What does it mean?May cause respiratory irritationMay cause drowsiness or dizzinessMay cause an allergic skin reactionCauses serious eye irritationCauses skin irritationHarmful if swallowedHarmful in contact with skinHarmful if inhaledHarms public health and the environment by destroying ozone in the upper atmosphere
Examples of where we may see it:Washing detergents, toilet cleaner, coolant fluid
Examples of precautionary statements:Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/sprayUse only outdoors or in a well-ventilated areaIf inhaled, remove victim to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathingIf swallowed, call National Poisons 0800 764 766 or a doctor if you feel unwellWear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protectionWash affected body part thoroughly after handlingIf in eyes: rinse cautiously with water for 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Continue rinsingDo not eat, drink or smoke when using this product
Health HazardSymbol: Exclamation Mark
What does it mean?May be fatal if swallowed and enters airwaysCauses damage to organsMay cause damage to organsMay damage fertility or the unborn childSuspected of damaging fertility or the unborn childMay cause cancerSuspected of causing cancerMay cause genetic defectsSuspected of causing genetic defectsMay cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaledAspiration hazard
Examples of where we may see it:Turpentine, petrol, isocyanates, formalin, nitric acid, sulphuric acid
Examples of precautionary statements:If swallowed, immediately call National Poisons 0800 764 766 or a doctorDo NOT induce vomitingStore locked upDo not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/sprayWash affected body part thoroughly after handlingDo not eat, drink or smoke when using this productGet medical advice/attention if you feel unwellIf exposed, call National Poisons 0800 764 766 or a doctorObtain special instructions before useDo not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understoodUse personal protective equipment as requiredIf exposed or concerned, get medical advice/attentionIn case of inadequate ventilation, wear respiratory protectionIf inhaled: if breathing is difficult, remove victim to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing
Serious Health HazardSymbol: Health Hazard
What does it mean?Very toxic to aquatic life, with long-lasting effectsToxic to aquatic life, with long-lasting effects
Examples of where we may see it:Pesticides, biocides, petrol, turpentine, diesel
Examples of precautionary statements:Avoid release to the environmentCollect spillage
Hazardous to the EnvironmentSymbol: Environment
What does it mean?Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heatedContains refrigerated gas; may cause cryogenic burns or injury
Examples of where we may see it:Gas containers
Examples of precautionary statements:Protect from sunlightWear cold insulating gloves/face shield/eye protectionGet immediate medical advice/attention
Gas Under PressureSymbol: Gas Cylinder
What does it mean?May cause or intensify fire; oxidiserMay cause fire or explosion; strong oxidiser
Examples of where we may see it:Bleach, oxygen for medical purposes and welding
Examples of precautionary statements:Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces-no smokingWear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protectionRinse immediately contaminated clothing and skin with plenty of water before removing clothes
OxidisingSymbol: Flame Over Circle
What does it mean?Extremely flammable gasFlammable gasExtremely flammable aerosolFlammable aerosolHighly flammable liquid and vapourFlammable liquid and vapourFlammable solid
Examples of where we may see it:Petrol, nail polish remover, kerosene, methylated spirits, turpentine
Examples of precautionary statements:Do not spray on an open flame or other ignition sourceKeep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces – No smokingKeep container tightly closedKeep coolProtect from sunlight
FlammableSymbol: Flame
What does it mean?Unstable explosiveExplosive; mass explosion hazardExplosive; severe projection hazardExplosive; fire, blast or projection hazardMay mass explode in fire
Examples of where we may see it:Fireworks, ammunition
Examples of precautionary statements:Obtain special instructions before useDo not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understoodKeep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces, no smokingWear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protectionUse personal protective equipment as requiredExplosion risk in case of fire
ExplosiveSymbol: Exploding Bomb
What does it mean?Fatal if swallowed.Fatal in contact with skinFatal if inhaledToxic if swallowedToxic in contact with skinToxic if inhaled
Examples of where we may see it:Pesticides, biocides, methanol
Examples of precautionary statements:Wash affected body part thoroughly after handlingDo not eat, drink or smoke when using this productIf swallowed, immediately call National Poisons 0800 764 766 or a doctorRinse mouthStore in a closed containerDo not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothingWear protective gloves/ protective clothing/eye protection/faceprotectionIf on skin, gently wash with plenty of soap and waterRemove/take off immediately all contaminated clothingWash contaminated clothing before re-useDo not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/sprayUse only outdoors or in a well-ventilated areaWear respiratory protectionIf inhaled, remove victim to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathingStore locked up
Acute ToxicitySymbol: Skull and Crossbones
What does it mean?May be corrosive to metalsCauses severe skin burns and eye damage
Examples of where we may see it:Drain cleaners, acetic acid, hydrochloric acid, acid cleaners
Examples of precautionary statements:Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/sprayWash affected body part thoroughly after handlingWear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protectionStore locked upKeep only in original container
CorrosiveSymbol: Corrosion
GHS Pictograms and Hazards
Sourced from UNGHS
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