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, chair 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.