Faresymboler

Faresymboler, or hazard symbols, are standardized pictograms used to indicate risks associated with chemicals, products, or activities. Their purpose is to communicate safety information quickly and regardless of language, helping people handle materials safely and respond to emergencies.

The modern system has roots in international efforts to unify risk communication. The Globally Harmonized System (GHS), developed under the United Nations, defines a set of pictograms and rules for labeling and safety data sheets. In many regions these symbols appear on product labels, packaging, and documentation, and they are often displayed within a red diamond border on a white background.

Common pictograms include a flame for flammable substances, a gas cylinder for compressed gases, a skull and crossbones for acute toxicity, a corrosion symbol for corrosive hazards, a flame over a circle for oxidizers, a health-hazard pictogram for long-term health risks, an exclamation mark for irritants or simpler hazards, an environmental symbol for aquatic toxicity, and an exploding bomb for explosive reactions. These symbols provide a quick visual cue about the type of danger and the precautions required.

Regional implementations vary. In the European Union, the CLP Regulation requires GHS pictograms on chemical labels and Safety Data Sheets. Transport and shipping regulations also use hazard signs, with regional differences in how symbols are presented, but the underlying goal remains the same: to convey risk information clearly and consistently.

Limitations include reliance on color and shape recognition, which can be challenging for color-blind viewers or in low-contrast conditions. Supplementary text and training remain important for effective hazard communication. See also Globally Harmonized System, CLP Regulation, hazard symbol.