Skull and crossbones pictogram (GHS06)
The skull and crossbones pictogram (GHS06) is assigned to one hazard class in UN GHS Rev.11: acute toxicity. Every one of the six rows below takes the signal word Danger. They call for six hazard statements (H300, H301, H310 and others). OSHA's Figure C.1 lists it for acute toxicity (severe), and EU CLP Annex V gives it one entry. When it is on the label, the exclamation mark is left off (UN GHS 1.4.10.5.3.1, EU CLP Article 26(1)(b)); OSHA and Canada word this as no exclamation mark for acute toxicity.
Hazard classes and categories (UN GHS Rev.11)
| Hazard class | Category | Signal word | Hazard statements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acute toxicity, oral (ch. 3.1) | Categories 1, 2 | Danger | |
| Acute toxicity, oral (ch. 3.1) | Category 3 | Danger | |
| Acute toxicity, dermal (ch. 3.1) | Categories 1, 2 | Danger | |
| Acute toxicity, dermal (ch. 3.1) | Category 3 The Rev.11 Annex 3 matrix page prints this code as H331 next to the text "Toxic in contact with skin"; Annex 1 and Annex 3 section 1 give H311. | Danger | |
| Acute toxicity, inhalation (ch. 3.1) | Categories 1, 2 | Danger | |
| Acute toxicity, inhalation (ch. 3.1) | Category 3 | Danger |
Symbol, signal word and hazard statements from UN GHS Rev.11, Annex 3 section 3.
By jurisdiction
US OSHA HCS
- Acute toxicity (severe)
EU CLP
- Acute toxicity (oral, dermal, inhalation), categories 1, 2, 3 (3.1)
Under Article 26(1)(b), if GHS06 applies, GHS07 shall not appear. Under 26(1)(e), GHS04 becomes optional.
Canada WHMIS (HPR)
Schedule 3, item 6: Skull and crossbones. Used for each HPR category (Parts 7 and 8) that GHS Rev.7 Annex 3, section 3 assigns this symbol to (s. 3(1)(c)), with the Schedule 3 pictogram in place of the symbol (s. 3(3)). Schedule 5 covers only the HPR-specific classes (s. 3(1)(d)).
Mexico NOM-018-STPS-2015
Spanish name in NOM-018 Appendix B: “Calavera y tibias cruzadas”. Table B.3 lists the categories that take it.
As published, the skull and crossbones row of Table B.3 reads “Toxicidad aguda por vía cutánea (categoría 4)”, while the oral and inhalation entries read categories 1 to 3. Check with the authority before relying on that entry.
Precedence rules that involve GHS06
UN GHS Rev.11, 1.4.10.5.3.1
- If the skull and crossbones applies, the exclamation mark should not appear.
US OSHA, Appendix C, C.2.1 and C.2.3.4
- If the skull and crossbones is included, the exclamation mark shall not appear where it is used for acute toxicity.
EU CLP, Article 26(1)
- (b) If GHS06 applies, GHS07 shall not appear.
- (e) If GHS02 or GHS06 applies, GHS04 is optional.
Canada HPR, s. 3.6(3)
- If the skull and crossbones is required, the exclamation mark for acute toxicity does not apply.
Mexico NOM-018-STPS-2015, 10.6
- The exclamation mark is not used for health hazards when the skull and crossbones is used; when corrosion is used for skin or eye irritation; or for respiratory sensitization, even if the product is also a skin sensitizer or skin or eye irritant (as worded in 10.6).
Download
GHS06 EPS (vector) and PNG: copies of the US OSHA files, a US government work (licensing).
Sources: UN GHS Rev.11 Annex 3; 29 CFR 1910.1200 Appendix C; EU CLP Article 26 and Annex V; Canada HPR Schedules 3 and 5; NOM-018-STPS-2015 Appendix B. Sources and revision notes.
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