Hazardous chemical products must be labelled with hazard symbols and text that provide information about potential dangers. The simplest way to identify a hazardous chemical product is often by the presence of one or more hazard symbols (also known as hazard pictograms). In this article, we go through the different types of hazard pictograms, when they should be used, and the regulations surrounding proper labelling.
What are hazard pictograms?
Hazard pictograms, or hazard symbols, serve as a way to label chemical products to indicate specific types of dangers they may pose. Each pictogram is a warning symbol found on the packaging of various chemical products. Depending on how a chemical product is classified, it may carry multiple hazard symbols at the same time.
There are nine distinct hazard pictograms, grouped into three main categories: health hazards, physical hazards, and environmental hazards. Below is a description of each type of hazard pictogram.
Health hazard pictograms
Products labelled with health hazard symbols indicate that exposure to these products may pose risks to human health. These hazards can range from short-term health effects, such as skin irritation, to more lasting issues, such as reproductive harm.
Health hazard/Irritant
A chemical product labelled with this symbol may cause irritation or be harmful upon exposure through skin contact, eye contact, inhalation, or ingestion. It typically indicates temporary irritation but can also apply to products that may trigger allergic reactions upon skin contact. While the effects generally include skin, eye, or respiratory irritation, they are usually not severe.
Serious health hazard
Chemical products displaying this symbol can be extremely dangerous upon exposure, potentially leading to systemic effects such as organ damage or allergy symptoms, like asthma.
This symbol is also applied to products that may cause cancer, germ cell mutations, or reproductive harm.
Acute toxicity
A chemical product bearing this symbol is highly toxic and may be fatal. Toxic exposure can occur through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion.
Corrosive
Products marked with this symbol are corrosive and can cause severe damage upon contact with skin, eyes, or if ingested.
This symbol also applies to products that may corrode metals.
Physical hazard pictograms
Symbols for physical hazards indicate that a product has properties that could be dangerous in itself or when exposed to external conditions, such as fire or heat.
Flammable
Products marked with this symbol are flammable and may include both liquids and aerosols (sprays).
Such products, like household cleaners or aerosols, must be kept away from flames, sparks, and spark-generating sources such as electronics and certain types of tools. If the product is a spray, it should never be used near flames and must be stored in a cool place, protected from sunlight (as pressurized containers can explode when heated).
Explosive
Products bearing this symbol may explode if exposed to impact, friction, sparks, or heat.
These products require careful handling.
Oxidising
Chemical products marked with this symbol are oxidising, meaning they can intensify a fire, causing it to spread more rapidly.
Such products should always be stored separately from flames and flammable liquids.
Gas under pressure
This symbol indicates that the product contains gas under pressure. If the pressurized gas is heated, it expands and could cause the container to explode.
Products with this symbol must always be protected from extreme heat.
Environmental hazard pictograms
Products labeled with environmental hazard symbols indicate that the product can be harmful to the environment, particularly to animals and plants.
Hazardous to the environment
A chemical product with this symbol is toxic to animals and plants. This symbol is also used for products that are difficult to break down, meaning they pose a risk of accumulating in the environment.
Such products should never be poured down drains or disposed of in regular waste.
Regulations regarding hazard pictograms
The rules governing hazard pictograms, symbols, and labeling are outlined in the CLP Regulation (EC No. 1272/2008) on classification, labelling, and packaging.
The hazard label that a chemical product must display depends on its classification. In addition to hazard pictograms, the label may also include text outlining protective measures, actions to take in the event of an accident, and instructions for safe disposal of leftover product.
In this article we go through the CLP regulation and how to label your chemical products.
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