2. Chemical Labelling
• Throughout this presentation we will look at the different types of chemical
labelling and what is the purpose of chemical labels. For example, the
government stated that all chemical products need to be labelled so people
know what chemical it is and what harm the chemical can do if it comes in
contact with skin. The government have released new symbols for chemical
labelling we will take you through how they used to be.
3. What is the purpose of
chemical labelling
• Labels are there to help to identify hazardous chemicals and what you can do to avoid them.
Most of the chemicals you might use are not hazardous if the correct procedures are
followed e.g. a spillage. If a chemical is labelled as hazardous the supplier must state the
information on that labelling. Chemical labelling is made up of pictures and on that it shows
what the chemical is and whether it is dangerous. The pictures have been set out in law and
suppliers must have this on the labelling.
4. Different types of chemicals
• As you can see below, chemicals if dangerous are separated into 10 main
categories. The reason for this is that 1, it is by law suppliers state this also, it
makes it easier to understand the different types of chemicals and what
danger they have if used incorrectly.
5. Explosive Chemicals
Firstly we move onto Explosive chemicals. It is important to
state whether a chemical if in the wrong hands can become
explosive. Below you will be able to see the different symbols
for explosive chemicals and depending on the danger of the
chemical it will have a rating 1.1, 1.2 etc. This image should be
presented on chemical labelling by law if a chemical is
explosive.
6. Oxidising Chemicals
Oxidising chemicals are chemicals that can create oxygen at room
temperature or with slight heating. Chemicals which are in this category must
be kept away from flammable chemicals. Below you can see an example of
the symbol which must be stated on chemical labels. In this case if the
chemical is Oxidising.
7. Harmful Chemicals
• Harmful chemicals can be found in a range of products most of us use everyday. If misused
these chemicals can have a little effect on health to a severe risk to your health. With any
chemical especially harmful chemicals it is important to only use them if you know how to
use them and what to do if there was a problem whilst using them. Below is an example of
the symbol for a chemical that is classes as harmful.
8. Flammable Chemicals
• Flammable chemicals are extremely dangerous chemicals. If misused they have the potential
to cause a lot of damage. If you are using chemicals that are flammable you need to follow
the thorough procedures to make sure there aren’t going to be any fires, because no one
likes a fire do they! Below you will see an example of what the labelling should look like if a
chemical is flammable.
9. Toxic Chemicals
• Toxic chemicals can cause both short and long term health issues which can
vary from being minor or can be deadly. Toxic chemicals should be handled
with the correct procedures and equipment or there could be a very bad
effect if someone is exposed to this chemical. Below you will see an example
of what the labelling should look like if the chemical is flammable.
10. Corrosive Chemicals
• Corrosive chemicals can cause a lot of damage to skin if your skin is exposed to it. I t is
important to make sure when using this chemical that you have no skin showing so if there
is a spillage you will be safe. Corrosive chemicals will cause burning of the skin and will
leave scars and burns on your skin. Below you will see an example of a symbol which should
be stated on a corrosive chemical.
11. Dangerous for the
environment chemicals
Chemicals that are dangerous for the environment can cause damage to the wildlife and can
cause death to animals. It is important if you are using these types of chemicals that you
dispose of them correctly to make sure there isn’t going to be any damage caused by these
chemicals. Below you will see a symbol which should be stated on a chemical if it is in this
category.
12. Summary
• Overall chemicals should be used correctly if there is going to be no injuries
or serious illnesses resulting from the misuse of the chemicals. Some
chemicals are more dangerous than other, but this should not take away the
fact that no matter what chemical you are using it should be taken with the
same care and consideration.
