(Toolbox Talk) Hazardous Substances, Labels and Pictograms

Table of Contents
Hazardous substances labels and pictograms

Introduction

The aim of this toolbox talk is to increase staff awareness of the labels and pictograms associated with hazardous substances.

The use of regular toolbox talks, if done effectively, will significantly improve the safety culture within your organisation. This will increase the safety awareness of the workers, and as a result reduce the likelihood of accidents and unsafe occurrences.

Legislation references

  • Health & Safety at Work Act 1974
  • Control of Substances Hazardous to Health 2002 (COSHH)

3 key sources of hazard and risk information

While the label contains a significant amount of information there are 3 key areas that every employee must understand:

  • Signal words
    • Used to indicate the relative level of severity of hazard, i.e. Danger
  • Hazard statements
    • Describes the type of risks the hazardous product may pose, i.e. Fatal on inhalation
  • Precaution statements and pictograms
    • Describes recommended measures that should be taken to minimise or prevent adverse effects, i.e. Wear breathing apparatus

Precautionary statements

Precautionary statements are particularly important as they provide information on preventing exposure to a particular substance. Precautionary statements may be divided into 4 important categories, reflecting a different response to specific circumstances. These include:

  • Prevention
    • e.g. Keep away from sources of ignition
  • Response
    • e.g. Do not attempt to fight fire
  • Storage
    • e.g. Store in a well ventilated area
  • Disposal
    • e.g. Dispose of as hazardous waste

Pictograms

Pictograms are an excellent way of highlighting the contents of a hazardous substance container in a quick and easy to interpret way.

Corrosive

Hazardous substances labels and pictograms - Corrosive

Corrosives can damage or even destroy metal.

They begin to cause damage as soon as they touch the skin, eyes, respiratory tract, digestive tract, or the metal.

Irritant

Hazardous substances labels and pictograms - Irritant

Irritants are substances that may cause injuries to the skin, the eyes or airways after a single exposure.

Flammable

Hazardous substances labels and pictograms - Flammable

Flammable substances are those gases, liquids and solids that will ignite and continue to burn in air if exposed to a source of ignition.

Oxidising

Hazardous substances labels and pictograms - Oxidising

Oxidizing materials are liquids or solids that readily give off oxygen or other oxidizing substances (such as bromine, chlorine, or fluorine).

Explosive

Hazardous substances labels and pictograms - Explosive

Explosive materials are those that have a high potential to explode given a little heat or vibration.

Compressed gas

Hazardous substances labels and pictograms - Compressed gas
Compressed gases can be toxic, flammable, oxidizing, corrosive, or inert. In the event of a leak, inert gases can quickly displace air in a large area creating an oxygen-deficient atmosphere.

Serious health risk

Hazardous substances labels and pictograms - Serious health risk

Substances that pose a serious health risk must be adequately controlled.

Toxic

Hazardous substances labels and pictograms - Toxic

A toxic substance is a substance that can be poisonous or cause health effects.

Harmful to the environment

Hazardous substances labels and pictograms - Harmful to the environment

Substances that are harmful to the environment must be controlled, stored and disposed of correctly.