Complete Guide to GHS Hazard Symbols in NZ & Australia
Introduction
Complete Guide to GHS Hazard Symbols in NZ & Australia
When it comes to handling chemicals safely, nothing beats clear communication. That’s where GHS hazard symbols come in. The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) ensures that hazards are labelled the same way worldwide, making workplaces safer and compliance easier.
In New Zealand, GHS is enforced under the HSNO Act and WorkSafe NZ guidance, while in Australia, compliance is tied to the WHS Regulations and Safe Work Australia.
“These GHS hazard labels NZ are critical for workplaces handling chemicals, ensuring compliance with HSNO regulations and WorkSafe NZ guidelines.”
If you’re storing, transporting, or working with hazardous substances, these symbols aren’t optional — they’re a must.
What Are GHS Hazard Symbols?
GHS symbols, also called pictograms, are simple, universally recognised icons that warn of chemical hazards. They appear on labels, containers, and workplace signage, ensuring hazards are obvious at a glance.
All GHS labels must comply with AS/NZS 1319:1994 and the relevant NZ/AU legislation.
The 9 GHS Hazard Symbols Explained
GHS01 – Explosive
Symbol: exploding bomb 💥
Identifies unstable explosives, self-reactive substances, and organic peroxides.
Example: fireworks, unstable chemicals.
Use: in labs, manufacturing, transport.
GHS02 – Flammable
Symbol: flame 🔥
Flammable gases, liquids, solids, aerosols.
Example: petrol, solvents.
Use: fuel storage, refineries, workshops.
GHS03 – Oxidiser
Symbol: flame over circle 🔵🔥
Chemicals that intensify fire.
Example: hydrogen peroxide, bleach.
Use: chemical plants, cleaning suppliers.
GHS04 – Gas Cylinder
Symbol: gas cylinder 📦
Compressed, liquefied, or dissolved gases.
Example: LPG, CO₂ cylinders.
Use: welding shops, labs, gas storage.
🔗 Shop GHS04 Gas Cylinder Labels
GHS05 – Corrosive
Symbol: test tubes pouring on hand/metal 🧪
Causes skin burns, eye damage, corrodes metals.
Example: hydrochloric acid, caustic soda.
Use: labs, chemical handling areas.
GHS06 – Toxic
Symbol: skull & crossbones ☠️
Acute toxicity, fatal in small doses.
Example: pesticides, methanol.
Use: agriculture, pest control, labs.
GHS07 – Harmful/Irritant
Symbol: exclamation mark ❗
Skin/eye irritation, sensitisation, narcotic effects.
Example: cleaning agents, paints.
Use: general industry & cleaning.
GHS08 – Health Hazard
Symbol: person with starburst in chest 🫁
Long-term health risks: carcinogenic, mutagenic, reproductive hazards.
Example: asbestos, silica.
Use: construction, mining, industrial.
GHS09 – Environmental Hazard
Symbol: dead tree and fish 🌳🐟
Toxic to aquatic life and ecosystems.
Example: oil, pesticides.
Use: storage near waterways, farms, transport.
GHS Compliance in NZ & AU
New Zealand: Hazardous Substances (HSNO Act), WorkSafe NZ guidance.
Australia: WHS Regulations, Safe Work Australia.
Key point: labels must be durable, visible, and correctly sized — no shortcuts.
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FAQs
Q1: What does GHS stand for?
GHS stands for the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. It’s an international standard developed by the United Nations to create consistent chemical hazard communication worldwide, including the use of pictograms, labels, and Safety Data Sheets.
Q2: Are GHS labels mandatory in New Zealand and Australia?
Yes. Both New Zealand and Australia require workplaces that handle hazardous substances to comply with GHS labelling standards. In New Zealand, this falls under the HSNO Regulations and WorkSafe NZ guidance. In Australia, GHS compliance is required under Safe Work Australia regulations.
Q3: What size should GHS labels be?
The size of GHS labels depends on the packaging and container size. WorkSafe NZ and international standards recommend that labels are large enough to be clearly visible and legible. For example, smaller containers may use 50×50 mm labels, while drums or larger packaging may require 100×100 mm or bigger.
Q4: What are the 9 GHS hazard symbols?
The nine official GHS symbols cover:
Explosives
Flammable
Oxidiser
Gas cylinder
Corrosive
Toxic
Harmful/Irritant
Health hazard
Environmental hazard
Each is shown as a black pictogram on a white background with a red diamond border.
Q5: Where should GHS labels be placed?
GHS labels should be placed directly on chemical containers, packaging, and transport units to ensure visibility during handling, storage, and transport. Placement must ensure the pictogram and hazard information are not obscured and remain legible throughout the product’s lifecycle.
Conclusion
GHS hazard symbols aren’t just boxes to tick — they save lives. By using compliant signage, you keep your workplace, staff, and visitors safe while meeting NZ/AU legal obligations.
“Choosing the correct hazard pictograms NZ/AU not only keeps your team safe but also ensures compliance with international GHS labelling standards.”
👉 For a full set of GHS hazard labels, start with the GHS01 Explosion Hazard Labels, then choose the others — all essentials for staying safe.