European hazard symbols
The Hazard symbols for chemicals are pictograms defined by the European community for labeling chemical packaging (for storage and workplace) and containers (for transportation). They are standardized currently by the CLP/GHS classification.
CLP & ADR / GHS hazard pictograms
- The European Union CLP Regulation (for "Classification, Labelling and Packaging") was introduced as EC Regulation 1272/2008. It is based on the GHS system, to secure for physical, health and environement hazards.
See main article GHS hazard pictograms, that lists also some Europe-specific hazard statements (EUHxxx) besides the standard GHS Hazard phrases (H) and Precautions advices (P).
- The European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) fixed harmonized pictograms for transportation. Vehicles carrying dangerous goods have to be fitted with orange signs, where the lower number identifies the substance, while the upper number is a key for the threat it may pose. See former pictograms below.
See main article ADR pictograms (and GSH Transport_pictograms)
Former hazard pictograms
- Europe 1999 - 2007
The hazard symbols for chemicals were defined in Annex II of Directive 67/548/EEC. A consolidated list with translations into other EU languages was be found in Directive 2001/59/EC (See the links section).
| Hazard pictogram & mention, code | Substances examples |
|---|---|
 Explosive (E) | TNT, acetone peroxide, nitroglycerin, picric acid |
 Extremely Extremely Flammable (F+) | Hydrogen, acetylene, propane, butane, diethyl ether, carbon disulfide, ethanal |
 Extremely Flammable (F) | Ethanol, acetone, gasoline, hexamine, methanol |
 Oxidizing (O) | Oxygen, potassium nitrate, hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid, potassium permanganate |
 Toxic (T) | Sulfuric acid, TNT, Nitroglycerin, carbon disulfide, methanol, ammonia, methanal |
 Very toxic (T+) | Prussic acid, nicotine, carbon monoxide, white phosphorus |
 Harmful (Xn) | Hexamine, butane, naphtha, ethanal |
 Irritant (Xi) | Sodium hypochlorite, acetone, ethanol |
 Corrosive (C) | Sulfuric acid, Nitric acid, sodium hydroxide, ammonia, White phosphorus |
 Dangerous for the environment (N) | Sulfuric acid, turpentine, lead, mercury |
The 'n' in Harmful (Xn) stands for the French word nocif (harmful) and the Italian word nocivo (noxious).
- German hazard symbols < 1999
 Block magnet |
 Explosive |
 Poison |
 Ionizing radiation |
 Suspended load |
 Truck driving |
 Self ignition |
 Electromagnetic radiation |
 Tripping danger |
 Falling hazard |
 Biohazard |
 Health danger and irritant |
 Dangerous batteries |
 Explosive atmosphere |
 Pinch |
 Can tip over when moving |
 Remotely Starting |
 Hand pinching |
 Slippery |
 Driven by conveyor belt inside the track |
 Entanglement hazard |
 Corrosive |
 Gas bottle |
 Cold |
 Laser radiation |
 Potential danger |
 Flammable |
 Electrical danger |
 Hot surface |
 Magnetic field |
 Optical radiation |
 Tsunami |
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