European hazard symbols

European hazard symbols for chemicals are pictograms defined by the European Union for labelling chemical packaging (for storage and workplace) and containers (for transportation). They are standardised currently by the CLP/GHS classification.

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 environment hazards".

The European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) fixed harmonised 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.

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 found in Directive 2001/59/EC (See the links section).

Europe standard Hazard pictograms for labeling – Europe UE 67/548/EEC, 1999/45/EC
Hazard pictogram & mention, code	Substances examples
Explosive (E) old hazard symbol	TNT, acetone peroxide, nitroglycerin, picric acid
Extremely Flammable (F+) old hazard symbol	Hydrogen, acetylene, propane, butane, diethyl ether, carbon disulfide, acetaldehyde
Highly Flammable (F) old hazard symbol	Ethanol, acetone, gasoline, hexamine, methanol
Oxidizing (O) old hazard symbol	Oxygen, potassium nitrate, hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid, potassium permanganate
Toxic (T) old hazard symbol	Sulfuric acid, TNT, Nitroglycerin, carbon disulfide, methanol, ammonia, formaldehyde
Very toxic (T+) old hazard symbol	Prussic acid, nicotine, carbon monoxide, white phosphorus
Harmful (Xn) old hazard symbol	Hexamine, butane, naphtha, acetaldehyde
Irritant (Xi) old hazard symbol	Sodium hypochlorite, acetone, ethanol
Corrosive (C) old hazard symbol	Sulfuric acid, Nitric acid, sodium hydroxide, ammonia, White phosphorus
Dangerous for the environment (N) old hazard symbol	Sulfuric acid, turpentine, lead, mercury, Crude oil

The 'n' in Harmful (Xn) stands for the French word nocif (harmful) and the Italian word nocivo (noxious).

German standard DIN 4844-2 (pre-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	Automatic Startup	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