Read the label

Particularly important where chemicals are concerned, it is not just scientists that use chemicals; most people use them daily, either at work or at home. Cleaning products such as bleach and oven sprays are chemical and so are paints, inks, glues and oils.

Most of the chemicals you might use at work or at home are not dangerous if you use them properly, but the information should be printed on the label not saying what the product is, but advising what to do if something goes wrong, for example, accidental spillage. However, some chemicals need more careful handling than others. It is here that labels can help identify the more hazardous chemicals, tell you what the dangers are, and how to avoid them. So what should appear on a chemical label? We imagine that most people are aware of the symbols that warn of hazards and appear on most, if not all, chemical labels, these illustrate potential dangers.

These symbols help us to know that the chemicals we are using might be explosive, oxidising, highly or extremely flammable, (very) toxic, harmful, irritant, corrosive, or dangerous for the environment. One or more might appear on a single chemical.

If you are considering a label for a chemical product, we will be happy to discuss the Health and Safety Executive requirements.

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