Toxic Symbols: Skull and Crossbones (GHS) Guide & Downloads

If you handle hazardous chemicals, you can’t afford confusion about toxic symbols. The skull and crossbones pictogram is reserved for acute toxins that can cause serious harm fast—yet it’s often mixed up with the exclamation mark or “health hazard” symbol. That raises real risks: mislabeled containers, incorrect PPE, and OSHA citations. You’re likely here to confirm what the skull and crossbones actually means under GHS, when it must appear, and where to get a clean, compliant file you can put on a label today.

This guide gives you a clear, practical path to compliance. We explain the skull and crossbones pictogram under GHS and how OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, and CLP align; when the symbol is required (acute toxicity Categories 1–3 by route of exposure); the exact label elements that must accompany it; how to size, color, and place pictograms; and how to train workers using SDS Section 2. You’ll also find official high‑resolution downloads, ready‑to‑print labels, and custom options if you need durable decals in specific sizes or materials. Up next: quick access to compliant toxic symbol labels and free GHS pictogram files, then a step‑by‑step on using the symbol correctly.

1. Safety Decals: compliant toxic symbol labels, custom sizes, and free GHS pictogram downloads

Need labels now? Safety Decals delivers GHS-compliant toxic symbol labels, custom-sized to your containers, and provides free, high‑resolution skull and crossbones downloads. Get fast, durable decals made on ORAFOL materials, plus help matching your label to your SDS and OSHA HazCom.

Key points

Compliant toxic symbols: Aligned with GHS/OSHA/WHMIS.
Custom options: Sizes, materials, pre‑designed or built‑to‑spec.

Standards to know

GHS/OSHA/WHMIS: Red diamond, black symbol; OSHA 1910.1200 requires pictograms; WHMIS is harmonized with GHS.

Action steps

From SDS to label: Verify acute toxicity in SDS Section 2, select size/material, place order.

Resources and downloads

Downloads: OSHA pictogram files plus a free high‑res skull and crossbones (see Section 6).

2. What the skull and crossbones toxic symbol means under GHS/OSHA/WHMIS

The skull and crossbones is the GHS toxic symbol for acute toxicity—chemicals that can cause serious harm or death quickly after short-term exposure. It applies when a substance meets acute toxicity criteria by route (oral, dermal, inhalation). It is not used for irritation or long-term health effects; other GHS symbols cover those hazards.

Key points

Acute toxicity: Fatal/toxic from short-term exposure; not for irritation/chronic hazards.

Standards to know

Harmonized use: GHS pictogram adopted in OSHA 1910.1200 and WHMIS.

Action steps

Confirm classification: Use it when SDS Section 2 lists acute toxicity Category 1–3 (oral/dermal/inhalation).

Resources and downloads

Files: Official skull and crossbones downloads—see Section 6.

3. When the toxic pictogram is required (acute toxicity categories 1–3, routes of exposure)

Use the skull and crossbones when a substance or mixture is classified as acutely toxic in Category 1, 2, or 3 by any exposure route—oral, dermal, or inhalation. This pictogram signals rapid, severe harm and is route‑specific: if a product meets Cat 1–3 for any single route, the toxic symbol is required. Category 4 acute toxicity does not use this symbol.

Key points

Trigger: Acute toxicity Categories 1–3 (oral, dermal, inhalation) → skull and crossbones.
Not a trigger: Category 4 acute toxicity → use exclamation mark.
Multiple hazards: You may need additional pictograms if other hazards apply.

Standards to know

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200 (HazCom): Adopts GHS pictograms, including skull and crossbones for acute toxicity Cat 1–3.
WHMIS (Canada): Same GHS alignment—skull and crossbones for acute toxicity Cat 1–3 by route.
CLP/GHS note: More than one pictogram can appear on a label when applicable.

Action steps

Check SDS Section 2: Confirm acute toxicity category and route(s).
Apply correctly: If Cat 1–3 for any route, include the toxic pictogram; if only Cat 4, use exclamation mark.
Combine as needed: Add other required pictograms for additional hazards.

Resources and downloads

Official files: See Section 6 for OSHA/GHS skull and crossbones downloads.
Quick reference: SDS Section 2 lists the exact acute toxicity category and route.

4. What must appear on a label when the toxic pictogram is used

When you use the skull and crossbones, the label must follow GHS formatting and content. Show the pictogram in a red diamond with a white background and black symbol, and include the required signal word and hazard statement(s) for the acute toxicity classification shown in SDS Section 2. If other hazards apply, add those pictograms as well.

Key points

A toxic label should instantly communicate the severity and route-specific risk.

Correct format: Red diamond, white background, black skull and crossbones.
Core text: Include the applicable signal word and hazard statement(s) from SDS Section 2.
Multiple hazards: Add any other required GHS pictograms when applicable.

Standards to know

These sources align on pictogram appearance and required label text elements.

GHS/CLP format: Red-bordered diamond with white background (HSE).
Label text: Signal word and hazard statement(s) must appear; use SDS Section 2 (CCOHS/WHMIS).

Action steps

Build your label directly from the SDS to stay consistent and compliant.

Confirm classification: Verify acute toxicity category and exposure route(s) in SDS Section 2.
Copy language: Use the exact signal word and hazard statement(s) listed.
Place pictograms: Include the toxic symbol and any other applicable GHS pictograms.

Resources and downloads

Quick sources to finish labels without guesswork.

Pictogram files: See Section 6 for official, high‑resolution skull and crossbones.
Authoritative text: SDS Section 2 provides the required label wording.

5. Toxic vs exclamation mark vs health hazard: choosing the right pictogram

These three GHS symbols get confused often. Think speed and severity. The skull and crossbones is for acute toxicity with rapid, serious effects (Categories 1–3). The exclamation mark covers lower-tier acute toxicity and irritants. The “health hazard” silhouette flags serious longer-term or systemic effects. Always confirm your choice with the product’s SDS Section 2.

Key points

Use this quick map to pick correctly.

Skull and crossbones: Acute toxicity Categories 1–3 (oral/dermal/inhalation).
Exclamation mark: Acute toxicity Category 4; skin/eye irritation; STOT SE 3; skin sensitizer.
Health hazard: Respiratory sensitizer; carcinogen; mutagen; reproductive toxicity; STOT 1/2; aspiration hazard.

Standards to know

All three are harmonized under GHS across OSHA and WHMIS.

OSHA 1910.1200/WHMIS (CCOHS): Define which hazards map to each pictogram.
GHS format (HSE): Red diamond; multiple pictograms may appear on one label.

Action steps

Decide pictograms straight from your SDS.

Check SDS Section 2 hazard classes, categories, and routes.
Include every applicable pictogram; don’t swap one for another.

Resources and downloads

Grab files and wording fast.

See Section 6 for official skull and crossbones downloads.
Use SDS Section 2 exact classifications and statements.

6. Where to download the skull and crossbones pictogram (official, high‑resolution files)

For compliant artwork, use official sources. OSHA posts downloadable GHS pictograms you can scale cleanly. This guide includes a free high‑res skull and crossbones.

Key points

Use authoritative, scalable files; don’t redraw or recolor.

Standards to know

OSHA adopts GHS; HSE/CCOHS confirm red diamond, white background, black icon.

Action steps

Download, verify crisp red border on white, then test‑print at final size.

Resources and downloads

Use OSHA’s pictogram files and the free Safety Decals skull and crossbones noted here.

7. Label specifications: color, shape, size, and print quality for GHS pictograms

Clarity starts with correct artwork. GHS toxic symbols must appear as a sharp skull and crossbones inside a red diamond with a white background. Keep the diamond orientation, preserve contrast, and scale uniformly so the pictogram is easy to see alongside label text and other symbols—without distortion, pixelation, or color shifts.

Key points

Get these fundamentals right every time.

Color and contrast: Red border, white background, black symbol.
Shape and orientation: Diamond (square on point), not a square.
Sizing: Large enough to be clearly legible; scale uniformly.

Standards to know

These references define the look and use.

HSE/CCOHS (GHS/WHMIS): Red-bordered diamond with white background and black icon.
OSHA HazCom (1910.1200): Adopts GHS pictograms and formatting.

Action steps

Follow a simple, reliable setup.

Use official files: Vector or high‑resolution artwork; don’t redraw.
Preserve white: Print on white labels or add a white backing.
Print check: Verify crisp edges and true red; no blur or bleed.

Resources and downloads

Grab compliant files to start on-spec.

Pictogram artwork: See Section 6 for official skull and crossbones downloads.

8. Where and how to apply toxic labels on containers and in the workplace

Placement matters as much as the pictogram. Put the skull and crossbones where workers see it first, keep it clean and intact, and mirror the classifications shown in SDS Section 2. Use supplier labels on shipped containers and apply workplace labels to any secondary containers you fill.

Key points

Prioritize visibility, durability, and consistency with the SDS.

Right container: Keep supplier labels; add workplace labels to secondary containers.
High visibility: Front-facing, unobstructed, not on seams or curved edges that distort.
Durable: Use materials that resist chemicals, moisture, abrasion, and UV.

Standards to know

These references confirm where pictograms appear and how they’re used.

OSHA HazCom/WHMIS: Adopt GHS pictograms on labels.
CCOHS: Pictograms appear on supplier labels and in SDS Section 2.

Action steps

Use a simple, repeatable placement routine.

Survey: List all shipped, secondary, and temporary containers; verify hazards in SDS Section 2.
Apply: Position the toxic symbol on the primary viewing panel; add other required pictograms.
Maintain: Replace worn/peeling labels; re-verify after formulation or process changes.

Resources and downloads

Get compliant artwork and ready-to-use labels.

Files: Official skull and crossbones downloads (see Section 6).
Labels: Pre‑made and custom toxic symbol decals matched to your SDS.

9. Training and communication: using SDS Section 2 and HazCom to teach the symbol

Make training stick by teaching toxic symbols in context. Stand in front of the product, show the container label and SDS Section 2 together, and connect the skull and crossbones to the specific route(s) of exposure and hazard statements workers will see. Short, repeated touchpoints beat long slide decks.

Key points

Keep the core message simple and repeatable.

Skull and crossbones = acute toxicity Cat 1–3: rapid, severe effects; route‑specific.

Standards to know

Anchor training to recognized frameworks.

OSHA 1910.1200/WHMIS: Train on label elements and SDS; pictograms appear on labels and in SDS Section 2.

Action steps

Use a quick, field‑ready routine.

Five‑minute huddles: Hold up the label and SDS Section 2; match pictogram, route(s), signal word, hazard statement(s).

Resources and downloads

Teach with visuals workers will actually see.

Artwork + SDS: Use OSHA pictogram files (see Section 6) and your SDS Section 2 as the primary visuals.

10. Storage, handling, and PPE practices that typically accompany acute toxins

Acute toxins require controls that prevent quick, high‑consequence exposure. Keep product movement contained, reduce airborne release, and block skin contact. Let the skull and crossbones on the label prompt a route‑specific plan you confirm against the product’s SDS before work begins.

Key points

Keep controls simple and route‑specific.

Contain and ventilate: Closed systems; effective local exhaust.
Right PPE: SDS‑driven gloves, eye/face, and respiratory protection.

Standards to know

Use recognized frameworks to anchor decisions.

OSHA HazCom (1910.1200): GHS pictograms on labels; train workers to them.
WHMIS/CCOHS: Pictograms appear on labels and SDS; follow classifications.

Action steps

Apply controls consistently before use.

Store and handle: Keep sealed, segregate incompatibles, minimize on‑hand quantity.
Prepare to respond: Have spill materials ready; train donning/doffing and disposal.

Resources and downloads

Validate controls with what workers actually see.

Use your SDS for handling, storage, and PPE; get compliant pictogram files in Section 6.

11. Common mistakes to avoid with toxic symbols and labels

Most missteps come from mixing up hazard classes or “tweaking” the artwork. The result is over‑ or under‑warning workers and drifting away from what the SDS and GHS actually require. Use the skull and crossbones only when the SDS classification triggers it—and keep the diamond’s color, shape, and label text exactly as specified.

Key points

Using skull for Category 4/irritants
Omitting skull for Cat 1–3 (any route)
Missing signal word/hazard statements
Wrong colors/orientation; no white field
Leaving off other required pictograms
Not matching SDS Section 2 classifications

Standards to know

OSHA 1910.1200: Adopts GHS pictograms and label elements.
HSE/CCOHS (GHS/WHMIS): Red diamond, white background, black icon; multiple pictograms allowed.

Action steps

Verify in SDS Section 2: Hazard class, category, and route.
Build from the SDS: Use exact wording and official artwork.

Resources and downloads

Artwork: See Section 6 for official skull and crossbones files.

12. Quick compliance checklist for the toxic symbol

Run this 60‑second check before printing. If anything fails, fix it using SDS Section 2.

Key points

Trigger: Acute toxicity Cat 1–3 (any route)
Not: Cat 4 → exclamation mark
Format: Red diamond, white field, black skull

Standards to know

OSHA 1910.1200: GHS pictograms and label elements
WHMIS (CCOHS)/HSE: Same GHS rules

Action steps

Confirm in SDS 2: Category, route(s), required signal word and hazard statement(s)
Verify artwork: Official file; crisp, legible, red diamond on white

Resources and downloads

Downloads: See Section 6 for official skull and crossbones

Key takeaways and next steps

You now have a clear playbook: what the skull means, when it’s required (acute toxicity Categories 1–3 by route), the label elements it must include, and where to get official artwork. Use SDS Section 2 as your single source of truth and keep the red diamond, white field, and black symbol pristine.

Confirm hazard class, category, and route(s) in SDS Section 2.
Select the correct pictograms (skull vs exclamation vs health hazard) and any others.
Download high‑res skull and crossbones (see Section 6) and use exact signal word and hazard statements.
Apply to shipped and workplace containers; inspect and replace damaged labels.
Train in short huddles pairing the container label with SDS Section 2.

Need durable, custom‑size GHS labels and free pictogram files? Visit Safety Decals to order compliant toxic symbol labels or build custom decals.