Keeping consumers safe by placing warnings on the labels is good business. If you supply chemicals in any volume or amount, from cleaning products to paint thinners, you must be aware of what needs to be on your labels. Being fully aware of the CHIP Regulations, also known as the Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 2009 and the CLP Regulations (European Regulations on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures), will ensure your products are safe for consumers.
Products such as any aerosol propelled by butane or are labelled corrosive, toxic, and harmful (to name a few) are covered under the CHIP and CLP Regulations. Any product that is covered under these regulations must also have a tactile warning symbol for people who are visually impaired or blind. This tactile warning symbol is a raised equilateral triangle. The size of the raised triangle is specific in accordance with ENISO 11683 and depends of the size of the label. A smaller version of the tactile warning symbol is allowed if the triangle is completely filled and has a small, three dot symbol, as well.
These guidelines of a tactile warning label are necessary for people with a vision impairment to know, by touch, when the product they are wanting to use, contains a potentially harmful chemical. The raised triangle can also help parents teach their children what is harmful and what they‘re not allowed to touch in their home.
Manufacturers may choose to have their labels printed with the raised triangle warning included or they may choose to add the symbol as an additional label or sticker on their product after labelling. Either way, it´s the law and the guidelines must be followed to the letter. There are cheap versions of this tactile warning label but be warned that they may not comply with the European Standard. Manufacturers should seek a label company that is fully compliant and can create your tactile warning label to standard.
Keeping consumers safe by following the regulations of labelling is not just good business, it´s being in line with the law and you know that your product is safe in the hands of your consumers.
