Corrosive Substance Symbol: GHS/CLP Meaning & Free Downloads

Looking for the official corrosive substance symbol and what it really communicates? In GHS/CLP terms, it’s the red diamond with two tilted test tubes dripping onto a hand and a metal bar. That single pictogram warns of two things at once: chemicals that can cause severe skin burns and serious eye damage, and chemicals that attack common metals. You’ll find it on primary containers, secondary bottles, and signage near points of use—from labs and process lines to battery rooms and maintenance shops.

This guide gives you everything you need to get it right and stay compliant. You’ll learn how to recognize the symbol at a glance, what hazards it does and doesn’t cover, and when it’s required under GHS/CLP and OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard. We’ll outline the label elements that must accompany the pictogram, size/color/formatting rules, and how it differs from DOT Class 8 placards and ISO safety signs. You’ll also get free vector downloads (SVG/EPS/PNG), placement guidance, common mistakes to avoid, practical PPE and first-aid basics, and options for printing or buying durable, compliant labels and signs. Let’s start with what to look for.

What the corrosive substance symbol looks like and how to recognize it

The GHS/CLP corrosive substance symbol is a standardized pictogram: a red diamond (square set on a point) with a white background and black artwork showing two tilted test tubes dripping onto an outstretched hand and a metal bar. Etching lines on the hand and metal make the “corrosion” effect explicit. Because it’s harmonized across GHS, OSHA HCS, EU CLP, and WHMIS, this exact layout is what you should expect to see on compliant chemical labels.

To spot it instantly, look for these cues:

Red diamond frame: Square-on-point border in red, with a clean white interior.
Two test tubes: Both angled, with droplets falling from each.
Dual targets: One stream onto a human hand, the other onto a flat metal plate or bar.
Etching lines: Visible “eating” effect on the hand and the metal to depict damage.
Black artwork only: No color fills inside the diamond; no text inside the pictogram.

Avoid mix-ups: the GHS corrosion pictogram is not the old “bony hand” icon and it isn’t a DOT transport placard. DOT Class 8 uses a black-and-white diamond with the same test-tube motif and a “8” class number for transportation only. For workplace container labels and SDS alignment, the correct mark is the GHS red-diamond corrosion pictogram—the test tubes dripping onto a hand and a metal surface.

What the symbol means: hazards covered and what it does not mean

The corrosive substance symbol communicates two distinct hazards at a glance. First, it warns that a chemical can cause severe skin burns and serious eye damage on contact. Second, it indicates the substance can attack or degrade common metals during storage or use. Under GHS/CLP and OSHA HCS, this single corrosion pictogram is used when either or both of these hazards apply, which is why you’ll see it on strong acids, strong bases, and certain reactive chemicals that rapidly destroy tissue or corrode equipment.

In practical terms, the symbol signals:

Severe tissue damage: Risk of painful, potentially irreversible burns to skin and eyes on contact or splash.
Metal attack: Potential to pit, dissolve, or otherwise corrode metals, creating leaks, failures, or incompatible storage risks.
Immediate controls needed: Use the specified PPE, control splash risk, and keep incompatible materials apart.

Classification depends on the product as supplied. Concentration and formulation matter: a concentrate may carry the corrosion pictogram, while its correctly diluted working solution might not. Always confirm the specific hazards and protective measures in the Safety Data Sheet.

What the corrosion pictogram does not mean:

Not acute toxicity: The skull-and-crossbones covers fast-acting poisons; corrosion does not.
Not simple irritation: Mild skin/eye irritation uses the exclamation mark, not the corrosion symbol.
Not flammable: The flame pictogram indicates flammable/pyrophoric hazards.
Not oxidizer: Oxidizers use the flame-over-circle symbol.
Not gas under pressure: Pressurized gases use the gas-cylinder symbol.
Not environmental hazard: Aquatic toxicity uses the environment pictogram (optional under some systems).

Bottom line: use the corrosive substance symbol for severe burns/eye damage and/or corrosion of metals—don’t substitute it for unrelated hazards or minor irritation.

When the symbol is required under GHS/CLP and OSHA HCS

If a product is classified for severe skin burns and serious eye damage and/or it corrodes metals, the GHS/CLP corrosion pictogram is required. That’s the core trigger across GHS, OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard, EU CLP, and WHMIS. You’ll see it on strong acids and bases and on certain reactive chemicals whose as-supplied formulation can rapidly destroy tissue or attack common metals. Classification is based on the product as shipped, so concentrates may require the symbol while properly diluted end-use solutions may not—always confirm with the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

Use the corrosive substance symbol when:

Severe skin/eye effects apply: The product causes serious, potentially irreversible burns or eye damage.
Corrosive to metals applies: The product degrades or aggressively attacks common metals under normal storage/use.
Both hazards apply: One pictogram covers both; you don’t add a second corrosion icon.

Where it must appear:

Shipped containers: OSHA HCS requires the red‑border GHS pictogram on manufacturer/importer labels whenever the hazard is present.
Workplace/secondary containers: In-use bottles, bench containers, squeeze/spray bottles, and process cans must carry a compliant GHS label mirroring the primary container and SDS.
SDS (Section 2): The same pictogram must be communicated consistently in the hazard identification section.

When not to use it:

Irritation only: If the product is classified only for mild skin/eye irritation, use the exclamation mark—not the corrosion pictogram.
Unrelated hazards: Flammables, oxidizers, acute toxins, gases under pressure, and environmental hazards have their own pictograms; don’t substitute corrosion for these.

Bottom line: apply the corrosion pictogram whenever the product, as supplied, can cause severe burns/eye damage and/or corrode metals—and ensure it appears on shipped labels, workplace containers, and the SDS in alignment with GHS/CLP and OSHA HCS.

Standards at a glance: GHS, OSHA HCS, EU CLP, and WHMIS alignment

Good news for consistency: the corrosive substance symbol is harmonized across the major systems you work with. Whether you’re reading a UN GHS spec, an OSHA HCS shipped-container label, an EU CLP package, or a Canadian WHMIS supplier label, the corrosion pictogram is the same red diamond with black test tubes dripping onto a hand and a metal bar. The trigger is also consistent: classification for severe skin burns/serious eye damage and/or corrosion of metals.

Here’s how the frameworks line up:

UN GHS (model rule): Defines the corrosion pictogram and when to use it for Skin Corrosion/Serious Eye Damage and Corrosive to Metals. Sets the core label elements: pictogram, signal word, hazard and precautionary statements, product identifier, and supplier details.
OSHA HCS (29 CFR 1910.1200): Adopts GHS pictograms with a mandatory red border on shipped container labels where hazards apply; requires SDS alignment and employee training. Use the GHS corrosion pictogram on primary and secondary workplace containers when the product is classified for the covered hazards.
EU CLP (Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008): Implements GHS across the EU market with the same corrosion pictogram and harmonized label elements. CLP ties minimum pictogram size to the overall label size to ensure visibility; maintain red diamond, white background, and black artwork.
WHMIS (Canada): GHS‑aligned system using the same corrosion pictogram on supplier and workplace labels, with SDS requirements. Like CLP, WHMIS emphasizes clear visibility and standardized presentation of the red diamond graphic.

Across all four, alignment means you should: use the identical red‑diamond corrosion pictogram, apply it when either severe burns/eye damage or metals corrosion is classified, and pair it with the required signal word and statements, matching the SDS. Up next: the exact label elements that must accompany the pictogram.

Required label elements that go with the pictogram

The corrosive substance symbol is just one part of a compliant label. Under GHS/CLP and OSHA HCS, the pictogram must be paired with specific text elements that tell workers what the hazard is, how to prevent exposure, and what to do if it happens. All wording should align with the product’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS), especially Section 2.

Include these elements with the corrosion pictogram:

Signal word: Conveys severity. Use “Danger” for severe skin burns/serious eye damage; “Warning” is typical for metals‑corrosive products without severe tissue effects.
Hazard statement(s): Plain language risks, such as “Causes severe skin burns and serious eye damage” and/or “May be corrosive to metals.”
Precautionary statements: Prevention, response, storage, and disposal guidance. Examples include “Wear protective gloves/eye protection,” “Remove contaminated clothing,” “Flush with water for at least 15 minutes,” “Seek medical attention,” and “Store securely.”
Product identifier: Exact name/number matching the SDS and the shipped container.
Supplier identification: Manufacturer/importer name, address, and phone number.
Other applicable GHS pictograms: Add all that apply (e.g., flammable, oxidizer, acute toxicity); don’t rely on the corrosion symbol to cover unrelated hazards.

Helpful, commonly used additions (not a substitute for required elements):

Language support: Bilingual/multilingual text where needed for your workforce.
Traceability/data: Lot/batch, barcodes/QR, and internal IDs to tie labels to procedures.
Use-specific instructions: Dilution or PPE details consistent with the SDS.

Quick rule: if it’s on the SDS, it should be reflected on the label. Apply the same bundle of elements to shipped containers and to workplace/secondary containers so employees see consistent, actionable information at the point of use.

Size, color, and formatting rules for compliant labels

Auditors don’t argue with labels that are crisp, legible, and faithful to the standards. The corrosive substance symbol must appear exactly as specified across GHS/CLP, OSHA HCS, and WHMIS: a red diamond with black artwork on a white field. Follow the rules below to keep your labels compliant and readable in real-world conditions.

Use the correct colors: Red diamond border, white interior, and black corrosion artwork only. No grayscale, inverted colors, or tints inside the diamond.
Keep the geometry intact: The pictogram is a square set on a point. Don’t stretch, crop, rotate off-axis, or place text/icons inside the diamond.
Make it visible at a glance: Size the pictogram so it’s clearly legible at normal handling distance. EU CLP and WHMIS tie minimum pictogram size to overall label size—scale accordingly.
Preserve contrast and white space: Avoid busy backgrounds; keep a clean margin around each diamond so the red frame is unmistakable.
Group pictograms consistently: When multiple hazards apply, group GHS diamonds together without overlap and pair them with the correct signal word and statements.
No “placeholder” diamonds: Blank red diamonds are not permitted.
Print for durability: Use materials and inks that resist chemicals, abrasion, moisture, and cleaning so the symbol and text remain legible through storage and use.
Match the SDS: Ensure the pictogram, signal word, hazard/precautionary statements, and product identifier mirror the Safety Data Sheet.
Stay consistent across containers: Apply the same formatting to shipped and workplace/secondary containers for clear, repeatable communication.

Bottom line: a red diamond, white field, black artwork—displayed large enough, cleanly, and durably—keeps the corrosive substance symbol compliant and unmistakable on every container.

GHS pictogram vs DOT Class 8 placard vs ISO safety sign

If you handle corrosives from receiving to shipping, you’ll see three look‑alike symbols that do different jobs. Mixing them up creates compliance gaps and confuses workers and drivers. Use each system in its proper lane and keep artwork consistent so people recognize the hazard instantly.

System	Purpose	Where it appears	Visual at a glance
GHS/OSHA HCS pictogram	Container labeling and SDS alignment	Shipped containers and workplace/secondary containers	Red diamond with black corrosion graphic: two test tubes dripping onto a hand and a metal bar
DOT Class 8 placard	Transportation hazard communication	Trucks, rail cars, and marine shipments	Black-and-white diamond with the same corrosion graphic and the class number “8”
ISO-style safety sign	Area/equipment warning for people in the space	Doors, storage rooms, cabinets, equipment, and points of use	Wall/door sign with the corrosion symbol (commonly presented in ISO warning style) to cue behavior

Use cases and boundaries:

GHS on the container: Apply the corrosive substance symbol with the required label elements to primary and secondary containers. It does not replace transport placards or wall signs.
DOT on the vehicle/package for transport: Class 8 placards communicate to responders and the public during transit. They don’t substitute for GHS labels on containers.
ISO signs on walls and equipment: Post where exposure could occur—lab doors, battery rooms, mix/dispense stations, eyewash/shower areas—to guide safe behavior. They don’t replace container labels or transport placards.

Quick rule of thumb: GHS lives on the container, DOT travels with the load, ISO lives on the wall/equipment. Many operations need all three, working together from the drum to the dock to the workcell.

Free corrosive symbol downloads (SVG, EPS, PNG) and how to use them

You don’t need to redraw the corrosive substance symbol—free, compliant artwork is available from neutral authorities such as OSHA, EU/UK regulators, and reference libraries like Wikipedia’s GHS hazard pictograms. For crisp printing on any size container or sign, use vector formats first (SVG, EPS, or PDF). High‑resolution PNGs are fine for digital use or quick mockups, but keep a vector master for production.

Choose the right file:

Preferred: SVG/EPS/PDF (vector) for lossless scaling on labels, placards, and signage.
Also useful: PNG (transparent) for SDS/handouts; ensure high resolution.

Do and don’t when using downloads:

Do keep the standard: Red diamond border, white interior, black corrosion artwork (two test tubes dripping onto a hand and a metal bar).
Do preserve geometry: Square set on a point; don’t crop, skew, or rotate off-axis.
Do size for visibility: Make it clearly legible at normal handling distance; match CLP/WHMIS minimums where applicable.
Don’t invert/gray it out: No grayscale, black-only borders, or color fills inside the diamond.
Don’t place text inside the pictogram or overlay graphics that break the red frame.

Quick steps to stay compliant:

Download a clean master (SVG/EPS) and store it in your artwork library.
Verify against the SDS: Pair the pictogram with the correct signal word and hazard/precautionary statements.
Print on durable materials: Use chemical‑, abrasion‑, and moisture‑resistant stocks so the symbol remains legible in use.

Tip: Keep an untouched original and export working copies per label size to maintain sharp edges and accurate color.

Where to place the symbol: containers, rooms, and points of use

Placement matters as much as artwork. Use the GHS red‑diamond corrosive substance symbol on the containers workers handle, and use ISO‑style wall/equipment signs to warn people before they enter or operate in corrosive areas. Keep transport separate: DOT Class 8 placards ride with the shipment and never replace container or area labeling. Mirror your Safety Data Sheet so the same hazards appear wherever people make decisions.

Primary containers: Apply full GHS labels on drums, totes, and manufacturer bottles; keep them intact and legible.
Secondary/portable containers: Label squeeze/spray bottles, bench bottles, and process cans with the same pictogram and core information as the source container.
Storage locations: Mark corrosives cabinets, shelves, and cages with area signs and ensure container labels face outward.
Process and dispense points: Post signs at mix stations, pumps, fill/decant points, parts washers, and CIP skids where splashes can occur.
Room/area entries: Place warnings on lab doors, battery rooms, maintenance shops, and chemical rooms before entry.
Emergency equipment zones: Add supplemental corrosion warnings near eyewash and safety showers to cue immediate response.
Waste and satellite accumulation: Label waste drums and cans with the corrosion pictogram and contents to match the SDS.
Conveyance and shipping prep: Use DOT Class 8 placards for transport; keep GHS labels on every individual container inside the load.

Examples of corrosive chemicals you’ll see in workplaces

If your operation handles strong acids, strong bases, or certain reactive halogens/oxidizers, you’ll see the corrosion pictogram on shipped labels and secondary containers. Concentration and formulation drive classification—concentrates often require the corrosive substance symbol while properly diluted use-solutions may not—so always confirm with the SDS. The examples below are common in labs, battery rooms, maintenance shops, cleaning/sanitation lines, and metal treatment areas.

Sulfuric acid: Lead‑acid battery electrolyte in charging areas; lab reagent.
Hydrochloric acid: Acid cleaning and pickling solutions; laboratory acid stocks.
Nitric acid: Oxidizing acid used in labs and metal finishing/treatment.
Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda): Caustic cleaning/CIP, sanitation steps, pH adjustment.
Hydrogen peroxide (concentrated): Powerful oxidizer for bleaching/disinfection and lab prep.
Bromine: Reactive halogen in certain water treatment chemicals and lab reagents.
Amines (e.g., specialty amines): Strong bases for synthesis and neutralization steps.
Glycolic acid: Organic acid in specialty cleaning formulations.
Imidazole: Corrosive lab chemical handled in small bench containers.
4‑Methoxybenzylamine: Corrosive amine encountered in research and synthesis work.

Expect the same symbol on corrosive waste containers and at storage or mix/dispense points where splashes can occur. Match container labels to the SDS, and post ISO‑style area signs at doors and equipment to cue PPE and safe handling before exposure.

Essential PPE, handling, and first aid guidance

A single splash from a corrosive can turn routine work into an emergency, so plan protection and response before you crack a cap. When the corrosive substance symbol appears on a label or sign, assume the material can burn skin and eyes and may attack metals. Match your PPE and handling steps to the SDS, stage eyewash and showers within immediate reach of use areas, and make sure secondary containers carry the same information workers saw on the shipped label.

Gloves and eye/face protection: Wear chemical‑resistant gloves and sealed goggles; add a face shield for splash‑prone tasks (per the SDS).
Body protection: Use a lab coat or chemical apron and closed‑toe footwear to shield skin and clothing.
Keep PPE clean and ready: Inspect before use; remove and replace contaminated PPE immediately.
Respiratory protection (if required): Use only as specified by the SDS and your program.
Training and access: Make sure workers know where and how to use eyewash and safety showers.
Label everything: Mirror the shipped container on secondary bottles with the corrosive substance symbol and required text.
Control dispensing: Open slowly, use compatible containers, and work in trays or secondary containment to manage splashes.
Separate incompatibles: Store and handle away from materials the SDS lists as incompatible; protect metal surfaces when applicable.
Stage emergency gear: Eyewash/shower must be unobstructed and within immediate reach of use points.
Housekeeping: Keep areas dry and clear; close containers when not in use.
Stop exposure fast: Remove contaminated clothing/accessories; avoid spreading the chemical.
Flush with water immediately: Rinse skin under running water for at least 15 minutes; keep rinsing while help arrives.
For eye contact: Use an eyewash for a minimum of 15 minutes; hold lids open and let water flow from the inner corner outward.
Get medical attention promptly: Bring the SDS; continue rinsing if advised.
Inhalation or ingestion: Follow the SDS instructions exactly; do not use neutralizers or induce any action unless the SDS directs it.
Report and restock: Replace used PPE, restock emergency supplies, and document the incident to prevent recurrence.

Plan work so rinsing is unlikely—but be ready to act in seconds if it’s needed. Prompt rinsing, proper PPE, and SDS‑driven response dramatically reduce harm from corrosive chemicals.

Common mistakes to avoid with the corrosive symbol

Small labeling errors can undo hard work, confuse workers, and trigger findings in an audit. Use the checklist below to keep your corrosive substance symbol—and the label around it—clear, compliant, and consistent with your Safety Data Sheet.

Using the wrong graphic: Don’t use the legacy “bony hand” icon or custom art; use the GHS corrosion pictogram (two test tubes dripping onto a hand and a metal bar).
Mixing systems: Don’t put a DOT Class 8 placard on workplace containers or a GHS diamond on transport vehicles; ISO wall signs don’t replace container labels.
Wrong colors or styling: No grayscale, inverted colors, or fills inside the diamond; keep a red border, white interior, black artwork.
Deforming the diamond: Don’t crop, skew, rotate off-axis, or add text inside the pictogram.
Too small or low contrast: If the diamond can’t be read at handling distance—or is lost on a busy background—it’s not effective.
Missing required elements: Pair the pictogram with the correct signal word, hazard and precautionary statements, product identifier, and supplier info.
Misclassification: Don’t use the symbol for simple irritants; don’t omit it for true skin/eye corrosives or metals-corrosive products.
Unlabeled secondary containers: Bench bottles, squeeze/spray bottles, and process cans must mirror the primary label/SDS.
Blank red diamonds: Placeholders are not permitted.
Poor durability: Smearing inks, peeling labels, or chemical damage that makes text illegible defeat the purpose—use chemical‑ and abrasion‑resistant materials.

Multilingual and accessible labeling best practices

When crews don’t share the same first language—or when reading conditions are poor—clarity and repetition save time and prevent injuries. The GHS corrosive substance symbol carries most of the weight, but workers also need simple, readable text that mirrors the SDS and reinforces what to wear, how to handle, and what to do in an emergency.

Design your labels and signs so everyone gets the message the first time they see it. Keep the corrosion pictogram prominent, and present bilingual text without crowding or shrinking required elements. Use consistent terminology across shipped labels, secondary containers, area signs, and training so workers don’t have to “translate” between systems on the fly.

Use bilingual layouts: English + Spanish is common in U.S. workplaces. Mirror the same signal word, hazard statements, and precautions in both languages.
Keep the pictogram untouched: Don’t add words inside the red diamond; place translations in adjacent, clearly labeled sections.
Prioritize readability: High contrast (black on white), plain language, sentence case, and generous line spacing; avoid dense blocks and all-caps walls of text.
Structure for scanning: Group pictograms together; use short bullets for prevention, response, storage, and disposal.
Support color‑blind users: Don’t rely on color alone—pair the red diamond with the signal word and clear headings.
Add cues beyond text: Use standardized icons for PPE next to the corresponding precautionary statements.
Provide quick references: Barcodes/QR codes that link to the matching SDS and site procedures help teams confirm details on demand.
Validate with your workforce: Pilot labels with multilingual crews and adjust wording or layout based on feedback.

Printing your own labels: materials, adhesives, and durability

If you print GHS labels in‑house, durability is non‑negotiable. The label must survive chemicals, washdowns, abrasion, and handling so the red diamond, white field, and black corrosion artwork—and the text around it—stay legible for the life of the container. Start with industrial materials matched to your surfaces and environment, then protect the print.

Facestocks/films: Choose industrial vinyls or polyester films (e.g., ORAFOL) with proven resistance to chemicals, abrasion, moisture, and UV. Avoid paper stocks on any container exposed to liquids or cleaning.
Overlaminates: Add a clear, chemical‑resistant overlaminate to shield print from splashes and wiping. A matte finish reduces glare and improves barcode/QR scans.
Adhesives: Use high‑tack adhesives for steel drums; select LSE (low‑surface‑energy) adhesives for HDPE/PP plastics. Pick clean‑removable options for glassware/short‑term use, and ensure strong edge seal for curved surfaces.
Print durability: Use inks/toners formulated to resist smearing with common solvents and cleaners. Always test labels against the actual chemicals and wipe routines used on site.
Environmental rating: Match materials to expected temperatures, humidity, and outdoor/UV exposure so labels don’t lift, crack, or fade.
Surface prep & application: Apply to clean, dry, smooth surfaces; avoid seams and hardware that can lift edges. Press firmly across the full label.
Readability: Size the corrosion pictogram for clear visibility; maintain high contrast and white space; group all GHS diamonds consistently.
Verification & upkeep: Mirror the SDS exactly. Perform quick wipe/abrasion checks after application and re‑inspect periodically; replace any damaged or illegible labels.
File control: Keep a vector master of the corrosive substance symbol and standardized templates so secondary containers match shipped labels every time.

Buying compliant corrosive labels and signs

Buying once and labeling right beats relabeling after an audit. Start by choosing the correct format for each job: GHS container labels for primary and secondary containers, ISO‑style wall/door signs for rooms and equipment, and DOT Class 8 placards for transport. Then make sure what you buy is built to survive your environment and mirrors the SDS so workers see the same message everywhere the chemical appears.

What to look for:

Regulatory alignment: GHS/OSHA HCS, EU CLP, and WHMIS‑compatible artwork and layouts; space for the signal word, hazard/precautionary statements, product identifier, and supplier info.
Durable constructions: Industrial vinyl or polyester films (e.g., ORAFOL), chemical‑resistant overlaminates, and inks that won’t smear in washdowns.
Right adhesives: High‑tack for steel drums; LSE options for HDPE/PP; clean‑removable for glassware; strong edge seal for curves.
Readable design: Proper red‑diamond corrosion pictogram sizing, high contrast text, grouped pictograms, and clear white space.
Customization: Bilingual text, variable data (lot, barcodes/QR), PPE icons, and templates matched to your SDS families.
Process fit: Pre‑printed rolls for stocked hazards plus print‑on‑demand blanks for fast relabeling and secondary containers.
Quality control: Proofs, SDS cross‑checks, and samples for adhesion/chemical‑resistance testing before a sitewide rollout.

Safety Decals builds compliant, high‑durability corrosion labels and signs to spec—custom sizes, materials, bilingual copy, grouped pictograms—and can help standardize a sitewide system from the drum to the door to the dock.

FAQs about the corrosive substance symbol

You’ve got containers to label and audits to pass—these quick answers keep you aligned with GHS/CLP and OSHA HCS. Use them to sanity‑check artwork, wording, and placement so the corrosive substance symbol communicates clearly everywhere it appears.

What is the official symbol? The red diamond with black artwork of two test tubes dripping onto a hand and a metal bar.
When is it required? When the product is classified for severe skin burns/serious eye damage and/or corrosive to metals.
Is the “bony hand” icon acceptable? No. Use the standardized GHS corrosion pictogram only.
Acids only? No. It also applies to strong bases and certain reactive chemicals (e.g., sodium hydroxide, concentrated hydrogen peroxide, bromine).
Which signal word goes with it? Typically “Danger” for severe burns/eye damage; “Warning” is common for metals‑corrosive without severe tissue effects—always match the SDS.
Can I print it in black and white? No for shipped container labels—GHS/OSHA require a red border. Keep a white field and black artwork.
How big must it be? Large enough to be clearly visible at normal handling distance; CLP/WHMIS tie minimums to overall label size—scale accordingly.
Same as DOT Class 8? No. DOT placards are for transport. Use GHS on containers, DOT on vehicles/packages, and ISO signs for areas/equipment.
Do secondary containers need it? Yes. Label workplace/portable containers to mirror the primary container and SDS.
Can I put text inside the diamond? No. Don’t crop, rotate, or add text inside the pictogram.
Does it cover all hazards? No. Add other GHS pictograms as applicable (e.g., flame, oxidizer, skull and crossbones).
Where is it shown on the SDS? Section 2 (Hazard Identification) alongside the signal word and hazard/precautionary statements.
What if a diluted use‑solution isn’t classified? If not classified for severe burns/eye damage or metals corrosion, the pictogram may not apply—confirm with the SDS.

Related hazard symbols often used alongside corrosion

Many products that carry the corrosive substance symbol present other hazards too. Because the corrosion pictogram only covers severe skin/eye burns and corrosion of metals, labels often include additional GHS pictograms so workers see the full risk profile at a glance. Use all pictograms that apply, matching the SDS.

Flame: Flammable liquids/solids or materials that can ignite easily during use or storage.
Flame over circle (Oxidizer): Chemicals that intensify fire or supply oxygen; e.g., oxidizing acids like nitric acid may also carry this symbol.
Skull and crossbones (Acute toxicity): Rapid, potentially fatal effects from small exposures by inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion.
Exclamation mark (Irritation/other acute effects): Skin/eye irritation, specific target organ effects, or skin sensitization as classified.
Health hazard (Chronic): Carcinogenicity, respiratory sensitization, mutagenicity, reproductive toxicity, or organ damage from repeated exposure.
Gas cylinder (Gases under pressure): Compressed, liquefied, or dissolved gases with rupture or asphyxiation risks on release.
Exploding bomb (Explosive): Explosive substances or mixtures with blast or projection hazards.
Environment (Aquatic toxicity): Hazardous to aquatic life; optional under some implementations but commonly shown.

Remember: one icon never covers every risk. Pair the corrosion pictogram with all other applicable symbols and the correct signal word and statements so the label tells the complete safety story.

Key takeaways

The corrosive substance symbol—red diamond with two test tubes dripping onto a hand and a metal bar—means severe skin/eye burns and/or corrosion of metals. Use it when the product is classified for those hazards, mirror your SDS, and keep systems straight: GHS on containers, DOT Class 8 for transport, ISO signs on walls/equipment.

Use the right icon and trigger: Severe burns/eye damage and/or metals corrosion.
Place it correctly: GHS on primary and secondary containers; DOT with the load; ISO at rooms/equipment.
Pair required text: Signal word, hazard/precautionary statements, product identifier, supplier.
Keep formatting compliant: Red border, white field, black artwork; no edits or grayscale.
Print for durability: Chemical- and abrasion-resistant materials; clear sizing and contrast.
Stay SDS-consistent: Same hazards across labels, signs, and training.
Add other pictograms as needed: Flame, oxidizer, skull and crossbones, etc.

Need compliant, durable labels and signs—or help standardizing sitewide? Get started with Safety Decals.