GHS Chemical Hazard Signs in Australia — Complete Guide
The Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals — GHS — is the international framework that replaced Australia's old HAZCHEM diamond system for workplace chemical hazards. Australia adopted GHS via the model WHS Regulations in 2017, and from 1 January 2017 all workplace chemicals sold in Australia must carry GHS-compliant labels. GHS also governs workplace hazard signage — the red-diamond pictograms you see on chemical store doors, dangerous goods cabinets, and warehouse zones where hazardous substances are used or stored.
This guide covers the nine GHS pictograms, how they're used on workplace signs (not just product labels), when a workplace needs a GHS-style sign vs an AS 1319 'chemical hazard' danger sign, and which Platinum Signs categories are GHS-aligned.
The nine GHS pictograms
GHS uses nine distinct pictograms, each a black symbol on a white background inside a red diamond border. Each pictogram represents a category of chemical hazard. Workplace signs typically show one or more pictograms with supporting text.
| Pictogram | Hazard category | Example chemicals / usage |
|---|---|---|
| Flame | Flammable liquids, gases, solids | Petrol, acetone, propane, flammable solvents |
| Flame over circle | Oxidisers | Hydrogen peroxide, potassium permanganate, calcium hypochlorite |
| Exploding bomb | Explosives, self-reactive | Nitroglycerine, unstable peroxides, fireworks |
| Gas cylinder | Compressed gases | LPG, oxygen, nitrogen, acetylene |
| Corrosion | Corrosives (skin, metal) | Hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, strong alkalis |
| Skull and crossbones | Acutely toxic | Cyanides, arsenic compounds, some pesticides |
| Exclamation mark | Irritants, skin sensitisers, narcotic | Mild solvents, surface cleaners, some paints |
| Health hazard | Chronic health, carcinogenic, reproductive | Asbestos, benzene, silica dust, some welding fumes |
| Environment (fish + tree) | Aquatic hazard | Heavy metals, many pesticides, some solvents |
GHS vs the old HAZCHEM diamond
Australia used to use HAZCHEM diamonds (black-on-orange numeric codes, from the UK emergency services system) as the primary workplace hazard indicator. HAZCHEM is still used on dangerous goods transport placards under the Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) Code — so a truck carrying flammable liquid still shows a HAZCHEM '3Y' diamond on its placard. But for workplace signs inside factories, warehouses and labs, GHS pictograms have replaced HAZCHEM since 2017. The two systems now coexist — GHS for workplace and product labels, ADG/HAZCHEM for transport.
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Hazardous Chemicals Signs
Workplace signs for hazardous chemical storage, use and transport zones — GHS pictogram signs, chemical cabinet signs, hazardous substance register signs.
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GHS Pictogram Signs
Standalone GHS pictogram signs — flame, corrosion, health hazard, environment and the other six classes. Available in standard wall-mount sizes and aluminium/polypropylene.
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Hazard Class Labels & Placards
Dangerous goods class labels and placards — ADG Code Class 1–9 diamonds for transport applications, chemical storage warehouse signage.
When does a workplace need GHS signs?
- Chemical storage rooms, cabinets and flammable liquid stores — pictograms matching the chemicals stored inside
- Workplace zones where hazardous chemicals are used (paint spray booths, labs, cleaning chemical storage)
- Bulk chemical delivery points — IBCs, drums, underground storage tanks
- Hazardous substances register signs near the register location
- Emergency shower / eyewash station proximity signs (often co-located with GHS)
- Decanting and mixing stations where chemicals are transferred or combined
Sign sizing and placement
GHS workplace hazard signs follow the same viewing-distance sizing as AS 1319 workplace signs — 225 × 300mm for close range (office/amenity), 300 × 450mm for warehouse aisles, 450 × 600mm for larger storage areas. Placement at 1.5–1.8m to sign centre for standing eye-height. Multiple GHS pictograms on one sign is common (e.g. a chemical that is both flammable and corrosive) — use the dedicated multi-pictogram sign format rather than clustering separate signs.
How GHS intersects with AS 1319
AS 1319 and GHS both govern workplace safety signs but cover different hazard types. AS 1319 covers general workplace hazards (slip, trip, PPE, mandatory actions, prohibition). GHS covers chemical-specific hazards with the red-diamond pictogram set. On a site where both apply — most chemical-handling workplaces — you'll see AS 1319 mandatory signs (e.g. EYE PROTECTION MUST BE WORN) alongside GHS pictogram signs (e.g. CORROSION + HEALTH HAZARD) with supporting wording. Both sets are manufactured on the same substrate materials (corflute, polypropylene, colorbond, aluminium) and sized on the same viewing-distance ladder.
Written by
Platinum Signs
Sydney-based commercial signage manufacturer
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