The GHS Exclamation Mark Pictogram: What It Means

Short answer: the exclamation mark pictogram warns of less severe health hazards: skin and eye irritation, skin sensitization (allergic reactions), acute toxicity in the harmful range, narcotic effects such as drowsiness or dizziness, and respiratory tract irritation. It is one of the eight pictograms OSHA requires on chemical labels.

What the exclamation mark covers

OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard pictogram QuickCard (OSHA 3491, 2024 revision) lists the hazards the exclamation mark stands for:

• Irritant (skin and eye) — reversible redness, itching or eye irritation.
• Skin sensitizer — can cause an allergic skin reaction after contact.
• Acute toxicity (harmful) — harmful if swallowed, in contact with skin or inhaled, at the lower end of the acute toxicity scale.
• Narcotic effects — may cause drowsiness or dizziness.
• Respiratory tract irritant — may irritate the nose, throat or lungs.
• Hazard Not Otherwise Classified (non-mandatory).
• Hazardous to the ozone layer (non-mandatory).

Because one symbol covers several hazards, the pictogram tells you the kind of warning, and the hazard statements printed beside it tell you which one applies. See GHS label requirements for how the six label elements fit together.

What it looks like

Appendix C to 29 CFR 1910.1200 defines every pictogram the same way: a square set at a point with a black hazard symbol on a white background and a red frame wide enough to be clearly visible. That is why people describe it as “a black exclamation mark in a red diamond”. A red frame with no symbol inside is not a pictogram and is not permitted on a label, and each pictogram may appear only once on a label even when several hazards call for it.

Exclamation mark vs. the pictograms it is confused with

Appendix C sets precedence rules so a label never shows two pictograms for the same hazard at different severities:

• Skull and crossbones — acute toxicity that is fatal or toxic. If it is on the label, the exclamation mark must not appear for acute toxicity (C.2.1.2).
• Corrosion — skin burns, serious eye damage, corrosive to metals. If it is on the label, the exclamation mark must not appear for skin or eye irritation (C.2.1.3).
• Health hazard — carcinogens, reproductive toxicity, respiratory sensitizers and other serious long-term effects. If it is on the label for respiratory sensitization, the exclamation mark must not appear for skin sensitization or skin or eye irritation (C.2.1.4).

The short version: the exclamation mark is the milder end of each of those hazard families. All nine symbols are compared in GHS pictograms explained.

Signal word

The hazard categories represented by the exclamation mark carry the signal word Warning. A label carries only one signal word, and if Danger applies to any hazard on it, Warning must not appear (C.2.1.1) — so an exclamation mark can sit on a label that says Danger because of a different hazard.

Where you will see it at work

It is one of the most common pictograms on everyday workplace products — many cleaners, detergents, disinfectants, adhesives and solvent-based products carry it. When a product like that is poured into a spray bottle or other secondary container, the pictogram information has to travel with it: see secondary container labeling. Employees must be trained to recognise it under the HCS — see HazCom training requirements.

Common products that carry the exclamation mark

Pine-Sol carries the exclamation mark on its own. Barbicide, ammonia and solvents like toluene and xylene pair it with other pictograms, which is why the full label matters. To label a spray bottle of any of them, the free GHS label maker picks the pictograms from the hazard classes you tick.

Frequently asked questions

What does the exclamation mark pictogram mean?

It warns of less severe health hazards. Under OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard it is used for skin and eye irritants, skin sensitizers, acute toxicity in the harmful range, narcotic effects such as drowsiness or dizziness, and respiratory tract irritation. It may also be used, but is not required, for hazards to the ozone layer and for a Hazard Not Otherwise Classified.

Is the exclamation mark the GHS symbol for an irritant?

Yes. Skin and eye irritation are the most common reasons it appears, but the same symbol also covers skin sensitizers, harmful acute toxicity, narcotic effects and respiratory tract irritation, so read the hazard statements next to it to see which applies.

What does a black exclamation mark in a red diamond indicate?

An irritant or other less severe health hazard. Every OSHA pictogram is a black symbol on a white background inside a red frame shaped like a square set on its point, which is why it looks like a red diamond. Of the options irritant, explosive, corrosive and environmental hazard, the exclamation mark means irritant.

What is the difference between the exclamation mark and the skull and crossbones?

Both can signal acute toxicity, but at different severities. The skull and crossbones is used when a chemical can be fatal or toxic; the exclamation mark is used for the harmful range. If a label carries the skull and crossbones, the exclamation mark must not also appear for acute toxicity.

Which pictogram means a chemical can hurt your skin or eyes?

It depends on how badly. The corrosion pictogram is used for skin burns and serious eye damage. The exclamation mark is used for skin and eye irritation, which is reversible. If a label carries the corrosion pictogram, the exclamation mark must not also appear for skin or eye irritation.

What signal word goes with the exclamation mark?

The hazard categories it represents carry the signal word Warning. A label shows only one signal word, though, so if any other hazard on the same label calls for Danger, the label shows Danger.

This guide summarises the cited rules for general information and is not legal advice.

Related guides

• Free GHS Label Maker (print secondary container labels)
• GHS Pictograms Explained: The 9 Hazard Symbols
• The Health Hazard Pictogram
• The Corrosion Pictogram
• The Flame Pictogram
• The Skull and Crossbones Pictogram
• The Exploding Bomb Pictogram
• The Gas Cylinder Pictogram
• The Flame Over Circle Pictogram
• The Environment Pictogram
• GHS Label Requirements
• GHS Signal Words: Danger vs. Warning
• Secondary Container Labeling Under GHS
• HazCom Training Requirements
• The 16 Sections of an SDS Explained