We often use a lot of chemicals in our daily lives. For example, chlorine for bleaching clothes, paints, and some households even use sulphur. Some of the chemicals can be hazardous to our physical body, health and the environment too. Thus, CHIP Labels are important for any consumer to understand whether a particular chemical is hazardous or not.
The new hazard labels under the CLP Regulation (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) are made up of specific symbols, known as ‘pictograms’ and warnings. They show similar images as the old CHIP Regulations (Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations) symbols, with just a slightly different shape and colour. Chemical suppliers are compelled legally to use these pictograms and wordings whenever necessary, so that the public’s safety is not compromised. These symbols will imply to us whether the chemicals are explosive, oxidising, flammable, toxic, irritant, corrosive, or unsafe for the environment.
Besides that, hazard statements are also used in chemical labels. A hazard statement is a phrase that describes the nature of the hazard in the substance or mixture. Some of the examples of hazard statements are – “may cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled”, “Causes serious eye damage”, “toxic if swallowed” and others. These hazard statements are easier to be perceived by users compared to pictograms as some people may not comprehend what a particular symbol represents.
Other than that, precautionary statements are also used. It is a phrase that describes recommended measures to minimise or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure to a hazardous substance or mixture due to its use or disposal. For instance, it will suggest users to wear eye protection, avoid release to the environment and others. Usually, there are not more than six hazard statements for a particular chemical. It replaces the ‘safety or S-phrase’ used in CHIP Regulations.
The CLP Regulation also introduces two new signal words, which are ‘Danger’ and ‘Warning’. The word ‘Danger’ has a more severe effect compared to the word ‘Warning’.
If you want more information about how these regulation changes could affect your requirements for CHIP Labelling then please give us a call on 01344 636450
