The Complete Guide To The Symbol For Corrosive (GHS/WHMIS)

The symbol for corrosive is the GHS/WHMIS corrosion pictogram: two test tubes dripping liquid onto a hand and a metal surface, both visibly being eaten away. It warns that a substance can cause severe skin burns and eye damage and can also corrode metals. You’ll see it on chemical containers, SDSs, and workplace signs to signal immediate contact hazards and the need for protective measures.

This guide shows you exactly what the corrosive symbol looks like and what it means, then goes deeper into when it’s required, which standards mandate it (GHS, WHMIS, OSHA HazCom, EU CLP), and how it differs from transport labels like DOT/UN Class 8. You’ll find common chemicals that carry the symbol, the label elements that must accompany it (signal words, hazard and precautionary statements), and clear rules for color, size, and placement. We’ll also walk through creating compliant labels step by step, share free downloads (vector, PNG, printable signs), and explain where to post signs, what PPE/first-aid icons to pair with them, and how to store and handle corrosives safely. A training checklist, FAQs, and related hazard symbols round things out so you can standardize your program with confidence.

What the corrosive symbol looks like (GHS/WHMIS pictogram)

Spotting the symbol for corrosive is easy once you know its visual cues. The GHS/WHMIS corrosion pictogram is a red “square set on a point” (diamond) with a white background and a black symbol inside. That black symbol shows two tilted test tubes dripping liquid onto a hand and onto a metal bar or surface; both the hand and the metal are visibly being eaten away. This exact layout is the standardized way GHS and WHMIS communicate corrosion hazards on container labels and in Safety Data Sheets.

Border: Red diamond (square on a point), per GHS/WHMIS pictogram format.
Field and icon: White background with a solid black “corrosion” symbol.
Core elements: Two test tubes + droplets + a hand + a metal surface with damage.
Where you’ll see it: On supplier labels and in SDS Section 2 (Hazards Identification), either as the graphic or the word “corrosion” pictogram.

What the corrosive symbol means

When you see the corrosion pictogram, it communicates three specific hazard outcomes under GHS/WHMIS. It means the product can cause irreversible tissue damage on contact, destroy eye tissue, and/or chemically attack and degrade metals. The symbol for corrosive does not grade severity beyond those categories; it flags that one or more of these hazards apply, so you must check the label and SDS for details.

Severe skin burns (Skin Corrosion, Cat. 1/1A/1B/1C): Deep, destructive burns on contact.
Serious eye damage (Eye Damage, Cat. 1): Permanent injury or blindness risk.
Corrosive to metals (Cat. 1): Chemical action that thins, pits, or leaks through metal.

Practically, the corrosive symbol tells you two things at a glance: protect people from contact and protect equipment and storage from attack. If a product only causes mild skin or eye irritation, it will not carry this pictogram—it uses the exclamation mark instead. Always read the accompanying signal word and hazard statements in Section 2 of the SDS and on the supplier label to know exactly which of the above hazards apply and what precautions to take.

Where the corrosion pictogram is used and when it’s required

You must use the corrosion pictogram on a product’s supplier label and show it in SDS Section 2 whenever the substance is classified under GHS/WHMIS as Corrosive to metals (Category 1), Skin corrosion (Category 1/1A/1B/1C), and/or Serious eye damage (Category 1). If a product only causes mild skin or eye irritation, it does not use the symbol for corrosive—it uses the exclamation mark pictogram instead. In short, the pictogram is required when contact can destroy tissue or the product chemically attacks metal.

Beyond container labels and SDSs, workplaces display the same corrosion symbol on safety signs to warn at points of use and storage. Posting is expected anywhere people could encounter corrosives during normal work, helping prompt PPE, eyewash access, and safe handling. Typical placements include:

Chemical storage cabinets: Identify acids/caustics inside.
Laboratory areas: Benches, fume hoods, and wet chemistry stations.
Workplaces handling corrosives: Process lines, cleaning stations, maintenance areas.
Mixing/decanting points: Where concentrates are transferred or diluted.

These uses keep the hazard visible from purchase through use, storage, and emergency response.

Standards and regulations behind the symbol (GHS, WHMIS, OSHA HazCom, EU CLP)

The corrosion pictogram comes from the Globally Harmonized System (GHS). Jurisdictions adopt GHS in their own laws, but the graphic, the red diamond, and the hazard categories that trigger it are consistent: Corrosive to metals (Cat 1), Skin corrosion (Cat 1/1A/1B/1C), and Serious eye damage (Cat 1).

GHS (global baseline)

GHS standardizes the red “square set on a point” with the black corrosion symbol and requires it on supplier labels and in SDS Section 2 when a product meets the above classifications. Less-severe effects (e.g., skin or eye irritation) use the exclamation mark pictogram instead.

WHMIS (Canada)

Canada’s WHMIS is aligned to GHS and regulated under the Hazardous Products Act and Hazardous Products Regulations. Health Canada oversees supplier requirements. Recent HPR amendments (in force Dec 2022) include a transition period until December 14, 2025 for full label/SDS alignment.

OSHA Hazard Communication (United States)

OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard uses the same GHS-style corrosion pictogram on shipped container labels and in the SDS Hazards Identification section. When a product is classified for skin corrosion, serious eye damage, or corrosive to metals, the pictogram must appear with the required signal word and hazard statements.

EU CLP (European Union)

The EU’s Classification, Labelling and Packaging rules implement GHS pictograms across member states. The corrosion symbol, red diamond format, and triggering hazard classes mirror GHS so labels and SDSs communicate the same corrosion risks consistently.

Corrosion pictogram vs. DOT/UN class 8 transport label

The symbol for corrosive in GHS/WHMIS is the red diamond with the black corrosion icon. The DOT/UN Class 8 transport label/placard also shows test tubes attacking a hand and metal, but it’s a black-and-white transport mark with the word “CORROSIVE” and the number “8” at the bottom. Use the GHS pictogram on shipped containers and SDSs for workplace hazard communication; use the Class 8 label/placard for hazardous materials in transportation and on outer shipping packages.

Format: GHS = red diamond; DOT/UN Class 8 = black/white label with “CORROSIVE” and “8.”
Purpose: GHS warns users about skin/eye burns and metal corrosion; DOT/UN signals a regulated Class 8 hazardous material for transport.
Where it appears: GHS on product labels and SDS Section 2; DOT/UN on outer packages and vehicles.
Both may apply: A shipped carton can carry the Class 8 label, while the inner container carries the GHS corrosion pictogram.

Corrosive symbol vs. similar pictograms you might confuse it with

Because several GHS/WHMIS icons warn about skin, eye, or chemical effects, it’s easy to mix up the symbol for corrosive with other pictograms. Use the visual and hazard triggers below to keep them straight and label correctly.

Corrosion (the corrosive symbol): Two test tubes attacking a hand and metal. Triggers: Skin corrosion (Cat 1/1A/1B/1C), Serious eye damage (Cat 1), Corrosive to metals (Cat 1).
Exclamation mark: Black “!” in a red diamond. Triggers: Skin or eye irritation (Cat 2/2A), STOT (single exposure) Cat 3, Skin sensitizer. Think “reversible irritation,” not burns.
Health hazard (silhouette with chest starburst): Chronic or systemic effects: carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, reproductive toxicity, STOT (Cat 1/2), respiratory sensitizer, aspiration hazard. Not about contact burns.
Skull and crossbones: Acute toxicity (oral, dermal, inhalation Cat 1–3). Rapid poisoning risk, not metal or tissue corrosion per se.
Gas cylinder: Gases under pressure. Physical hazard only.
Environment (dead fish/tree): Hazardous to the aquatic environment. Not a WHMIS-required pictogram in all cases, but never a substitute for the corrosion pictogram.

Rule of thumb: if contact destroys tissue or chemically attacks metal, use the corrosion pictogram; if it “only” irritates, use the exclamation mark instead (never both for the same endpoint).

Examples of chemicals that require the corrosive symbol

If a substance is classified for Skin Corrosion (Cat 1/1A/1B/1C), Serious Eye Damage (Cat 1), or Corrosive to Metals (Cat 1), the corrosion pictogram is required. In practice, that often includes strong acids and bases and certain high‑strength cleaners. Concentration matters—dilute solutions may only irritate and use the exclamation mark instead—so always confirm with the product label and SDS Section 2.

Strong mineral acids: Typical industrial acids used for pickling, descaling, or pH control (e.g., battery electrolyte) are commonly classified as corrosive.
Strong bases/alkalis: High‑pH materials used in drain/oven cleaners or CIP processes (e.g., caustic solutions) frequently meet skin corrosion criteria.
Concentrated ammonia solutions: High‑strength ammonium hydroxide can cause serious eye damage and skin burns.
Bleach and oxidizer concentrates: Concentrated hypochlorite products can be corrosive to metals and severely damaging to eyes.
Concentrated organic acids: High‑purity acids like glacial acetic acid can cause contact burns.
Acid and alkali cleaners/descalers: Industrial maintenance products used for scale removal or heavy‑duty cleaning often trigger the corrosion pictogram.

Use these examples as cues, not substitutes for classification. The definitive answer is on the supplier label and in the SDS Hazards Identification section, which will list the pictogram, signal word, and hazard statements when corrosion hazards apply.

Required label elements that go with the pictogram

The corrosion pictogram never stands alone. Under GHS/WHMIS and OSHA HazCom, it must appear on shipped container labels and in SDS Section 2 alongside specific text elements that tell workers exactly what the hazard is and how to control it. The exact combination depends on the product’s classification (skin corrosion, serious eye damage, corrosive to metals), and the label and SDS must match.

Pictogram(s): The symbol for corrosive plus any other applicable GHS pictograms if multiple hazards are present.
Signal word: The required severity cue that accompanies the pictogram on the label and in SDS Section 2.
Hazard statement(s): Standardized phrases that specify the outcome (e.g., severe skin burns, eye damage, corrosion of metals) based on the product’s classification.
Precautionary statement(s): Required instructions covering prevention, response/first aid, safe storage, and disposal; these are drawn from the classification and must be kept consistent with the SDS.
Supplier label and SDS alignment: Section 2 (Hazards Identification) of the SDS must show the same pictogram, signal word, and hazard statements as the shipped container label.
Supplemental information (where permitted): Clarifying details that aid safe use (for example, dilution instructions for concentrates) may be added without conflicting with required elements.

If a product only causes skin or eye irritation (not burns), it won’t use the corrosion pictogram; it uses the exclamation mark instead. Always rely on the label and SDS to determine which elements apply.

Color, size, and placement rules for the symbol on labels

To be recognized at a glance, the symbol for corrosive must follow the GHS/WHMIS pictogram format: a red “square set on a point” (diamond) with a white background and the black corrosion icon. Keep the pictogram unobstructed on the shipped container’s supplier label and show the same pictogram in SDS Section 2 so workers see consistent information.

Color: Use the standard red diamond border, white field, and black symbol. Don’t invert colors, add shading, or print in grayscale that makes the icon hard to see.
Size/scale: Make the pictogram large enough to be immediately legible at normal handling distance. Maintain the diamond orientation and aspect ratio—don’t stretch, crop, or rotate to a square.
Placement/visibility: Place the pictogram on the immediate container’s supplier label where it won’t wrap around edges, be covered by tape, or be hidden by hardware. It must remain clearly visible and easy to identify.
Consistency: If multiple GHS hazards apply, show each required pictogram and ensure the label and SDS Section 2 match.
No substitutions: Do not replace the GHS corrosion pictogram with the DOT/UN Class 8 transport label; transport marks and workplace pictograms serve different purposes.

How to create compliant corrosive labels step by step

If you build your label directly from the product’s classification and SDS Section 2, compliance becomes repeatable. The key is to use the correct GHS corrosion pictogram, pair it with the required signal word and standardized statements, and keep the layout clear, visible, and consistent with the SDS.

Confirm classification: Open SDS Section 2 and note if the product is classified for Skin Corrosion (Cat 1/1A/1B/1C), Serious Eye Damage (Cat 1), and/or Corrosive to Metals (Cat 1).
Select pictogram(s): Use the GHS/WHMIS corrosion pictogram; add any other required pictograms if multiple hazards apply. Do not substitute transport marks.
Add the signal word: Use the signal word specified in SDS Section 2 for the product’s classification.
Add hazard statement(s): Include the standardized statements listed in SDS Section 2 that describe the outcomes (e.g., severe skin burns, serious eye damage, corrosion of metals).
Add precautionary statements: Include prevention, response/first‑aid, storage, and disposal statements consistent with the SDS.
Include permitted supplemental info: Add helpful clarifications (e.g., safe dilution notes) only if they don’t conflict with required elements.
Format the pictogram correctly: Red diamond border, white background, black symbol; maintain orientation and legibility at normal handling distance.
Place for visibility: Keep pictograms and key text on the immediate container where they won’t wrap or be obscured.
Cross‑check with the SDS: Ensure the pictogram(s), signal word, and hazard statements on the label match SDS Section 2 exactly.
Don’t confuse systems: If shipping, use DOT/UN Class 8 on outer packages in addition to the GHS label on the inner container—never one instead of the other.

Download the corrosive symbol (vector, PNG, printable signs)

Need a clean, compliant file of the symbol for corrosive? Grab the standardized corrosion pictogram in formats ready for labeling and signage. Each file uses the GHS/WHMIS layout: red diamond (square on point), white background, and the black “corrosion” icon with two test tubes attacking a hand and metal—so it drops straight into labels, SDS Section 2, and workplace signs.

Vector (SVG/EPS): Best for scalable, press-ready labels and large prints.
High-res PNG: Ideal for digital documents, training, and quick in-house prints.
Printable sign (PDF): Ready-to-post signage for storage areas and points of use.

Where to post corrosive warning signs in the workplace

Corrosive hazards move with the work—so your signs must be seen before contact, not after. Use the symbol for corrosive to warn at points of entry, storage, use, and emergency response. Place signs where decisions happen: as people approach, before they open, mix, pour, clean, or service equipment, and where they’d run for eyewash.

Entrances to areas with corrosives: Lab doors, plating/etch lines, maintenance shops, wash bays.
Dedicated storage: Acid/caustic rooms and chemical storage cabinets.
Points of use/transfer: Benches, sinks, fume hoods, mixing/decanting stations, pump/transfer skids, fill stations.
Process touchpoints: Tanks, dip lines, CIP stations, cleaning/scale-removal areas (posted nearby, not on moving parts).
Receiving and waste areas: Loading docks handling corrosives and waste accumulation points for spent acids/alkalis.
Emergency equipment zones: Adjacent to eyewash and safety showers serving corrosive tasks.

Mount at eye level, keep unobstructed, and mirror the same corrosion pictogram used on container labels and in SDS Section 2. Recheck placement whenever processes, layouts, or chemicals change.

PPE and first aid icons commonly paired with the corrosive symbol

The corrosion pictogram is the cue; PPE and first-aid icons make the next steps unmistakable. Pair the symbol for corrosive with clear, at-a-glance visuals where people store, mix, or use corrosives and where they’d turn in an emergency. These icons don’t replace label text or the SDS—they reinforce it and speed decisions when seconds matter.

Eye/face protection: Goggles or face shield icon to prevent serious eye damage.
Chemical-resistant gloves: Hand-with-glove icon to block skin burns.
Protective clothing: Apron/lab coat icon to shield torso and sleeves.
Protective footwear: Chemical-resistant boot icon to prevent splash injuries to feet.
Eyewash station: Eye/eyewash icon with “flush at least 15 minutes” to guide response.
Safety shower: Shower icon to rinse skin/clothing immediately and remove contaminated garments.
First aid/medical attention: Cross icon to prompt prompt evaluation after exposure.

Use the same set of icons on signs at points of use, near eyewash/showers, and on SOPs so the protective actions match the hazards and the GHS/WHMIS label and SDS Section 2.

Storage, handling, and incompatibilities for corrosive materials

A container marked with the symbol for corrosive can burn skin and eyes and chemically attack equipment—especially metals and some plastics. Store these products in clearly identified corrosive storage areas or cabinets with the corrosion pictogram visible on the immediate container and nearby signage. Keep emergency eyewash and safety showers accessible to the work area; if exposure occurs, flush affected eyes/skin with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention, as guidance on corrosive exposures emphasizes prompt rinsing.

For handling, use the PPE signaled on your label/SDS (eye/face protection, chemical‑resistant gloves, protective clothing), open containers carefully, and keep them tightly closed when not in use. Because corrosives can eat through metal and certain plastics, select compatible containers, trays, and shelving, and avoid storing them where leaks could contact reactive or damageable materials. Always consult the SDS for product‑specific storage conditions and segregation rules, and never mix products unless your procedures and SDS permit it.

Segregate and label: Keep corrosives in designated areas, post the corrosion pictogram, and ensure labels match SDS Section 2.
Use compatible materials: Choose containers and shelving that won’t be attacked by the product (corrodes metals and some plastics).
Plan for emergencies: Maintain unobstructed eyewash/showers serving corrosive tasks and train workers on immediate flushing for 15 minutes.
Follow the SDS: Rely on the supplier label and SDS for specific storage, handling, and incompatibility instructions before transferring or using concentrates.

Training checklist: teaching employees to recognize and respond

Good training makes the symbol for corrosive actionable. Your goal: employees identify the corrosion pictogram at a glance, read the label/SDS Section 2 for the exact hazards, use the right PPE, and know what to do if exposure happens. Use this checklist during onboarding and refreshers, and practice with walk‑throughs at actual points of use and storage.

Spot the symbol: Red diamond with black “corrosion” icon (test tubes attacking a hand and metal).
Confirm hazards in SDS Section 2: Match pictogram, signal word, and hazard statements to the task.
Differentiate icons: Corrosion = burns/metal attack; exclamation mark = irritation; transport Class 8 is for shipping.
PPE check: Goggles/face shield, chemical‑resistant gloves, protective clothing; verify fit and integrity before work.
Eyewash/shower readiness: Locate, test access, and rehearse immediate flushing for at least 15 minutes.
First aid steps: Stop exposure, remove contaminated clothing, rinse with copious water, seek medical attention per SDS.
Label before use: Read precautions, dilution/transfer instructions, and storage requirements every time.
Compatible handling: Use approved containers, trays, and tools that won’t be attacked by the product.
Storage and segregation: Keep corrosives in designated, labeled areas; prevent contact with incompatible materials.
Spill prompt: Alert others, isolate area, follow your spill procedure and SDS guidance; report and document.
Drills and refreshers: Review at least annually and whenever chemicals, layouts, or procedures change.

Frequently asked questions about the corrosive symbol

You’ll see the symbol for corrosive across labels, SDSs, and workplace signs. These quick answers clarify what the corrosion pictogram does—and doesn’t—tell you, when it’s required, and how to act if someone is exposed.

What does the corrosive symbol mean? Severe skin burns, serious eye damage, and/or chemical attack on metals under GHS/WHMIS classifications.
Does it only apply to acids? No. Strong bases (alkalis), concentrated cleaners, and some oxidizers can also be classified as corrosive.
Where must it appear? On shipped container supplier labels and in SDS Section 2 (Hazards Identification); workplaces also use it on posted signs.
Is it the same as DOT/UN Class 8? No. GHS uses a red diamond pictogram for workplace communication; DOT/UN Class 8 is a black/white transport label with “CORROSIVE” and the number 8.
Can it appear with other pictograms? Yes. Show all required GHS pictograms if multiple hazards apply; label and SDS Section 2 must match.
How is it different from the exclamation mark pictogram? Corrosion = burns/irreversible eye damage/metal attack; exclamation mark = irritation and other less severe effects.
Does the symbol show severity levels? No. Check the label/SDS signal word and hazard statements for the exact classification and precautions.
What should I do after exposure? Stop the exposure, remove contaminated clothing, and flush eyes/skin with water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical attention and follow the SDS.

Related hazard symbols to know next

The symbol for corrosive often appears alongside other GHS/WHMIS pictograms. Knowing the companions you’re most likely to see helps you read labels at a glance, train teams, and avoid mix‑ups when products have multiple hazards.

Exclamation mark: Signals skin or eye irritation and certain less-severe effects; think “reversible irritation,” not burns.
Health hazard (silhouette with burst): Chronic or systemic effects such as carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, reproductive toxicity, respiratory sensitization, or specific target organ toxicity.
Skull and crossbones: Acute toxicity (oral, dermal, inhalation) with rapid poisoning risk.
Flame: Flammable gases, liquids, solids, aerosols, pyrophoric and self-heating substances.
Flame over circle: Oxidizers that can intensify fire.
Gas cylinder: Gases under pressure, including liquefied and refrigerated gases.
Exploding bomb: Unstable explosives, certain self‑reactives, and organic peroxides (most severe types).
Environment (dead fish/tree): Hazardous to aquatic life; may appear on supplier labels/SDS but isn’t always required in every workplace system.
Biohazardous infectious materials: Biological hazards covered under WHMIS.

Use these with the corrosion pictogram to convey the full hazard profile clearly and consistently on labels, SDSs, and signs.

How Safety Decals can help with compliant corrosive labels

If you’re ready to standardize how you use the symbol for corrosive across containers, cabinets, and work areas, Safety Decals can help you do it right the first time. Our team supports you from classification-driven content to durable production so your labels match the SDS and stand up where they’re posted.

Custom GHS/WHMIS labels: We build labels around your SDS data with the correct red diamond corrosion pictogram, signal word, and hazard/precautionary text.
Compliance assistance: Get guidance aligning labels to GHS, WHMIS, OSHA HazCom, and CLP conventions without over- or under-labeling.
Durable materials: Print on high-quality ORAFOL films and ORALITE sheeting for long-lasting visibility on cabinets, tanks, and equipment.
Sizes and formats: From small container decals to large, high-visibility signs—tailored to your workflow.
Sticker Builder + consulting: Design online fast, or use our risk assessment and consulting to map where the symbol should appear and standardize your program company‑wide.

Key takeaways

The corrosion pictogram is your instant warning that a product can burn skin, cause serious eye damage, and attack metals. Use it consistently on supplier labels and in SDS Section 2, post it where people store and handle corrosives, and back it up with PPE, eyewash access, and clear procedures.

What it shows: Red GHS/WHMIS diamond with two test tubes attacking a hand and metal.
What it means: Skin corrosion, serious eye damage, and/or corrosive to metals.
Where it’s required: Shipped container labels and SDS Section 2 when classifications apply.
Not DOT/UN Class 8: That black/white transport label is for shipping, not workplace communication.
Label must-haves: Pictogram, signal word, hazard and precautionary statements that match the SDS.
Posting and training: Sign entrances, storage, and points of use; drill eyewash/shower response (flush 15 minutes).
PPE pairing: Eye/face protection, chemical-resistant gloves, protective clothing.

Ready to standardize your program with durable, compliant graphics? Get custom GHS corrosive labels, signage, and expert guidance from Safety Decals so your teams see the right warning at the right time.