Hazard signs versus warning signs
A warning sign communicates severity: how badly someone could be hurt. A hazard sign communicates type: what the danger actually is. In practice most signs do both, so a yellow triangle carrying a flame symbol is a warning-level sign identifying a flammable hazard. If you are labelling a substance, a store room or a piece of equipment, you are usually looking for a hazard sign.
Types of hazard covered
- Chemical: corrosive, toxic, oxidising, flammable, irritant
- Biological: biohazard and contamination risks
- Electrical: live parts, arc flash, stored energy
- Physical: crush, entanglement, hot and cold surfaces
- Radiation: ionising, laser and magnetic fields
- Environmental: substances harmful to water and wildlife
Frequently asked questions
What do the GHS pictograms mean?
GHS uses nine red-bordered diamond pictograms for chemical hazards: flammable, corrosive, toxic, oxidising, explosive, compressed gas, health hazard, environmental hazard and irritant. They are standardised internationally, so the same symbol carries the same meaning across borders.
Do I need hazard signs for chemical storage?
Generally yes. Stored hazardous substances usually need identifying both at the container and at the entrance to the storage area. The exact duties depend on the substance and your jurisdiction, so check the regulations covering your site.
Which material works best in a chemical store?
Aluminium, or self-adhesive vinyl with a laminate. Both resist splashes and repeated cleaning and stay legible in damp or chemically active environments, where uncoated card or paper degrades quickly.
Can I create a custom hazard sign?
Yes. Pick the pictogram you need and add your own substance name, room number or handling instructions, with a live preview and instant pricing.
