HAZARD SYMBOLS

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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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.