The GHS Exploding Bomb Pictogram: What It Means

Short answer: the exploding bomb pictogram warns that a chemical can explode: it is an explosive, or a self-reactive chemical or organic peroxide that may explode when heated. It is one of the eight pictograms OSHA requires on chemical labels.

What the exploding bomb covers

OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard pictogram QuickCard (OSHA 3491, 2024 revision) lists:

• Explosives
• Self-reactives
• Organic peroxides

Hazard statements and signal words

From Appendix C to 29 CFR 1910.1200, section C.4:

Only the most dangerous self-reactives and organic peroxides get the exploding bomb. Types C to F use the flame alone (“Heating may cause a fire”). Desensitized explosives also use the flame, not the exploding bomb.

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 (C.2.3.1), which is why pictograms look like red diamonds. 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 (C.2.3.4).

Frequently asked questions

What does the exploding bomb pictogram mean?

It warns that a chemical can explode. Under OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard it is used for explosives, and for self-reactive chemicals and organic peroxides of the most dangerous types, which may explode when heated.

What signal word goes with the exploding bomb?

Usually Danger. Unstable explosives and Divisions 1.1 to 1.3 carry Danger, as do self-reactives and organic peroxides of Types A and B. Division 1.4 explosives carry Warning with the statement Fire or projection hazard.

Do all organic peroxides show the exploding bomb?

No. Only Types A and B do; Type B shows both the exploding bomb and the flame. Types C to F show the flame alone, with the statement Heating may cause a fire.

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

Related guides

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