Warning labels changing

Changes will be made to the chemical warning labels used on a variety of professional and consumer products over the coming years as a part of a United Nations sponsored programme to harmonise the labels on a global basis. As a result, the warning labels on some of the products used in the cleaning profession will change.

The warning symbols currently used will be replaced with a range of new symbols. The design of the new symbols comprises a white diamond with red borders containing a black pictogram.

Some of the new symbols are similar to the previous versions and are easily recognised, but several are new. To help users familiarise themselves with the new labels, the Chemical Hazards Communication Society (CHCS) has created a guide which can be downloaded from www.understandthelabel.org.uk.

Stuart Longworth, chairman of the CHCS, commented, “The regulations governing the new labels are an essential part of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). They will make life easier for consumers when they travel and businesses when they import and export products because there will eventually only be one set of symbols to deal with throughout most of the world.”

In order to give industry and consumers time to adapt to this new system, manufacturers will be able to continue using the “old” warning labels over a transitional period.

The timing of the switch depends on whether the chemical is a pure substance or a component in a mixture. Substances had to be classified, labelled and packaged in conformance with the new regulations by 1st December 2010, although substances already on the shelves on that date can continue to be supplied until 1st December 2012. The corresponding dates for mixtures are 1st June 2015 and 1st June 2017.