Substances

Diesel

Also called diesel fuel, gas oil, red diesel, DERV.

A flammable fuel that is a suspected carcinogen and harms skin on repeated contact. Diesel engine exhaust emissions are a separate, more serious hazard covered by their own assessment.

Last reviewed 8 September 2026

Hazard data from the HSE GB MCL, the ECHA C&L Inventory and HSE EH40, checked 8 September 2026. Classification checked automatically against the HSE GB mandatory classification list (version 8) and the ECHA C&L inventory on 9 September 2026. Confirm the concentration and form against the supplier data sheet for the product you use.

Identification

CAS number68334-30-5
EC number269-822-7
Physical formliquid
Signal wordDANGER
PictogramsGHS02 Flammable; GHS07 Harmful or irritant; GHS08 Serious health hazard; GHS09 Hazardous to the environment
Routes of exposureskin, inhalation, ingestion

Hazard classification

Harmonised classification from the GB mandatory classification list (index 649-224-00-6), with supplier self-classifications marked. The harmonised entry (Note N) is suspected carcinogen only, with the signal word Warning. Flammability, aspiration, harmful vapour, skin irritation, organ damage and the environmental hazard are the supplier classification on UK diesel data sheets, which carry the signal word Danger. About a quarter of suppliers also classify diesel as toxic to reproduction (H360FD). Check your data sheet.

  • Flammable liquid, category 3 (supplier classification)
  • Carcinogenicity, category 2
  • Acute toxicity, category 4 (supplier classification)
  • Aspiration hazard, category 1 (supplier classification)
  • Skin irritation, category 2 (supplier classification)
  • Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure, category 2 (supplier classification)
  • Hazardous to the aquatic environment, chronic category 2 (supplier classification)

Hazard statements

  • H226 Flammable liquid and vapour. (supplier classification)
  • H351 Suspected of causing cancer.
  • H332 Harmful if inhaled. (supplier classification)
  • H304 May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways. (supplier classification)
  • H315 Causes skin irritation. (supplier classification)
  • H373 May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure. (supplier classification)
  • H411 Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. (supplier classification)

Workplace exposure limit

No workplace exposure limit is listed in EH40/2005. Exposure must still be reduced as low as is reasonably practicable and adequately controlled.

Products that contain it

Common products whose hazard data comes from this record. The concentration and form vary, so always check the product data sheet.

  • Red diesel (gas oil) (Any supplier). Same hazards as road diesel. Dyed for duty purposes only.
  • Road diesel (DERV) (Any forecourt). Standard pump diesel.

Common uses

  • Fuelling plant, generators and vehicles
  • Releasing agent for shuttering (not recommended)
  • Storage in bunded tanks

First aid

Swallowed: do not induce vomiting, call 999. Skin: wash with soap and water. Inhaled: fresh air.

In an emergency call 999. For advice call NHS 111. Always follow section 4 of the safety data sheet for the product you have.

Storage

Bunded tank or approved container, away from drains and watercourses. Spill kit nearby.

Sources

We do not host or copy manufacturer safety data sheets. Ask your supplier for the current sheet for the product you use.