Chemical Labelling Symbols

Presentation

History of Chemical Labelling

• Chemical labelling used to contain pictograms which where an orange colour as you can see below. From June 2015 the government changed the look of chemical labelling, now it is red, black and white in the shape of a diamond which you will see below.

Chemical Labelling

• Throughout this presentation we will look at the different types of chemical labelling and what is the purpose of chemical labels. For example, the government stated that all chemical products need to be labelled so people know what chemical it is and what harm the chemical can do if it comes in contact with skin. Throughout this presentation is the updated versions of all chemical symbols for chemical labelling.

What is the purpose of chemical labelling• Labels are there to help to identify hazardous chemicals and what you

can do to avoid them. Most of the chemicals you might use are not hazardous but if you do use hazardous chemicals you will need to follow the correct procedures if there is a spillage for example. If a chemical is labelled as hazardous the supplier must state the information on that labelling. Chemical labelling is made up of pictures and on that it shows what the chemical is and whether it is dangerous. The pictures have been set out in law and suppliers must have this on the labelling.

Different types of chemicals

• As you can see below, chemicals if dangerous are separated into 9 main categories. The reason for this is that 1, it is by law suppliers state this, also it makes it easier to understand the different types of chemicals and what danger they have if used incorrectly.

Explosive Chemicals

Firstly we move onto Explosive chemicals. It is important to state whether a chemical if in the wrong hands can become explosive. Below you will be able to see an example of what the symbol should look like if a chemical is explosive. This image should be presented on chemical labelling by law if a chemical is explosive.

Oxidising Chemicals

Oxidising chemicals are chemicals that can create oxygen at room temperature or with slight heating. Chemicals which are in this category must at all times be kept away from flammable chemicals. Below you can see an example of the symbol which must be stated on chemical labels. In this case if the chemical is Oxidising.

Harmful/Irritant Chemicals

• Harmful chemicals can be found in a range of products most of us use everyday. If misused these chemicals can have range from having a little effect on health to a severe risk to your health. With any chemical especially harmful chemicals it is important to only use them if you know how to use them and what to do if there was a problem whilst using them. Below is an example of the symbol for a chemical that is classes as harmful.

Flammable Chemicals

• Flammable chemicals are extremely dangerous chemicals. If misused they have the potential to cause a lot of damage. If you are using chemicals that are flammable you need to follow the thorough procedures to make sure there aren’t going to be any fires. This also includes wearing the correct clothing whilst using this chemical. Below you will see an example of what the labelling should look like if a chemical is flammable.

Toxic Chemicals• Toxic chemicals can cause both short and long term health

issues which can vary from being minor or can be deadly. Toxic chemicals should be handled with the correct procedures and equipment or there could be a very bad effect if someone is exposed to this chemical. Below you will see an example of what the labelling should look like if the chemical is flammable.

Corrosive Chemicals

• Corrosive chemicals can cause a lot of damage to skin if your skin is exposed to it. It is important to make sure when using this chemical that you have no skin showing so if there is a spillage you will be safe. Corrosive chemicals will cause burning of the skin and will leave scars and burns on your skin. Everyone wants to be safe done they? Below you will see an example of a symbol which should be stated on a corrosive chemical.

Dangerous for the environment chemicals

Chemicals that are dangerous for the environment can cause damage to the wildlife and can cause death to animals. It is important if you are using these types of chemicals that you dispose of them correctly to make sure there isn’t going to be any damage caused by these chemicals. This can lead to criminal charges if not disposed of properly. Below you will see a symbol which should be stated on a chemical if it is in this category.

Summary• Overall chemicals should be used correctly if there is

going to be no injuries or serious illnesses resulting from the misuse of the chemicals. Some chemicals are more dangerous than other, but this should not take away the fact that no matter what chemical you are using it should be taken with the same care and consideration. So remember to always read the labels, you don’t want any nasty surprises! For more information visit: http://www.labelservice.co.uk/.