Warning symbols play a very crucial role in society. They communicate to us the potential hazards of chemicals, helping to keep us safe. In the cleaning industry, being able to read and understand the symbols on cleaning products is of paramount importance, so it is vital that they are widely recognised and understood by all cleaning companies. Chemical labels Old CHIP hazard symbols that appeared on some chemical labels were there to inform us that the chemicals could be:
- Explosive
- Oxidising
- Extremely flammable
- Toxic
- Corrosive
- Dangerous to the surrounding environment.
However, changes have been implemented and the CHIP symbols are no longer. Recent laws have called for a different chemical classification system, introducing brand new labelling. The old symbols will be replaced with new CLP (classification, labelling and packaging) symbols that are a different shape and colour, and are referred to as pictograms. As well as this, there has also been a change in some of the actual pictures. Harmful
 | The previous symbol for ‘Harmful’, used to look like this |
 | It has now been replaced with the left pictogram that refers to less serious health hazards, such as skin irritancy/sensation |
 | A few other new pictograms that you will not recognise from before, include the image on the left |
 | This indicates that the chemical could have serious, long-term health hazards, such as carcinogenicity and respiratory sensitisation. |
This new symbol shows that the chemical contains gas under pressure. Other general changes include:
- Mixtures instead of preparations
- Hazardous for dangerous
- Pictograms rather than symbols
- Hazard statements in place of risk phrases
- Precautionary statements for safety phrases
- Signal words (e.g. Danger, Warning) to replace the Indications of Danger
Now you know to look out for the red-framed pictograms in future, make sure all your staff are trained to recognise and understand the new labelling structure on all their cleaning products. You should also revisit any workplace risk assessments to ensure you are up to date and compliant with everything. Scott & Sons Here at Scott & Sons, we are now using the new government labelling system and understand what each symbol relates to. If you’re looking for expert cleaning services you can trust, around Hertfordshire and the surrounding area, then please feel free to get in touch with the experienced team at Scott & Sons.
