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Chemistry vocabulary · Laboratory Safety

Hazard pictogram

Meaning in chemistry, with examples

nounCommon term

In chemistry, hazard pictogram means: A small symbol in a red-bordered diamond on a chemical label that warns of a specific danger, such as flammable, toxic, corrosive or harmful to the environment.

In Turkish: tehlike piktogramı, tehlike işareti

How it is used

Part of the GHS system used around the world, which has nine standard pictograms. You check them on the label and the safety data sheet, together with the signal word ('Danger' or 'Warning') and the hazard statements (H-statements).

Example sentences

  1. The flame hazard pictogram on the bottle means the solvent is flammable.

  2. New students must learn all nine hazard pictograms before their first lab session.

Common collocations

  • GHS pictogram
  • hazard statement
  • signal word
  • warning label
  • safety data sheetA standard document from the supplier that describes a chemical's hazards, safe handling, storage, first aid and disposal. It is usually shortened to SDS.
  • flammableDescribes a substance that catches fire easily and burns quickly. Many organic solvents, such as acetone, diethyl ether and ethanol, belong to this group.
  • corrosiveDescribes a substance that can destroy or badly damage skin, eyes, metals or other materials on contact. Concentrated acids and strong bases are typical examples.
  • PPEShort for personal protective equipment: the items you wear to protect yourself from hazards in the lab, such as a lab coat, safety goggles and gloves.

More terms: Laboratory Safety

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