Exploding bomb (GHS01)
The GHS pictogram for explosives, and for self-reactive substances and organic peroxides that can explode when heated.
Easily confused with
How to read it
It is GHS01 in the international numbering. On US workplace labels, OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard assigns it to explosives and to self-reactive substances and organic peroxides of type A, for which the hazard statement reads “Heating may cause an explosion”. For the next type down, type B, the label carries the exploding bomb and the Flame (GHS02) together. In Great Britain the pictogram is simply called Explosive.
Also searched as: explosive symbol, GHS01.
These identify the hazard class a pictogram represents. For handling, storage and first aid, refer to the product's label and safety data sheet.
Differences by country or standard
Canada’s WHMIS lists the exploding bomb for self-reactive substances and mixtures and for organic peroxides of types A and B, with the flame added for type B, as in the United States.
Read next
- Next in Hazard symbolsFlame over circle (GHS03)The GHS pictogram for oxidizers: oxidizing gases, liquids and solids.
- In NFPA 704 fire diamondInstability rating (yellow)The yellow section on the right of the NFPA 704 fire diamond. Its number, 0 to 4, rates how readily the material can release energy by itself, through violent chemical change, explosive decomposition or detonation: 0 is stable even in a fire, 4 can detonate at normal temperature and pressure.
More hazard symbols
The same shape elsewhere
Browse symbols drawn with circles, diamonds or stars.
Sources
- Allocation of Label Elements (29 CFR 1910.1200, Appendix C), 29 CFR 1910.1200 Appendix C, U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, C.4.14, C.4.21
- WHMIS - Pictograms (OSH Answers), Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
- Hazard pictograms (symbols), GB CLP, Health and Safety Executive (Great Britain)
- GHS Classification (Rev.11, 2025) Summary, PubChem, U.S. National Library of Medicine
Researched, edited and approved by Rory Hansen before publishing. Last reviewed September 25, 2026. How we research
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