What do the COSHH Symbols Mean? | Under 2 Minutes to Learn the COSHH Symbols

The COSHH symbols are used to indicate where substances may have dangerous effects. Here we break down the different symbols and what they mean in health and safety.
Explosives (Symbol: bomb exploding)
Explosives are defined as chemicals, substances, and any workplace occurrence that may cause an explosion. The symbol represents an exploding bomb. It has a variety of associations with it:

Mass explosion hazard
Severe projection hazard
Fire, blast or projection hazard
Mass exploding in fire
Unstable explosion


Flammable (Symbol: open flame)
This symbol refers to any flammable chemicals or other substances that ignite on contact with air, a small ignition source, has a low flash point or can evolve highly flammable gases when in contact with water. The symbol is a large open flame.

Flammable Gas
Highly Flammable Gas
Highly Flammable or flammable aerosol
Highly flammable or flammable liquid and vapour
A flammable solid


Oxidising (Symbol; open flame over a circle)
Oxidising covers chemicals that in their preparation, can lead to a dangerous reaction with other chemicals. The symbol for this COSHH hazard is a flame over a circle.

Acts as an oxidiser, increasing intensity of the fire
May act as a strong oxidiser, causing a fire or explosion
The substance is usually found on bleach


Gases under pressure (Symbol: gas cylinder)
This symbol represents situations where gas is under pressure. It is also an example of a hazard that has recently been incorporated into the COSHH classification system. The symbol represents a gas cylinder.

Gas contained under pressure which may explode when heated
Refrigerated gas, may lead to cryogenic injuries
The symbol is normally found on gas containers


Corrosive (Symbol: corrosion on hands and surface)


The corrosive symbol is used to warn against chemicals that may damage living tissue on contact. The image shows a chemical spill causing the corrosion of a hand a surface material.

Can cause corrosion on metals
May cause severe skin and eye damage
Can be found in ammonia, acetic acid, hydrochloric acid, drain cleaners etc


Toxic (Symbol: skull and crossbones)
The toxic symbol represents chemicals that can cause a lot of damage even in low and very low quantities. The symbol is of a skull and crossbones.

Can cause fatalities when swallowed, inhaled, and put in contact with skin
Can be toxic if swallowed, inhaled, or put in contact with skin


Health hazards (Symbol: exclamation mark)
The health hazard symbol is an indication of substances that may cause damage to health. The symbol is also used as an indication to take caution.

Can cause respiratory irritation
Can lead to dizziness and/or drowsiness
Can cause allergic reactions
May lead to serious eye irritation
Can cause skin irritation
May be harmful if swallowed
May cause damage on contact with skin
Can cause damage when inhaled
May damage public health by causing damage in the ozone layer.


Serious health hazards (Symbol: internal damage)
The symbol represents serious long term threats to health. The picture in the sign shows a person with internal damage)

Can lead to death if swallowed or inhaled
Causes damage to organs
May cause damage to organs
Can damage fertility or affect pregnancies
Can lead to/ is suspected of causing cancer
Can lead to/ is suspected of causing genetic defects
Can lead to asthma or breathing difficulties if inhaled


Dangerous for the environment (Symbol: a dead tree and dead fish)
This COSHH symbol represents the risk of substances that may cause serious damage, either immediate or long term to multiple components of an environment. The symbol shows a dead tree alongside a dead fish.

Highly toxic to marine life with long-lasting effects
Toxic to marine life with long-lasting effects
Most commonly found in pesticides, biocides, petrol, turpentine etc.

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