GHS hazard statement
H232: May ignite spontaneously if exposed to air
- H232
- Physical hazards
- Danger
H232 means “May ignite spontaneously if exposed to air”. It is a GHS hazard statement for Flammable gases (1A, Pyrophoric gas), shown with GHS02 under the signal word “Danger”.
Hazard class and category
| Hazard class | Category | Pictogram | Signal word | UN transport class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flammable gases | 1A, Pyrophoric gas |  | Danger | Div 2.1 |
What H232 means
Flammable gases are gases that form a flammable mixture with air at 20 °C and a standard pressure of 101.3 kPa.
A leak can create an explosive atmosphere, and the gas can ignite from a spark, hot surface or flame some distance from the source. Many flammable gases are also stored under pressure.
What to do
Keep away from all ignition sources, ventilate the area, use only explosion-protected equipment where required, and do not extinguish a gas fire unless the leak can be stopped safely, because the unburnt gas can re-ignite or explode.
This is general guidance for the hazard class. The safety data sheet for your product always takes precedence.
Precautionary statements for H232
The GHS lists these precautionary statements for this hazard. Which ones appear on a label depends on the supplier's classification.
| Code | Statement |
|---|---|
| P210 | Keep away from heat, hot surface, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking. |
| P222 | Do not allow contact with air. |
| P280 | Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection/hearing protection/... |
| P377 | Leaking gas fire: Do not extinguish, unless leak can be stopped safely. |
| P381 | In case of leakage, eliminate all ignition sources. |
| P403 | Store in a well-ventilated place. |
Chemicals carrying H232
No chemicals in our database are classified with H232 yet.
H232 frequently asked questions
What does H232 mean?
H232 means "May ignite spontaneously if exposed to air". It is a GHS hazard statement in the physical hazards group, covering Flammable gases (1A, Pyrophoric gas).
Which pictogram goes with H232?
H232 is shown with GHS02 (Flame).
What signal word goes with H232?
The signal word for H232 is "Danger".
Which precautionary statements go with H232?
The GHS data lists 6 precautionary statements for H232, including P210, P222, P280, P377, P381. They cover prevention, response, storage and disposal. The full list is on this page.
Hazard statements describe the hazard of a classified substance or mixture. The classification of a specific product can differ, so use the supplier's SDS.
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ghs/ghscode_10.txt (UN GHS Revision 10, retrieved 2026-10-12)