Every day millions of people purchase products that contain chemicals. This is why the classification of labelling and packaging is so crucially important.
In January 2009 the UK, along with all other EU Member states complied with the new European Regulation. This legislation was put in place to ensure the health and safety of the consumer. If a product contains a chemical that is classified as hazardous, then it must provide certain information on its labelling, this will give detailed information about how to safely use and dispose of the substance.
So in accordance with the EU Regulation, relevant labelling must be in place on any hazardous product. This is defined as any substance that is both potentially dangerous during use and preparation.
This legislation is all very good for those who are fully sighted, but an added safety measure needs to be in place for those who are blind or visually impaired. In the UK alone we have over 2 million people affected by sight loss making it necessary to protect all those affected.
Therefore, any substance that is classed as being toxic, very toxic, harmful, extremely flammable or highly flammable needs to carry an appropriate label that is easily recognisable to those who are visually impaired.
This is why the production of Tactile Warning Labels are so important. The EU Regulation states that the labels are to be produced with raised print so that all those familiar with the use of Braille will be able to recognise the warning symbol. It should be fixed to the product with a permanent adhesive to ensure the label is firmly affixed to the hazardous substance.
Tactile warning labels are produced at a standard 25mm size contain game raised equilateral triangle with 20mm sides. The labels are transparent which means it can be placed over other product information without obscuring any details. It’s hoped that the labels will help to avoid those affected by sight loss from being harmed by the use of any dangerous chemical. Tactile Labelling is also used on aerosols that could be corrosive, toxic or harmful in accordance with the EU law BS EN ISO 11683.
