New hazard labels and legislation

If you have bought chemicals for your school, college or home since December 2010, then you may have noticed a change to the hazard labelling. New pictograms, signal words, hazard statements and precautionary statements are in use (see Education in Chemistry, September 2011, p135). 

All countries in the United Nations have committed to a 'globally harmonised hazard classification and compatible labelling system (GHS), which includes material safety data sheets and easily understandable symbols'. This will ensure easier trade, consumer safety and less damage to the environment. The GHS has been implemented in the European Union (EU) and so has automatically become law in the UK. The new regulations do not replace the existing COSHH and Management of Health and Safety rules.