Chemical Hazard Signs

Chemical hazard signs are safety signs designed to warn employees, visitors, and the public about the presence of hazardous substances in a particular area. These signs help prevent accidents, ensure compliance with safety regulations, and promote a safe working environment.

Under the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, employers must provide clear signage wherever there is a significant risk that cannot be avoided through other means.

Chemical hazard signs must be placed in areas where hazardous substances are stored, used, or transported. This includes:

• Laboratories – Warning of biohazards, toxic chemicals, or corrosive substances.
• Factories & Warehouses – Identifying areas where chemicals are stored or handled.
• Construction Sites – Highlighting locations where hazardous substances, such as asbestos or solvents, are present.
• Hospitals & Medical Facilities – Warning about biohazards and disinfectants.
• Petrol Stations & Fuel Depots – Indicating the presence of flammable materials.
• Farms & Agricultural Areas – Highlighting the risks of pesticides and fertilisers.
• Public Areas – Displaying signs around restricted access zones where chemicals pose a risk.

The use of chemical hazard signs in the UK is primarily regulated by:

• The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 – Requires employers to use signage when a risk cannot be eliminated by other safety measures.
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 – Covers the safe handling, use, and storage of hazardous substances.
• The CLP Regulation (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) 2009 – Aligns chemical classification and labelling with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS).
• Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) 2002 – Covers the safe use of explosive or flammable substances.

Chemical hazard signs use standard pictograms in line with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) and ISO 7010 standards. Common symbols include:

• Flammable – Identifies substances that can ignite easily.
• Corrosive – Warns of materials that can cause skin burns or damage materials.
• Toxic – Indicates poisonous substances that may be harmful or fatal.
• Harmful/Irritant – Highlights chemicals that can cause skin or respiratory issues.
• Explosive – Used where unstable or explosive materials are present.
• Gas Under Pressure – Used for compressed gas cylinders that pose an explosion risk.
• Environmental Hazard – Warns of substances dangerous to aquatic life.

Failure to comply with chemical hazard signage regulations can result in:

• Fines & Legal Action – Breaching HSE regulations can lead to fines or prosecution.
• Injury Claims – Businesses may face compensation claims if employees or visitors suffer harm due to missing signage.
• Increased Insurance Premiums – Non-compliance can lead to higher business insurance costs.
• Workplace Accidents – Lack of proper signage increases the risk of chemical exposure incidents.

To stay compliant:

• Conduct a risk assessment to identify where chemical hazard signs are needed.
• Use signs that follow ISO 7010 & GHS standards for consistency.
• Regularly inspect and replace damaged or faded signs.
• Train employees on the meaning of hazard symbols and the importance of signage.