What Is a Corrosive Substance Sign? ISO/GHS Rules & Uses

What Is a Corrosive Substance Sign? ISO/GHS Rules & Uses

What Is a Corrosive Substance Sign? ISO/GHS Rules & Uses

A corrosive substance sign is the standardized warning that tells people a chemical can burn skin and eyes or eat through metals. The core image—liquid pouring from test tubes onto a hand and a metal bar—signals “corrosion” at a glance. You’ll see it on lab doors, process tanks, maintenance carts, and chemical containers so workers can choose the right PPE, avoid contact, and find emergency eyewash or showers fast.

This guide explains exactly what that sign looks like under the two systems you’ll meet most often: ISO 7010’s triangular W023 warning sign and the GHS05 red-diamond corrosion pictogram. You’ll learn when to use each, how OSHA/ANSI guidance applies in the U.S., and how DOT Class 8 placards differ from workplace signs. We’ll cover where corrosive signage is required, what text and signal words to include, key GHS elements (like H314 and H318), and best practices for size, placement, and durable materials. You’ll also get a quick audit checklist, common mistakes to avoid, and practical options to customize and order compliant signs and labels. Let’s make choosing the right corrosive sign simple—and compliant.

What the corrosive substance sign looks like (ISO 7010 vs GHS05)

Both systems use the same unmistakable graphic: liquid pouring from test tubes onto a hand and onto a metal bar, signaling severe skin/eye burns and material corrosion. The difference is the shape and where you use it. The ISO version is a triangular warning sign used for safety signage in spaces and on equipment. The GHS version is a red diamond pictogram used on chemical container labels so users immediately recognize a corrosive hazard before handling.

  • ISO 7010 W023 (triangular warning sign): Depicts a hand and a bar with indentations below two test tubes and droplets; it is used “to warn of a corrosive substance.”
  • GHS05 (corrosion pictogram): A black symbol on a white background within a red diamond, used on labels for corrosive chemicals per GHS/CLP requirements.

Next, we’ll look at when the triangular ISO 7010 W023 belongs on doors, walls, and equipment in your facility.

ISO 7010 W023: when and where to use the triangular warning sign

ISO 7010 W023 is the triangular warning sign used “to warn of a corrosive substance.” Its graphic—two test tubes dripping four droplets onto a hand and a thick bar, both shown with indentations—alerts people that skin, eyes, and materials can be damaged on contact. Use W023 for location- and equipment-based hazards in your facility, not for container labels (that’s the GHS05 red diamond covered next). Posting the symbol where people first approach a hazard helps workers choose PPE and avoid exposure before they’re in the splash zone. Many organizations also add brief text (“Corrosive”) alongside the symbol for clarity.

  • Lab and room entrances: Warn before entry to spaces where corrosives are used or stored.
  • Process equipment and tanks: Identify dip lines, baths, and enclosures that contain corrosive media.
  • Carts and trolleys: Mark maintenance or transport carts that carry corrosive chemicals between areas.

When in doubt, use W023 at the point of hazard to provide a universal, fast-understood warning to anyone on site.

GHS05 corrosion pictogram: label rules for chemical containers

On chemical containers, the corrosive hazard is communicated with the GHS05 “corrosion” pictogram: a black symbol of test tubes dripping onto a hand and a metal bar, inside a red diamond with a white background. Use this pictogram on labels when a substance or mixture presents corrosive hazards (severe skin/eye burns or material corrosion). The red‑diamond format distinguishes GHS container labels from facility safety signs.

Clear, consistent labeling helps people recognize and handle corrosives before they open, pour, or transfer a product. If a product has multiple hazards, you may see multiple GHS diamonds together; the corrosive symbol appears alongside others as needed.

  • Use the red diamond format: Black symbol, white background, red frame—do not alter colors or shapes.
  • Apply to every container label: Shipped and stored containers should display the appropriate GHS pictograms.
  • Keep it unobstructed: The pictogram must be large and clear enough to be immediately visible at a glance.
  • Match the actual hazard: Label concentrates and in‑use dilutions accurately; include dilution instructions where applicable.
  • Don’t mix systems: Use the GHS05 diamond on container labels; reserve the ISO triangular sign for area/equipment warnings.

Next, see how OSHA/ANSI guidance ties these label rules to workplace safety signs in the U.S.

OSHA/ANSI guidance for corrosive safety signs in the U.S.

In the U.S., OSHA sets the “what” and ANSI guides the “how.” OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard aligns workplace labeling with GHS (so shipped containers use the GHS05 corrosion pictogram), and requires employers to warn effectively about hazards. For doors, walls, and equipment, most facilities follow ANSI Z535 design principles to format a corrosive substance sign: use a clear signal word, a recognizable symbol, and concise, action‑oriented text.

  • Use an appropriate signal word: Choose DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION based on your risk assessment and potential for severe burns/eye damage.
  • Include the symbol: Pair the ISO 7010 corrosion symbol with your ANSI‑style sign layout for fast recognition.
  • State hazard, consequence, action: Example structure—“Corrosive: Causes severe skin and eye burns. Wear face shield, gloves, apron. Use eyewash/shower.”
  • Keep GHS and signage consistent: Product name, hazards, and PPE on signs should align with SDSs and container labels in the area.
  • Place signs where decisions are made: At room entrances and at the point of hazard; ensure line‑of‑sight from typical approach paths.
  • Ensure legibility and durability: Adequate size, high contrast, good lighting; materials that resist chemicals, moisture, and UV.
  • Train and verify: Integrate signs into HazCom training and inspect regularly to replace damaged or outdated signage.

This approach ties OSHA’s requirements to a clear, ANSI‑formatted warning that workers can act on immediately.

DOT class 8 corrosive placard: transport rules vs workplace signage

DOT Class 8 placards are for transportation, not for in‑plant signage. When corrosive materials move on public roads or rail, vehicles and certain bulk packages display the Class 8 “Corrosive” placard—a half‑white, half‑black design with the familiar liquid‑onto‑hand/metal graphic in the white upper portion and the hazard class number “8” in the black lower portion. This communicates the transport hazard to drivers, responders, and enforcement. It does not replace GHS container labels or your facility’s corrosive substance signs.

  • Where it applies (transport): Highway/rail shipments, bulk tanks, and vehicles carrying corrosive loads that meet placarding thresholds.
  • What it looks like: Half white/half black background, corrosion graphic on top, hazard class “8” on the bottom.
  • What it’s not: A substitute for GHS05 red‑diamond labels on shipped containers or ISO/ANSI corrosive signs on doors, rooms, or equipment.
  • Why it matters: Mixing systems creates gaps; use DOT placards for transport visibility and GHS/ISO/ANSI for workplace hazard communication.

Use the DOT Class 8 placard on the road; use GHS labels and ISO/ANSI signs inside the facility so every audience sees the right warning at the right time.

Where corrosive signs and labels are required in facilities

The simple rule: warn people before they enter a corrosive area and again at the point of exposure. Use the ISO 7010 W023 triangular warning sign on rooms and equipment to flag local hazards, and use the GHS05 red‑diamond pictogram on chemical container labels so anyone handling product sees the hazard first. Your hazard assessment should drive placements, but consistency and line‑of‑sight are what make corrosive substance signs effective.

  • Entrances to rooms and labs: Post W023 at doors to spaces where corrosives are used or stored so PPE and access decisions happen before entry.
  • Point‑of‑use equipment: Mark tanks, baths, dip lines, piping manifolds, and dispensing stations that contain or deliver corrosive media.
  • Chemical storage locations: Identify cabinets, cages, and rooms dedicated to corrosive storage for quick recognition and safer handling.
  • Mixing and dilution stations: Place warnings where concentrates are opened, poured, or diluted at benches and sinks.
  • Internal transport: Label carts, trolleys, and mobile totes used to move corrosive containers between areas.
  • Waste and accumulation areas: Mark drums, totes, and satellite containers that hold corrosive waste streams.
  • Receiving and staging: Post temporary or permanent warnings where incoming corrosive drums/IBCs are checked or queued.

Finally, ensure every shipped or in‑plant container is labeled with the correct GHS05 pictogram and required information per your HazCom program; area signs do not replace container labels.

What to include on a corrosive area sign (signal words, text, symbol)

A strong corrosive area sign does three things at once: it grabs attention, explains the risk, and tells people exactly how to stay safe. In facilities, format signs in an ANSI‑style layout and use the ISO 7010 W023 triangle symbol to warn “corrosive substance.” Choose the signal word based on your risk assessment, keep the message brief and actionable, and make sure wording aligns with your SDSs and any GHS labels present nearby. Don’t mix systems—reserve the GHS red diamond for container labels, not wall or equipment signs.

  • Symbol: Use the ISO 7010 W023 triangular corrosion symbol in high contrast.
  • Signal word: Use DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION based on severity and likelihood.
  • Hazard + consequence: State the risk plainly (e.g., severe skin/eye burns).
  • Action statements: List required PPE and safe behaviors in imperative form.
  • Emergency cue: Reference eyewash/shower availability or direction if relevant.
  • Clarity & consistency: Match SDS terminology; avoid clutter and jargon.

Example message structure:

DANGER
Corrosive – causes severe skin and eye burns.
Wear face shield, chemical-resistant gloves, and apron. Know eyewash/shower location.

Keep the layout readable from approach distance, and ensure materials resist chemicals, moisture, and UV so the sign stays legible when it matters.

GHS label checklist for corrosives (H314, H318, precautionary statements)

Your container label is the first line of defense—make it complete, clear, and consistent with the SDS. For corrosive chemicals, the GHS05 corrosion pictogram and specific hazard/precautionary text are required. Typical hazard statements you’ll see for corrosives include H314 (causes severe skin burns and eye damage) and H318 (causes serious eye damage). Pair the label with your door/equipment corrosive substance sign so workers get the warning before and during handling.

  • Product identifier: Exact name/identifier matching the SDS.
  • GHS05 pictogram: Black symbol in a red diamond on a white background—unobstructed and large enough to see quickly.
  • Signal word: Use the appropriate word (often “Danger” for severe burn/eye hazards).
  • Hazard statements: Include applicable text (e.g., H314, H318) that reflects the product’s actual hazards.
  • Precautionary statements: Cover prevention (PPE like gloves/face shield), response (immediate rinsing/eyewash use), storage, and disposal.
  • Supplier details: Name, address, and phone for the manufacturer or importer.
  • Multiple hazards: Add additional GHS pictograms if other hazards apply (e.g., acute toxicity), without replacing GHS05.
  • Dilutions and transfers: Label in‑house mixes and secondary containers accurately; don’t rely on memory.
  • Legibility and durability: High contrast, chemical‑resistant materials, and intact labels throughout the container’s life.
  • Alignment with area signs: Ensure PPE and emergency guidance match what’s posted at benches, tanks, and room entrances.

Size, placement, and visibility best practices

A corrosive substance sign only protects people if they can see and understand it before exposure. Treat visibility as part of your risk control: position ISO 7010 W023 warnings where people approach the hazard and GHS05 diamonds where they handle containers. Keep lines of sight clear, use high contrast, and size the message for the distance at which decisions are made.

  • Post at approach points: Place W023 at room entrances and at the point of hazard (tanks, baths, dispensing stations) so PPE choices happen before the splash zone.
  • Maintain clear sightlines: Avoid obstructions from open doors, equipment, stacked pallets, or curtains; angle signs toward typical approach paths.
  • Mount at eye level: Position primary signs where heads naturally scan; add repeaters on alternate entrances or long aisles.
  • Scale for distance: Use larger panels and text for longer viewing distances; ANSI‑style formats improve quick recognition.
  • Light and contrast: Ensure good lighting and high‑contrast graphics; avoid glare that washes out symbols or text.
  • Label for handling: Place GHS05 on the main panel of containers—unobstructed by straps or seams—and on secondary containers used at benches.
  • Reinforce navigation: Where eyewash/showers aren’t immediately visible, add directional arrows from the hazard area.
  • Inspect routinely: Replace faded, peeling, or obstructed signs and labels to keep warnings legible year‑round.

Materials and durability: choosing the right substrate and adhesive

Corrosive areas are hard on signage—splash, fumes, steam, washdowns, and UV will fade ink, curl edges, and loosen weak adhesives. Your corrosive substance sign should be built like PPE: matched to the hazard and environment. Pick substrates and adhesives that resist chemicals and moisture, stay legible under cleaning, and bond to the surface you actually have (painted steel, HDPE drums, concrete, glass, etc.).

  • Choose the right substrate: Use aluminum or polyester for high chemical/heat resistance and long outdoor life; use flexible vinyl for curved or uneven surfaces and quick installs.
  • Add protection: Specify a clear, chemical‑resistant overlaminate (matte for anti‑glare) to seal graphics from splashes and frequent cleaning.
  • Match the adhesive: Permanent acrylic handles most painted metals and glass; use high‑tack formulas for low‑surface‑energy plastics (e.g., HDPE drums). Always clean and dry surfaces before application.
  • Plan for the environment: Select UV‑stable inks/films for sunlight, and materials rated for humidity and hot/cold cycles near tanks or wash bays.
  • Consider reflectivity: In low‑light corridors or outdoor yards, use reflective sheeting (e.g., ORALITE) so warnings pop under flashlights or vehicle lights.
  • Reinforce edges: Rounded corners and edge‑sealed labels reduce lift from chemicals and power wash.
  • Use mechanical mounts when needed: For porous, dusty, or freshly painted walls, consider rivets or standoffs instead of adhesive‑only installs.

Durable construction keeps your message readable when it matters—during a spill, a rinse, or a nighttime inspection.

Pairing corrosive signage with PPE and emergency equipment signs

Corrosive signage is most effective when it drives action. The corrosive substance sign warns; nearby PPE and emergency equipment signs tell people exactly what to do and where to go. Pair ISO 7010 W023 warnings at entries and points of use with clear, ANSI‑style PPE requirement signs so workers gear up before they cross into splash risk zones. Keep wording consistent with your SDSs and the GHS05 labels on the containers in that area.

Emergency response must be just as visible as the hazard. Eyewash stations and safety showers should be instantly identifiable from the hazard location—without guesswork or wasted seconds. Use high‑contrast equipment ID signs at the fixtures and directional arrows from the corrosive area so the path is obvious even if doors are open or carts are parked.

  • Post PPE requirements with the hazard: Face shield, chemical‑resistant gloves, apron—state them on a dedicated PPE sign beside W023.
  • Reinforce at handling points: Co‑locate PPE signage with GHS‑labeled dispensing and dilution stations.
  • Mark eyewash/showers clearly: Use equipment ID signs at the fixtures and wayfinding arrows from tanks, benches, and storage.
  • Identify spill resources: Sign spill kits and neutralizers near corrosive storage and mixing areas.
  • Keep messages consistent: Align PPE and emergency instructions with container labels and SDS language.
  • Verify visibility: Walk typical approach routes to confirm lines of sight; add repeaters or arrows where needed.

This integrated approach turns a corrosive warning into clear behavior—what to wear, how to work, and where to go if something goes wrong.

Common mistakes to avoid with corrosive signage and labels

Small labeling errors can neutralize your entire HazCom program. Keep corrosive warnings clear, compliant, and useful by avoiding the pitfalls below. The goal is simple: the right audience sees the right warning, understands the risk instantly, and knows exactly what to do next.

  • Mixing systems: Using the GHS red diamond on walls or the ISO triangle on containers.
  • Using DOT placards indoors: Class 8 placards are for transport—not facility signage.
  • Missing or wrong signal word: Choose DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION based on severity.
  • Tiny or obstructed symbols: Pictograms must be visible at a glance, not hidden by straps or doors.
  • Unlabeled secondary containers: In‑house dilutions and transfers need correct GHS05 and text.
  • Inconsistent PPE language: Signs, labels, and SDSs must match on gloves, face shields, aprons.
  • Weak materials/adhesives: Labels that fade, curl, or lift in washdowns or chemical splash zones.
  • Cluttered messages: Long paragraphs bury the action; use concise hazard, consequence, and action.

Facility audit checklist for corrosive hazard communication

A quick, structured walk-through turns “we think we’re covered” into documented compliance. Use this checklist to verify that corrosive hazards are identified at approach, labeled at the container, and supported by clear PPE and emergency instructions. Align what people see on doors and equipment (ISO/ANSI signs) with what they see on containers (GHS05 labels) and what your SDSs say.

  • Inventory & SDSs: List all corrosives in use/storage; ensure current SDSs are accessible.
  • Container labels: GHS05 red diamond present; include correct product ID, signal word, hazards (e.g., H314/H318), precautions, and supplier info.
  • Secondary containers: In‑house transfers/dilutions labeled and legible—no unlabeled squeeze bottles.
  • Area/equipment signs: ISO 7010 W023 posted at entrances and point‑of‑use; ANSI‑style message with signal word, hazard, and action.
  • Consistency: PPE on signs matches SDS and container labels (gloves, face shield, apron).
  • Emergency readiness: Eyewash/shower unobstructed, tested per site policy, and clearly identified with wayfinding from hazard areas.
  • Visibility: Proper size, contrast, lighting, and sightlines; signs not hidden by doors, racks, or carts.
  • Durability: Labels/signs intact—no fading, peeling, or chemical damage; materials/adhesives suited to surfaces and environment.
  • Transport separation: DOT Class 8 placards used only for shipments—not as facility signage.
  • Training & verification: Workers can explain W023 vs GHS05 meaning and required actions; refresh where gaps appear.
  • Waste & spills: Corrosive waste containers GHS‑labeled; spill kits and neutralizers present and signed.
  • Review cadence: Record findings, assign fixes, and re‑check completion on a regular schedule.

Customization and ordering options for corrosive signs and labels

Get exactly what you need for your hazard, surface, and environment. Safety Decals produces corrosive substance signs and labels to spec—whether you’re posting an ISO 7010 W023 warning on a door/equipment or applying a GHS05 corrosion pictogram on primary and secondary containers. Our team can align wording with your SDSs and help you meet your facility’s HazCom program.

  • Formats: ISO 7010 W023 triangle for area/equipment signs; ANSI‑style layouts; GHS05 red‑diamond labels for containers.
  • Sizes: From small bench labels to large door and tank panels—scaled for your viewing distances.
  • Materials: Rigid aluminum, industrial polyester, and flexible vinyl built for chemical, moisture, and UV exposure.
  • Reflective options: ORALITE conspicuity sheeting for low‑light visibility.
  • Finishes: Chemical‑resistant overlaminates (matte anti‑glare) to protect graphics.
  • Adhesives/mounting: Permanent/high‑tack pressure‑sensitives matched to your surface; pre‑drilled rigid panels available.
  • Content customization: Signal words, PPE icons, concise action text, and bilingual (e.g., English/Spanish) messaging.

Order pre‑designed corrosive signs or build your own with our Sticker Builder. Need guidance? We offer regulatory compliance assistance and risk assessment support to get it right the first time.

Frequently asked questions about corrosive signs

Here are quick answers safety managers ask most about corrosive substance signs. Use these to keep ISO warnings, GHS container labels, and DOT transport marks straight—and consistent with your SDSs and training.

  • What’s the difference between ISO 7010 W023 and GHS05? W023 is a triangular warning sign for areas/equipment; GHS05 is a red‑diamond pictogram for chemical container labels.
  • Can I use the GHS red diamond on walls or doors? No. Reserve GHS pictograms for containers; use ISO/ANSI‑style signs for rooms and equipment.
  • Should I use DOT Class 8 placards inside the facility? No. DOT Class 8 is for transport; it doesn’t replace workplace signs or GHS labels.
  • What hazard does the symbol indicate? Corrosives that can cause severe skin/eye burns and corrode metals (hand and bar beneath dripping test tubes).
  • Where should corrosive signs go? At room entrances and at the point of hazard (tanks, baths, dispensing stations) with clear sightlines.
  • Do secondary containers need labels? Yes—apply GHS05 and required info to in‑house dilutions/transfers.
  • Which hazard statements are common for corrosives? H314 (severe skin burns/eye damage) and H318 (serious eye damage), as applicable.
  • What are the required GHS colors? Black symbol on a white background within a red diamond—do not alter.

Key takeaways

Choosing the right corrosive warning hinges on context. Use the ISO 7010 W023 triangle on rooms and equipment; use the GHS05 red-diamond pictogram on every container label; reserve DOT Class 8 placards for transport only. Format facility signs to ANSI principles, place them where decisions happen, and build them to survive chemicals, washdowns, and UV.

  • Use the right system: ISO W023 for areas/equipment; GHS05 for containers; DOT Class 8 for vehicles in transit.
  • Post where decisions happen: At entrances and the point of hazard so workers gear up before exposure.
  • Label every container: GHS05 with product ID, signal word, hazards (e.g., H314/H318), and precautions aligned to the SDS.
  • Write clear, ANSI-style messages: Signal word, hazard/consequence, and concise action statements.
  • Back up the warning: Pair with PPE requirements and clearly marked eyewash/shower and spill resources.
  • Build for the environment: Chemical-resistant substrates, overlaminates, and adhesives matched to surfaces.
  • Audit and train: Verify visibility, durability, consistency, and worker understanding.

Need help getting it right the first time? You can order compliant corrosive signs and labels tailored to your hazards, surfaces, and viewing distances.