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

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.

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

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 and surface material.

• Can cause corrosion on metals

• May cause severe skin and eye damage

• Can be found in ammonia, 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

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

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