GHS Hazard Labeling - What Do the Symbols Mean?
GHS labeling makes chemical hazards recognisable at a glance. This guide explains the 9 pictograms, the signal word, the H and P statements and how to label workplace containers correctly under the CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008.
View labeling rangeWhat do the GHS pictograms mean?
GHS pictograms are red-bordered diamonds (a square on its point) with a black symbol on a white background. The Globally Harmonised System (GHS) of the UN is implemented in the EU through the CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008. There are 9 pictograms in total, covering physical hazards, health hazards and environmental hazards.
Each pictogram carries a code from GHS01 to GHS09. A label shows only the symbols that actually match the assigned classification - often two or three. The diamond fully replaces the old orange square hazard symbols.
What do H and P statements stand for?
H and P statements are standardised text blocks with fixed wording. The H statements (hazard statements) describe the nature of the hazard, the P statements (precautionary statements) name protective measures. The same code always maps to the same statement across the EU, regardless of the label language.
- H200-H299: physical hazards (e.g. H225 highly flammable liquid).
- H300-H399: health hazards (e.g. H314 causes severe skin burns).
- H400-H499: environmental hazards (e.g. H410 toxic to aquatic life).
- P100-P199: general; P200 prevention; P300 response; P400 storage; P500 disposal.
- EUH statements: supplementary EU-specific notes (e.g. EUH208 may cause an allergic reaction).
Which PPE the H and P statements for your substances actually require.
Read the guideHow do I label workplace containers correctly?
The supplier label from the manufacturer must stay complete, legible and durable on the container. When a substance is decanted, the new vessel must also be labelled - a minimum label with product identity, pictogram and signal word is mandatory as soon as the container leaves the immediate work area or is not used up right away.
- Keep the safety data sheet (SDS) at hand and cross-check it against the label.
- Replace damaged or illegible labels immediately.
- Label standpipes and piping additionally per your in-house scheme.
- Instruct staff on the meaning of the symbols (operating instructions).
Frequently asked questions
How many GHS pictograms are there?
There are 9 pictograms (GHS01 to GHS09) covering physical, health and environmental hazards. A label shows only the symbols that actually apply to the substance.
What is the difference between Danger and Warning?
Both are signal words. Danger marks the more severe hazard categories, Warning the less severe ones. Only the higher-ranking signal word appears on any single label.
Do I have to label decanted containers?
Yes. As soon as a vessel leaves the immediate work area or is not used up straight away, it needs at least product identity, pictogram and signal word. Never use food containers for decanting.
Where do I find the full H and P statements?
The complete wording is in the safety data sheet (sections 2 and 16) and in the annex to the CLP Regulation. The label shows the statements assigned to the substance in plain text.
Label containers to standard?
We supply GHS labels, hazardous-substance marking systems and matching PPE - compliant with the CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008.
CLP compliant
Labels per Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008.
Clearly recognisable
All 9 GHS pictograms to standard.
Safe at work
From labeling to the right PPE.
Expert advice
Specialists support classification and labels.