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) works for the safe use of chemicals and is a regulatory agency of the European Union. This general information resource explains the switch from former regulations to the CLP Regulation for classifying and labeling hazardous chemicals and introduces the CLP pictograms that align with the GHS. It also features a humorous video that emphasizes the need to learn and understand the dangers conveyed by the pictograms.
Three key points from CLP Pictograms – ECHA:
Cost: FREE
14. Danger: Chemicals! The Hazard Pictograms Explained
@EU_OSHA
The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) makes Europe a safer, healthier, and more productive place to work. In this leaflet, available in several languages, EU-OSHA works and European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) explain the new hazard pictograms using Napo, the hero in a series of animated films introducing workplace safety and health in humorous, memorable ways. Readers will also find a link to the video that inspired the leaflet.
Three key points from Danger: Chemicals! The Hazard Pictograms Explained:
Cost: FREE
15. GHS – What You Need to Know
@SafeWorkSA
SafeWork SA is South Australia’s work health and safety and state industrial relations agency. Their GHS fact sheet reminds Australians that full implementation of GHS should have occurred by January 1, 2017, and that it replaces the Approved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances for workplaces.
Three key facts from GHS – What You Need to Know:
Cost: FREE
16. GHS and OSHA Hazard Communication Virtual Summit Frequently Asked Questions
@NSCsafety
The National Safety Council (NSC) eliminates preventable deaths at work, in homes and communities, and on the road through leadership, research, education, and advocacy. They present this information sheet, a collection of frequently asked questions and answers, upon the close of the GHS and OSHA Hazard Communication Virtual Summit.
Three key facts from GHS and OSHA Hazard Communication Virtual Summit Frequently Asked Questions:
Cost: FREE
17. GHS Pictogram Training Cheat Sheet
@EHSDailyAdv
EHS Daily Advisor provides practical environmental, health, and safety tips, news, and advice. Their hazard pictogram cheat sheet serves as a quick reference guide for employees or anyone who will come into contact with hazardous chemicals.
Three key facts from GHS Pictogram Training Cheat Sheet:
Cost: FREE
18. GHS Precedence Rules for Pictogram, Signal Words, and Hazard Statement
ChemSafetyPro.com is a group of experts working to develop original and free chemical safety and regulatory tutorials and references to help regulatory professionals and those new to the industry find chemical compliance information and safety requirements for their products and businesses. This informational resource examines rules for chemicals classified with multiple hazards.
Three key facts from GHS Precedence Rules for Pictogram, Signal Words, and Hazard Statement:
Cost: FREE
19. The Globally Harmonized System for Hazard Communication (GHS)
@usequantum
Quantum Compliance offers environmental, health, and safety compliance and sustainability software and GHS compliance services. Their guide to GHS provides a comprehensive overview of the regulations and emphasizes that all chemicals in the United States must follow the OSHA GHS standards and all companies must have converted old material safety data sheets to the new safety data sheet format.
Three key points from The Globally Harmonized System for Hazard Communication (GHS):
Cost: FREE
20. Hazard Communication Standard Pictogram
@UABNews
The University of Alabama at Birmingham is a world-renowned research university and healthcare center. Their guide to hazard pictograms includes a list of the pictograms and their associated hazards as well as a sample label to help you know how to create yours in order to comply with GHS.
Three key facts from Hazard Communication Standard Pictogram:
Cost: FREE
21. Hazard Communication Standard: Pictograms – Environmental Health & Safety
@TuftsUniversity
A student-centered research university, Tufts is committed to helping students and faculty generate bold ideas, innovate, and become active citizens. Their informational sheet provides a brief introduction to hazard pictograms and contains links to more information.
Three key points from Hazard Communication Standard: Pictograms – Environmental Health & Safety:
Cost: FREE
22. HazCom and GHS FAQs
@JJKeller
J. J. Keller & Associates offer regulatory compliance solutions to the transportation, human resources, workplace safety, construction, and Hazmat markets. They present HazCom and GHS frequently asked questions with links to more information about the revised standard, labels, safety data sheets, and training in this robust resource.
Three key points from HazCom and GHS FAQs:
Cost: FREE
23. Info Sheet #1 – Pictograms
@HazComSociety
The Society for Chemical Hazard Communication (SCHC) is a professional society committed to serving chemical hazardous communication professionals. Their informational sheet about pictograms offers a brief overview of pictograms in general and distinguishes between pictograms and symbols. It also clearly shows when pictograms and symbols are required under GHS.
Three key points from Info Sheet #1 – Pictograms:
Cost: FREE
24. The (M)SDS HyperGlossary: Pictograms
Presented by Interactive Learning Paradigms Incorporated, The (M)SDS HyperGlossary includes an in-depth look at hazard pictograms and their relationship to safety data sheets and GHS. This resource is interactive and contains links to a variety of sources and other information.
Three key facts from The (M)SDS HyperGlossary: Pictograms:
Cost: FREE
25. New Labelling for Hazardous Substances
@SussexUni
Former Technical Services Manager at the University of Sussex, Dr. Teresa Knapp presents New Labelling for Hazardous Substances, a guide to classifying, labeling, and packaging substances and mixtures in compliance with GHS. The document includes the timeline for implementation and explores the differences that arose with the adoption of GHS.
Three key points from New Labelling for Hazardous Substances:
Cost: FREE
26. P&G Professional, GHS and You
@ProcterGamble
You don’t have to be a P&G employee to benefit from this Procter & Gamble resource. The information includes background on the GHS, OSHA, safety data sheets, the Hazard Communication Standard, and GHS pictograms, and you can access links to quick overview of GHS and OSHA resources from within the resource itself.
Three key points from P&G Professional, GHS and You:
Cost: FREE
27. Pesticide Labels and GHS: Comparison and Samples
@EPA
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides this guide to the impact of GHS on pesticide labels. Currently, EPA does not require GHS for pesticide product classification and labeling and GHS hazard statements and pictograms do not appear on pesticide product labels sold and distributed in the country.
Three key points from Pesticide Labels and GHS: Comparison and Samples:
Cost: FREE
28. A Visual Guide to HazCom Pictograms, Chemical Labels, and SDS
ZING Green Products presents this guide to hazard pictograms, labels, and safety data sheets in relations to HazCom 2012. As the guide states, OSHA’s HazCom standard is integrated with the GHS and provides a universal chemical classification system. The guide serves as an overview of the standard, offers visual examples, and provides an in-depth discussion of chemical labels.
Three key points from A Visual Guide to HazCom Pictograms, Chemical Labels, and SDS:
Cost: FREE
29. When Do You Need to Comply with GHS Regulations?
@Nalco_News
An Ecolab company, Nalco Water is reinventing the way water is managed. Their guide to GHS and pictograms reminds you that you need to comply as soon as you begin using products that are classified and labeled under GHS.
Three key points from When Do You Need to Comply with GHS Regulations?:
30. Annex 3 – Codification of Hazard Statements, Codification and Use of Precautionary Statements and Examples of Precautionary Pictograms
@UNECE
The official documentation for hazard pictograms comes from the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) in the form of Annex 3. In it, you will find official definitions, descriptions, hazard statement codes, and more.
Three key policies from Annex 3 – Codification of Hazard Statements, Codification and Use of Precautionary Statements and Examples of Precautionary Pictograms:
Cost: FREE
31. OSHA Proposed Rule Changes for Hazard Communication
@USDOL
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) proposed in September 2009 to modify its Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to conform with the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). This official document states the proposal for the rule change and provides insight into the thought process behind the proposal.
Three key points from OSHA Proposed Rule Changes for Hazard Communication:
Cost: FREE
32. OSHA Publications – Globally Harmonized System (GHS)
@USDOL
A collection of official publications from OSHA, this resource includes hazard communication regarding safety data sheets, standard labels, standard pictograms, training requirements, and more. Rather than search for these publications separately, find them all here.
Three key documents from OSHA Publications – Globally Harmonized System (GHS):
33. Chemical Hazards: Comparison of New and Old Symbols
@UniOfYork
For companies or individuals working in the UK, the switch to GHS involves moving from the former Chemicals Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply (CHIP) symbols to the new Classification, Labelling, and Packaging (CLP) pictograms. This visual reference, from the University of York, provides a simple comparison of the old and new labels to help people make the transition.
Three key points from Chemical Hazards: Comparison of New and Old Symbols:
Cost: FREE
34. GHS Pictogram
ChemSafetyPro.com offers GHS Pictogram, which is a printable resource that you can download and edit as you wish for training purposes or any other use within your organization. The resource also details the various classes of physical hazards, health hazards, and environmental hazards.
Three key points from GHS Pictogram:
Cost: FREE
35. GHS Pictograms
@MSDS_Authoring
MSDS Authoring provides safety data sheet authoring and writing services. They provide GHS Pictograms as a quick visual reference for GHS label requirements.
Three key points from GHS Pictograms:
Cost: FREE
36. Hazard Communication – Pictograms
@UofNH
The University of New Hampshire is “a flagship public research university on the edge of possibility.” Their Hazard Communication – Pictograms resource is a visual reference for the hazard pictograms and provides brief information about the GHS requirements.
Three key facts from Hazard Communication – Pictograms:
Cost: FREE
37. Hazard Communication Pictograms
@USDOL
OSHA provides Hazard Communication Pictograms, a printable resource that you can download. Users also can adjust the size of each pictogram, which will remain proportional. You may use this resource for training or labeling purposes.
Three key points from Hazard Communication Pictograms:
Cost: FREE
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) works to prevent death, injury, and ill health in Great Britain’s workplaces. They also provide this visual reference to help people make the transition from the old CHIP symbols to the new GHS-aligned CLP hazard pictograms.
Three key points from Hazard Pictograms:
Cost: FREE
39. Hazard Pictograms (GHS/CLP)
@msdseurope
MSDS – Europe prepares, translates, and adapts safety data sheets in addition to providing REACH and GHS/CLP services. Their printable resource, Hazard Pictograms (GHS/CLP), makes the pictogram available for download in GIF, EPS, or TIF form.
Three key facts from Hazard Pictograms (GHS/CLP):
Cost: FREE
40. OSHA QUICKCARD: Hazard Communication Standard Pictogram
@USDOL
OSHA offers quickcards as references for several of their policies and regulations. This quickcard defines hazard pictograms and lists the requirements of them to comply with the Hazard Communication Standards.
Three key points from OSHA QUICKCARD: Hazard Communication Standard Pictogram:
Cost: FREE
41. WHMIS 2015 and the New GHS Hazard Pictograms
@chemscapesafety
Chemscape develops innovative technologies across the chemical safety landscape to elevate an organization’s occupational health standards. Their visual hazard pictogram reference explains Canada’s Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), the national hazard communication standard, in relation to the GHS hazard pictograms.
Three key points from WHMIS 2015 and the New GHS Hazard Pictograms:
42. GHS Hazcom for Employees
@eduwhere
Eduwhere offers online compliance training that you can participate in anytime, anywhere. Their GHS Hazcom for Employees course helps protect workers who are exposed to hazardous chemicals.
Key Features:
Cost: $29
43. GHS Labeling: A Global Survey
Chemical Safety Consulting has decades of experience in managing sustainability, best practices in health, safety, and environmental policy, and product stewardship. Christine Lepisto’s Chemical Safety Consulting presentation on GHS labeling examines labels in Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Americas.
Three key facts from GHS Labeling: A Global Survey:
Cost: FREE
44. GHS PowerPoint – Hazard Communication
From Querbes & Nelson, a risk management firm, the GHS PowerPoint – Hazard Communication presentation is part of a training covering the basics of the changes to the Hazard Communication Standard. The presentation encourages workers who come into contact with hazardous chemicals to undergo training to improve workplace safety.
Three key points from GHS PowerPoint – Hazard Communication:
Cost: FREE
45. Hazard Communication: New GHS
@CLYMtraining
CLYM Training, a division of Clym Environmental Services, LLC, is an online safety compliance solution for OSHA’s revised HazCom Standard. They offer engaging, focused compliance training for a variety of environmental, health, and safety topics, such as the Hazard Communication: New GHS course.
Key Features:
Cost: $10
46. Hazard Communication: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200
@maine_labor
SafetyWorks! helps Maine workers prevent work-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths while reducing related costs. They specialize in practical solutions to improve the health and safety of workplaces, which is why they share this presentation on OSHA Hazard Communication. The presentation provides background on the switch to the GHS, an introduction to the changes the switch brings about, and the new label requirements and hazard pictograms.
Three key points from Hazard Communication: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200:
Cost: FREE
47. Introducing the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) to Victorian Workplaces
@WorkSafe_Vic
WorkSafe Victoria works to deliver outstanding workplace safety and ensure Victorian workers return home safe each day. Their GHS presentation is designed to help workplaces ensure they are ready for GHS implementation.
Three key points from Introducing the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) to Victorian Workplaces:
Cost: FREE
48. Labeling Requirements Under the New OSHA Global Harmonization Standard
Compliance Services International (CSI), a leading regulatory consultancy, provides innovative solutions for organizations faced with regulatory and environmental challenges. Dr. Rob Harrington’s OSHA GHS labeling presentation provides an in-depth look at the GHS and the requirements for labels, classifications, and employee training.
Three key facts from Labeling Requirements Under the New OSHA Global Harmonization Standard:
Cost: FREE
49. New Supplement to Hazard Communication Training – The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS)
@Stockton_edu
Stockton University, known as New Jersey’s distinctive public university, is among the top 10 Public Regional Universities in the North for 2018 according to U.S. News and World Report. They also have made available their GHS classification and labeling presentation, which could be used as a training resource by another institution or organization.
Three key points from New Supplement to Hazard Communication Training – The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS):
Cost: FREE
50. What You Really Need to Know About GHS: A Practical Guide to Navigating the MSDS to SDS Transition
@HSI_Brands
The Health & Safety Institute family of companies includes SafeTec. They offer several GHS resources, including this white paper that serves as a guide to navigating the 2012 HazCom Standard, new labeling criteria, and transition from MSDS to SDS.
Three key points from What You Really Need to Know About GHS: A Practical Guide to Navigating the MSDS to SDS Transition:
Cost: FREE with email registration
Our sales engineers are experts in automatic asset tracking, tagging and identification,a nd can answer all your questions. Get in touch now.
Lets Talk ›Enter your information and get a free guide of the key design considerations applicable to industrial control panel design, including schematics, relevant regulatory standards, and design considerations relating to every facet of effective control panel design for industrial equipment and machinery.