View source for Hazard symbol

{{Short description|Warning symbol on locations or products}}{{Cleanup|reason=This article is mostly covering the hazard signs on substances and should be more specific and renamed|date=August 2024}}
{{Other uses|Warning Sign (disambiguation)}}
{{Redirect|Danger of death|other uses|Near-death (disambiguation)}}
[[File:GHS-pictogram-skull.svg|thumb|[[Skull and crossbones (poison)|Skull and crossbones]], a common symbol for poison and other sources of [[Death|lethal danger]] ([[GHS hazard pictograms]])]]

'''Hazard symbols''' are universally recognized [[Symbol|symbols]] designed to alert individuals to the presence of [[Hazard|hazardous]] or dangerous materials, locations, or conditions. These include risks associated with [[Electromagnetic field|electromagnetic fields]], [[Electrical injury|electric currents]], toxic chemicals, [[Explosive|explosive substances]], and [[Radioactivity|radioactive materials]]. Their design and use are often governed by laws and standards organizations to ensure clarity and consistency. Hazard symbols may vary in color, background, borders, or accompanying text to indicate specific dangers and levels of risk, such as toxicity classes. These symbols provide a quick, universally understandable visual warning that transcends language barriers, making them more effective than text-based warnings in many situations.

== List of standardized hazard symbol systems ==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Standard
!Warning
!Scope
!Audience
!State
|-
|[[ISO 7010#Warning|ISO 7010 warning symbols]]
|[[File:ISO 7010 W021.svg|50x50px|Warning]]
|General purpose warning symbols
|The general public
|Currently used
|-
|[[GHS hazard pictograms]]
|[[File:GHS-pictogram-flamme.svg|50x50px|Warning]]
|The labelling of containers and for workplace hazard warnings, and for use during the transport of dangerous goods
|The general public, the workplace, and material transport personnel
|Currently used
|-
|[[Directive 67/548/EEC|EU Directive 67/548/EEC]]
|[[File:Hazard F.svg|50x50px|Warning]]
|The labelling of containers in the EU, used until 2017
|Mixtures of chemicals that are ''placed on the market'' in the [[European Union]]
|No longer used
|-
|[[Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System|WHMIS 1988]]
|[[File:WHMIS Class B.svg|50x50px|Warning]]
|Workplace hazard warnings used in Canada, mostly replaced by [[GHS hazard pictograms|GHS]] as of 2018
|Workplace Hazards in Canada
|No longer used, except biological hazard symbol
|}

==Examples of common symbols==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Warning !! [[ISO 7010]] !! '''[[ANSI Z535]] ('''United States){{efn|United States legislation and standards typically do not prescribe exact symbol designs. Designs can vary from those shown.}}
|-
| General warning sign
|[[File:ISO 7010 W001.svg|50x50px|alt=ISO 7010 W001]]
|{{N/A}}
|-
| Flammable material
|[[File:ISO 7010 W021.svg|50x50px|alt=ISO 7010 W021]]
|[[File:ANSI Z535 - Flammable Symbol.svg|50x50px|alt=USA flammable]]
|-
| Explosive materials
|[[File:ISO 7010 W002.svg|50x50px|alt=ISO 7010 W002]]
|[[File:USBM 1983 - Explosion Hazard - No Surround Shape.svg|50x50px|alt=USA explosion hazard]]
|-
| Toxic material
|[[File:ISO 7010 W016.svg|50x50px|alt=ISO 7010 W016]]
|[[File:Skull and Crossbones.svg|50x50px|alt=Poison]]
|-
| Corrosive substance
|[[File:ISO 7010 W023.svg|50x50px|alt=ISO 7010 W023]]
|[[File:ANSI Z535 - Figure A20, Caustic.svg|50x50px|alt=USA corrosive material]]
|-
| Electricity hazard
|[[File:ISO 7010 W012.svg|50x50px|alt=ISO 7010 W012]]
|[[File:ANSI Z535 - Electric Shock - Hand Symbol.svg|50x50px|alt=USA electric shock]]
|-
| Radioactive material or ionizing radiation
|[[File:ISO 7010 W003.svg|50x50px|alt=ISO 7010 W003]]
|[[File:Radiation warning symbol-US.svg|50x50px|alt=USA radiation hazard]]
|-
| Biological hazard
|[[File:ISO 7010 W009.svg|50x50px|alt=ISO 7010 W009]]
|[[File:Biohazard symbol.svg|50x50px|alt=US ANSI Biohazard Symbol]]
|-
| Floor-level obstacle
|[[File:ISO 7010 W007.svg|50x50px|alt=ISO 7010 W007]]
|[[File:NBS 1983 - Trip - No Surround Shape.svg|50x50px]]
|-
| Drop or fall hazard
|[[File:ISO 7010 W008.svg|50x50px|alt=ISO 7010 W008]]
|[[File:NBS 1983 - Fall - No Surround Shape.svg|50x50px]]
|-
| Slippery surface
|[[File:ISO 7010 W011.svg|50x50px|alt=ISO 7010 W011]]
|[[File:United States slip safety symbol.svg|50x50px]]
|}


Tape with yellow and black diagonal stripes is commonly used as a generic hazard warning.  This can be in the form of [[barricade tape]], or as a self-adhesive tape for marking floor areas and the like.  In some regions (for instance the UK)<ref>[https://www.cablejoints.co.uk/upload/E.ON___Electricity_Cable_Ducts,_Guidance_Notes.pdf "Notes of guidance for the use of electricity cable ducts"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210235323/https://www.cablejoints.co.uk/upload/E.ON___Electricity_Cable_Ducts,_Guidance_Notes.pdf |date=2022-02-10 }}, [[E.ON]] Central Networks, retrieved and archived 25 December 2021.</ref> yellow tape is buried a certain distance above buried electrical cables to warn future [[groundworker]]s of the hazard.

==Generic warning symbol==
{{further|Warning sign}}
[[File:Vienna Convention road sign Aa-32-V1.svg|thumb|upright 0.75|Generic warning symbol<br />(Background color varies) |alt=exclamation mark in a triangle]]

On roadside warning signs, an [[exclamation mark]] is often used to draw attention to a generic warning of danger, hazards, and the unexpected. In Europe and elsewhere in the world (except North America and Australia), this type of sign is used if there are no more-specific signs to denote a particular hazard.<ref>{{cite web |title=Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals  |date=2006 |url=https://unece.org/DAM/trans/conventn/Conv_road_signs_2006v_EN.pdf | page=50 |publisher=[[United Nations Economic Commission for Europe]] (UNECE)}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Consolidated resolution on road signs and signals |date=2010 |url=https://unece.org/DAM/trans/roadsafe/publications/docs/Consolidated_Resolution_on_Road_Traffic_RE2_e.pdf |page=15 |publisher=UNECE |access-date=2023-05-01 |archive-date=2023-05-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230501095842/https://unece.org/DAM/trans/roadsafe/publications/docs/Consolidated_Resolution_on_Road_Traffic_RE2_e.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> When used for traffic signs, it is accompanied by a supplementary sign describing the hazard, usually mounted under the exclamation mark.

This symbol has also been more widely adopted for generic use in many other contexts not associated with road traffic. It often appears on hazardous equipment, in instruction manuals to draw attention to a precaution, on tram/train blind spot warning stickers and on natural disaster (earthquake, tsunami, hurricane, volcanic eruption) preparedness posters/brochures&mdash;as an alternative when a more-specific warning symbol is not available.

==Poison symbol==
{{Main|Skull and crossbones (poison)}}
{{Infobox symbol
|mark=☠
|unicode= {{unichar|2620|skull and crossbones|html=}}
}}
The skull-and-crossbones symbol, consisting of a [[human skull]] and two bones crossed together behind the skull, is today generally used as a warning of danger of [[death]], particularly in regard to [[poison]]ous substances.

The symbol, or some variation thereof, specifically with the bones (or swords) below the skull, was also featured on the [[Jolly Roger]], the traditional [[flag]] of European and American seagoing [[pirate]]s. It is also part of the Canadian [[Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System|WHMIS]] home symbols placed on containers to warn that the contents are poisonous.

In the United States, due to concerns that the skull-and-crossbones symbol's association with pirates might encourage children to play with toxic materials, the [[Mr. Yuk]] symbol is also used to denote poison.

This symbol has also been more widely adopted for generic use in many other contexts not associated with poisonous materials. It used for denoting number of dead victims caused by natural disasters (e.g. earthquakes) or armed conflicts on event infographics.

==Ionizing radiation symbol==
<!-- This section is linked from [[Trefoil]] and [[Ionizing radiation symbol]] -->
{{see also|Radiation hazard warning signs|ISO 21482}}
{{anchor|ISO 21482|Radioactive sign}}
{{Infobox symbol
|mark=☢
|name=Radioactive sign
|unicode= {{unichar|2622|radioactive sign|html= }} 
}}
The '''international radiation symbol''' is a [[trefoil]] around a small central circle representing radiation from an atom. It first appeared in 1946 at the [[Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory|University of California, Berkeley Radiation Laboratory]].<ref name="Origin of the Radiation Warning Symbol (Trefoil)">{{Cite web|title=Origin of the Radiation Warning Symbol (Trefoil)|url=https://www.orau.org/health-physics-museum/articles/radiation-warning-symbol.html|access-date=6 November 2021|website=Museum of Radiation and Radioactivity|language=en|quote=The three-bladed radiation warning symbol, as we currently know it, was "doodled" out at the University of California Radiation Laboratory in Berkeley sometime in 1946 by a small group of people.|archive-date=1 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401010038/https://www.orau.org/health-physics-museum/articles/radiation-warning-symbol.html|url-status=live}}</ref> At the time, it was rendered as [[magenta]], and was set on a [[blue]] background. The shade of magenta used (Martin Senour Roman Violet No. 2225) was chosen because it was expensive and less likely to be used on other signs.<ref name="trefoil history">{{cite web |last1=Lodding |first1=Linda |title=A Symbolic History |url=https://www.iaea.org/sites/default/files/publications/magazines/bulletin/bull48-2/48202087072.pdf |website=iaea.org |publisher=International Atomic Energy Agency |access-date=25 May 2023 |page=3 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150501094533/https://www.iaea.org/sites/default/files/publications/magazines/bulletin/bull48-2/48202087072.pdf |archive-date=1 May 2015 |language=English |date=March 2007}}</ref>  However, a blue background for other signs started to be used extensively.  Blue was typically used on information signs and the color tended to fade with weathering.  This resulted in the background being changed on the radiation hazard sign.<ref name=ORAU/>  The original version used in the United States is magenta against a yellow background, and it is drawn with a central circle of radius ''R'', an internal radius of 1.5''R'' and an external radius of 5''R'' for the blades, which are separated from each other by 60°. The trefoil is black in the international version, which is also used in the United States.<ref name="Biohazard and radioactive symbol, design and proportions">{{Cite web|url=http://www.michigan.gov/documents/CIS_WSH_part476_54539_7.pdf |title=Biohazard and radioactive symbol, design and proportions |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231181252/http://www.michigan.gov/documents/CIS_WSH_part476_54539_7.pdf |archive-date=December 31, 2013 }}</ref>

The symbol was adopted as a standard in the US by [[ANSI]] in 1969.<ref name=ORAU/><ref>[https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML0037/ML003739429.pdf "Regulatory Guide 8.1: Radiation Symbol"], US Atomic Energy Commission, 2 February 1973.</ref>  It was first documented as an international symbol in 1963 in [[International Organization for Standardization]] (ISO) recommendation R.361.<ref>Sophie J. Chumas, ''Index of International Standards'', p. 144, National Bureau of Standards, 1974 {{oclc|926741055}}.</ref>  In 1974, after approval by national standards bodies, the symbol became an [[international standard]] as '''ISO 361''' ''Basic ionizing radiation symbol''.<ref name = iso>[https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:std:iso:361:ed-1:v1:en ISO 361:1975(en): ''Basic ionizing radiation symbol'' (Foreword)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617031837/https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:std:iso:361:ed-1:v1:en |date=2016-06-17 }}, www.iso.org, retrieved 25 December 2021.</ref> The standard specifies the shape, proportions, application and restrictions on the use of the symbol.  It may be used to signify the actual or potential presence of ionizing radiation. It is not used for non-ionizing electromagnetic waves or sound waves. The standard does not specify the radiation levels at which it is to be used.<ref name = iso/>

The sign is commonly referred to as a [[radioactivity]] warning sign, but it is actually a warning sign of [[ionizing radiation]]. Ionizing radiation is a much broader category than radioactivity alone, as many non-radioactive sources also emit potentially dangerous levels of ionizing radiation. This includes x-ray apparatus, radiotherapy linear accelerators, and particle accelerators. [[Non-ionizing radiation]] can also reach potentially dangerous levels, but this warning sign is different from the trefoil ionizing radiation warning symbol.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.carexcanada.ca/en/ionizing_radiation/|title=Ionizing Radiation Profile|publisher=CAREX Canada|access-date=|archive-date=2015-12-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222110040/http://www.carexcanada.ca/en/ionizing_radiation/|url-status=live}}</ref>  The sign is not to be confused with the [[fallout shelter]] identification sign introduced by the [[Office of Civil Defense]] in 1961.  This was originally intended to be the same as the radiation hazard symbol but was changed to a slightly different symbol because shelters are a place of safety, not of hazard.<ref name=ORAU>[https://www.orau.org/health-physics-museum/articles/radiation-warning-symbol.html "Radiation Warning Symbol (Trefoil)"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401010038/https://www.orau.org/health-physics-museum/articles/radiation-warning-symbol.html |date=2022-04-01 }}, Museum of Radiation and Radioactivity, [[Oak Ridge Associated Universities]], accessed and archived 25 December 2021.</ref><ref>[https://www.orau.org/health-physics-museum/collection/civil-defense/miscellaneous/fallout.html "Civil Defense Fallout Shelter Sign (ca. 1960s)"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220108065719/https://www.orau.org/health-physics-museum/collection/civil-defense/miscellaneous/fallout.html |date=2022-01-08 }}, Museum of Radiation and Radioactivity, [[Oak Ridge Associated Universities]], accessed and archived 25 December 2021.</ref>

On February 15, 2007, two groups—the [[International Atomic Energy Agency]] (IAEA) and the [[International Organization for Standardization]] (ISO)—jointly announced the adoption of a new ionizing radiation warning symbol to supplement the traditional trefoil symbol. The new symbol, to be used on sealed radiation sources, is aimed at alerting anyone, anywhere to the danger of being close to a strong source of ionizing radiation.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.iaea.org/NewsCenter/News/2007/radiationsymbol.html |title=New Symbol Launched to Warn Public About Radiation Dangers |date=15 February 2007 |access-date=2007-02-15 |archive-date=2007-02-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070217075115/http://www.iaea.org/NewsCenter/News/2007/radiationsymbol.html |url-status=live }} This symbol is included in ISO 21482:2007.</ref> It depicts, on a red background, a black trefoil with waves of radiation streaming from it, along with a black [[Skull and crossbones (poison)|skull and crossbones]], and a running figure with an arrow pointing away from the scene. The radiating trefoil suggests the presence of radiation, while the red background and the skull and crossbones warn of danger. The figure running away from the scene is meant to suggest taking action to avoid the labeled material. The new symbol is not intended to be generally visible, but rather to appear on internal components of devices that house radiation sources so that if anybody attempts to disassemble such devices they will see an explicit warning not to proceed any further.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iaea.org/NewsCenter/News/2007/radiationsymbol.html|title=New Symbol Launched to Warn Public About Radiation Dangers|work=IAEA|date=15 February 2007|access-date=2010-12-20|archive-date=2007-02-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070217075115/http://www.iaea.org/NewsCenter/News/2007/radiationsymbol.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Jun262007/snt200706259363.asp|work=Deccan Herald |title= Drop it|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090210212755/http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Jun262007/snt200706259363.asp|archive-date=2009-02-10|date = 26 June 2007}}</ref>

<gallery class="center" heights="80" widths="80">
Image:Radiation warning symbol.svg|alt=International radioactive trefoil|ISO{{nbsp}}361 International ionizing radiation trefoil symbol
Image:Radiation warning symbol specifications.svg|alt=International radioactive trefoil specifications|Radioactive symbol with specifications
Image:Radiation warning symbol-US.svg|alt=US radioactive trefoil|Yellow and magenta ionizing radiation trefoil used in the US
Image:Radioactive Symbol 1946.svg|alt=Early radioactive trefoil from 1946|Early ionizing radiation symbol (1946)
Image:Logo iso radiation.svg|alt= ISO 21482 radiation symbol|[[ISO 21482]] high-level sealed-source ionizing radiation symbol

</gallery>

==Biohazard symbol==
{{Main|Biological hazard}}
<!-- This section is linked from [[Trefoil]] -->
{{anchor|Biohazard sign}}
{{Infobox symbol
|mark=☣
|unicode= {{unichar|2623|biohazard sign|html= |nlink = Biological hazard}}
}}

The '''biohazard symbol''' is used in the labeling of biological materials that carry a significant health risk, including viral and bacteriological samples, including infected dressings and used [[hypodermic needles]] (see [[sharps waste]]).<ref name=BiohazardScience />

===History===
The biohazard symbol was developed in 1966 by [[Dow Chemical Company#Notable employees|Charles Baldwin]], an environmental-health engineer working for the [[Dow Chemical Company]] on their containment products.<ref name="waterloo">{{Cite web|url=http://www.hms.harvard.edu/orsp/coms/BiosafetyResources/History-of-Biohazard-Symbol.htm|title=Biohazard Symbol History|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716160837/http://www.hms.harvard.edu/orsp/coms/BiosafetyResources/History-of-Biohazard-Symbol.htm|archive-date=July 16, 2011}}</ref>

According to Baldwin, who was assigned by Dow to its development: "We wanted something that was memorable but meaningless, so we could educate people as to what it means." In an article in ''[[Science (journal)|Science]]'' in 1967, the symbol was presented as the new standard for all biological hazards ("biohazards"). The article explained that over 40 symbols were drawn up by Dow's artists, and all of the symbols investigated had to meet a number of criteria: "(i) striking in form in order to draw immediate attention; (ii) unique and unambiguous, in order not to be confused with symbols used for other purposes; (iii) quickly recognizable and easily recalled; (iv) easily stenciled; (v) symmetrical, in order to appear identical from all angles of approach; and (vi) acceptable to groups of varying ethnic backgrounds." The chosen scored the best on nationwide testing for uniqueness and memorability.<ref name=BiohazardScience>{{cite journal|last=Baldwin|first=CL|author2=Runkle, RS|title=Biohazards symbol: development of a biological hazards warning signal.|journal=Science|date=Oct 13, 1967|volume=158|issue=3798|pages=264–5|doi=10.1126/science.158.3798.264|url=http://mabsa.org/docs/1967-10-13-science-paper-biohazard-symbol.pdf|accessdate=27 October 2014|pmid=6053882|bibcode=1967Sci...158..264B|s2cid=38466300}}</ref>

===Geometry===
[[File:Biohazard Symbol Specification.svg|thumb|alt=The Biohazard Symbol with dimensions|The Biohazard Symbol with dimensions]]
All parts of the biohazard sign can be drawn with a [[compass and straightedge]]. The basic outline of the symbol is a plain [[trefoil]], which is three circles overlapping each other equally like in a triple [[Venn diagram]] with the overlapping parts erased. The [[diameters|diameter]] of the overlapping part is equal to half the [[radii|radius]] of the three circles. Then three inner circles are drawn in with {{frac|2|3}} radius of the original circles so that it is [[tangent]] to the outside three overlapping circles. A tiny circle in center has a [[diameter]] {{frac|1|2}} of the radius of the three inner circles, and [[Arc (geometry)|arcs]] are erased at 90°, 210°, and 330°. The arcs of the inner circles and the tiny circle are connected by a line. Finally, the ring under is drawn from the distance to the [[perimeter]] of the [[equilateral triangle]] that forms between the centers of the three intersecting circles. An outer circle of the ring under is drawn and finally enclosed with the arcs from the center of the inner circles with a shorter radius from the inner circles.<ref name="Biohazard and radioactive symbol, design and proportions"/>

==Chemical symbols==
A '''chemical hazard symbol''' is a [[pictogram]] applied to containers and storage areas of dangerous [[chemical compound]]s to indicate the specific hazard, and thus the required precautions. There are several systems of labels, depending on the purpose, such as on the container for transportation, containers for end-use, or on a vehicle during transportation.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! rowspan=2 | Hazard !! [[Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals|GHS]]{{efn|Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals<ref>{{GHS2021|ref=noref|annex=3}}</ref>}} !! [[ISO 7010]]<ref name="ISO 7010">{{cite web |last1=International Organization for Standardization |author-link1=International Organization for Standardization |date=June 2011 |title=ISO 7010:2011 - Graphical symbols — Safety colours and safety signs — Registered safety signs |url=https://www.iso.org/standard/54432.html |access-date=8 June 2024 |archive-date=9 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240409022323/https://www.iso.org/standard/54432.html |url-status=live }}</ref> !! European Union<br> [[Directive 92/58/EEC]]<ref name="Directive 92/58/EEC">{{cite journal |title=Council Directive 92/58/EEC of 24 June 1992 on the minimum requirements for the provision of safety and/or health signs at work (ninth individual Directive within the meaning of Article 16 (1) of Directive 89/391/EEC) |journal=Official Journal of the European Communities |date=26 August 1992 |volume=35 |pages=23–42 |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L:1992:245:TOC |access-date=22 August 2023 |archive-date=22 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822193939/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L:1992:245:TOC |url-status=live }}</ref> !! European Union<br> [[Directive 67/548/EEC]]<ref name="67/548/EEC">[http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2001:225:0001:0333:EN:PDF Commission Directive 2001/59/EC of 6 August 2001 adapting to technical progress for the 28th time Council Directive 67/548/EEC on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous substances.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521130212/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2001:225:0001:0333:EN:PDF |date=21 May 2013 }} ''[[Official Journal of the European Communities|OJEC]]'' L225, 21 August 2001, pp. 1–333.</ref> !! [[Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System|WHMIS]]<br>1988{{efn|Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System, Canada<ref name="CCOHS"/>}}
|-
! colspan=2 | {{center|Current}} || {{center|Amended<ref name="harmful deleted">{{cite journal |title=Directive 2014/27/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 amending Council Directives 92/58/EEC, 92/85/EEC, 94/33/EC, 98/24/EC and Directive 2004/37/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, in order to align them to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures |journal=Official Journal of the European Union |date=5 March 2014 |volume=57 |pages=1–7 |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L:2014:065:TOC |access-date=22 August 2023 |quote=(a) warning sign ‘Harmful or irritant material’ is deleted. |archive-date=22 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822193940/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L:2014:065:TOC |url-status=live }}</ref>}} || colspan=2 | {{center|No longer used<ref name="67/548 repeal"/><ref name="whmis ghs"/>}}
|-
| [[Explosive material|Explosive substance]] || [[File:GHS-pictogram-explos.svg|80px]] || [[File:ISO 7010 W002.svg|80px]] || [[File:EEC Safety Sign 1977 - Explosive matter.svg|center|80px]] || [[File:Hazard_E.svg|center|80px]] || {{n/a}}
|-
| [[Flammability|Flammable substance]] || [[File:GHS-pictogram-flamme.svg|80px]] || [[File:ISO 7010 W021.svg|80px]] || [[File:EEC Safety Sign 1977 - Flammable matter.svg|center|80px]] || [[File:Hazard_F.svg|center|80px]] || [[File:WHMIS Class B.svg|80px]]
|-
| [[Oxidizing agent|Oxidizing substance]] || [[File:GHS-pictogram-rondflam.svg|80px]] || [[File:ISO 7010 W028.svg|80px]] || [[File:EEC Safety Sign 1992 - Oxidant material.svg|center|80px]] || [[File:Hazard_O.svg|center|80px]] || [[File:WHMIS Class C.svg|80px]]
|-
| [[Bottled gas|Compressed Gas]] || [[File:GHS-pictogram-bottle.svg|80px]] || [[File:ISO 7010 W029.svg|80px]] || {{n/a}} || {{n/a}} || [[File:WHMIS Class A.svg|80px]]
|-
| [[Corrosive substance]] || [[File:GHS-pictogram-acid.svg|80px]] || [[File:ISO 7010 W023.svg|80px]] || [[File:EEC Safety Sign 1977 - Corrosive matter.svg|center|80px]] || [[File:Hazard_C.svg|center|80px]] || [[File:WHMIS Class E.svg|80px]]
|-
| [[Poison|Toxic substance]]  || [[File:GHS-pictogram-skull.svg|80px]] || [[File:ISO 7010 W016.svg|80px]] || [[File:EEC Safety Sign 1977 - Toxic matter.svg|center|80px]] || [[File:Hazard_T.svg|center|80px]] || [[File:WHMIS Class D-1.svg|80px]]
|-
| [[Irritation|Irritant/harmful]]  || [[File:GHS-pictogram-exclam.svg|80px]] || {{n/a}} || [[File:EEC Safety Sign 1992 - Harmful or irritant material.svg|center|80px]] || [[File:Hazard_X.svg|center|80px]] || [[File:WHMIS Class D-2.svg|80px]]
|-
| Health hazard || [[File:GHS-pictogram-silhouette.svg|80px]] || [[File:ISO 7010 W071.svg|center|80px]] || {{n/a}} || {{n/a}}|| [[File:WHMIS Class D-2.svg|80px]]
|-
| [[Environmental hazard]] || [[File:GHS-pictogram-pollu.svg|80px]] || [[File:ISO 7010 W072.svg|80px]] || {{n/a}} || [[File:Hazard_N.svg|center|80px]] || {{n/a}}
|-
| [[Biological hazard]] || {{n/a}} || [[File:ISO 7010 W009.svg|88x88px]] || [[File:EEC Safety Sign 1992 - Biological risk.svg|center|80px]] || {{n/a}} || [[File:WHMIS Class D-3.svg|80px]]
|-
| Dangerously reactive substance{{efn|Reacts violently if [[Water-reactive substances|mixed with water]] or subjected to [[Shock sensitivity|impact/shock]], or will vigorously [[autoacceleration|polymerize]] or [[chemical decomposition|decompose]].<ref name="CCOHS">{{cite web |last1=Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) |title=WHMIS 1988 - Classification |url=https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/legisl/whmis_classifi.html |website=ccohs.ca |publisher=Government of Canada |access-date=8 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228125259/https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/legisl/whmis_classifi.html |archive-date=28 February 2024 |language=English |date=10 May 2024}}</ref>}} || {{n/a}} || {{n/a}} || {{n/a}} || {{n/a}} || [[File:WHMIS Class F.svg|80px]]
|}

===GHS symbols and statements===
{{main|GHS hazard pictograms|GHS hazard statements}}
[[File:GHS-pictogram-flamme.svg|thumb|199x199px|GHS Flammable Pictogram]]
The [[United Nations]] has designed [[GHS hazard pictograms]] and [[GHS hazard statements]] to [[Harmonization (standards)|internationally harmonize]] chemical hazard warnings under the [[Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals]]. These symbols have gradually replaced nation and region specific systems such as the European Union's [[Directive 67/548/EEC]] symbols,<ref name="67/548 repeal">[https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2008:353:0001:1355:EN:PDF Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures, amending and repealing Directives 67/548/EEC and 1999/45/EC, and amending Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190815063350/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2008:353:0001:1355:en:PDF |date=15 August 2019 }}. ''Article 60''. pp 34.</ref> Canada's Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System.<ref name="whmis ghs"/> It has also been adopted in the [[United States]] for materials being sold and shipped by manufacturers, distributors and importers.<ref name="osha hc labels">{{cite web |last1=Occupational Safety and Health Administration |title=Hazard Communication Standard: Labels and Pictograms |url=https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHA3636.pdf |website=osha.gov |publisher=Department of Labor |access-date=21 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240619230104/https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHA3636.pdf |archive-date=19 June 2024 |date=February 2013}}</ref> The USA previously did not mandate a specific system, instead allowing any system, provided it had met certain requirements.<ref name="osha ghs">{{cite web |last1=Occupational Safety and Health Administration |title=1910.1200 - Hazard Communication |url=https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.1200 |website=osha.gov |publisher=Department of Labor |access-date=21 June 2024 |archive-date=20 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180820085427/https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=standards&p_id=10099 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Europe===
{{main|European hazard symbols}}The European Union employs a standardized system of hazard symbols to communicate the risks associated with chemicals and other hazardous substances. These symbols are regulated primarily under the '''[[CLP Regulation|Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP)]] Regulation''', which aligns the EU with the '''[[Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals|Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)]]''' developed by the United Nations.

==== CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 ====
Implemented on January 20, 2009, the '''[[CLP Regulation]]''' replaced previous EU directives such as:

* The '''[[Directive 67/548/EEC|Dangerous Substances Directive]]''' (67/548/EEC)
* The '''[[Dangerous Preparations Directive]]''' (1999/45/EC)

The regulation ensures that the hazards presented by chemicals are clearly communicated through standardized labels and '''hazard pictograms''', allowing safe use, handling, and transport throughout the EU.
[[File:Highly flammable.svg|thumb|224x224px|Old flammable symbol]]

==== Transition from Old Symbols ====
Before the adoption of GHS, the EU used '''orange square''' symbols under the Dangerous Substances Directive. These included:

* A black "X" for irritant/harmful
* A skull and crossbones for toxic
* A black flame for flammable

These older symbols were phased out by '''June 1, 2015'''.

===Canada===
{{main|Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System}}
[[File:WHMIS Class B.svg|thumb|right|80px|Example WHMIS symbol]]
The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System, or WHMIS, is [[Canada]]'s national workplace hazard communication standard, first introduced in 1988, and included eight chemical hazard symbols.<ref name="1988 general">{{cite web |last1=Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) |title=WHMIS 1988 - General |url=https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/legisl/intro_whmis.html |website=ccohs.ca |date=10 May 2024 |publisher=Government of Canada |access-date=14 June 2024 |archive-date=14 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614035907/https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/legisl/intro_whmis.html |url-status=live }}</ref> This system was brought into alignment with GHS in 2015, with a gradual phase in of GHS symbols and label designs through 15 December 2025.<ref name="whmis ghs">{{cite web |last1=Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) |title=WHMIS - Pictograms |url=https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/whmis_ghs/pictograms.html |website=ccohs.ca |publisher=Government of Canada |access-date=8 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221111221/https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/whmis_ghs/pictograms.html |archive-date=21 February 2024 |date=10 May 2024}}</ref> The WHMIS system does deviate from GHS by retaining the former WHMIS symbol for Class 3, Division 3, ''biohazardous infectious materials'', as GHS lacks a biological hazard symbol.<ref name="whmis ghs"/>{{Clear}}

==Non-standard symbols==
[[Image:High voltage warning sign Beromuenster.JPG|thumb|Sign on a fence around the [[Beromünster]] Reserve Broadcasting Tower in [[Switzerland]], warning of high [[voltage]] and danger of death]]
A large number of warning symbols with non-standard designs are in use around the world.

Some warning symbols have been redesigned to be more comprehensible to children, such as the [[Mr. Ouch]] (depicting an electricity danger as a snarling, spiky creature) and [[Mr. Yuk]] (a green frowny face sticking its tongue out, to represent poison) designs in the United States.

==See also==
* {{annotated link|Bouba/kiki effect}}
* [[Pictogram]]
* [[ISO 7010]] – [[International Organization for Standardization|ISO]] standard for safety symbols
* [[ISO 7001]] – ISO standard for public information symbols.
* [[GHS hazard pictograms]] – Symbols used by the [[Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals]]
* [[Safety sign]]

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=lower-alpha|30em}}

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Hazard signs}}
{{Commons category|DIN 4844-2 warning signs (vector drawings)|DIN 4844-2 warning signs}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080522101613/http://the-ncec.com/hazchem/ Hazchem Guide from The National Chemical Emergency Centre]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110722200125/http://ecb.jrc.it/ European Chemicals Bureau]
* [http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32001L0059:EN:HTML Directive 2001/59/EC]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20140313053405/http://www.doubleimage.co.uk/vehiclewarning.html#t2 Hazchem panel information]

{{Toxicology}}

[[Category:Pictograms]]
[[Category:Infographics]]
[[Category:Occupational safety and health]]
[[Category:Symbols]]