New International Symbols

New International symbols were introduced in 2009 via the Regulation on Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures (CLP Regulation) and have replaced the European symbols during a transitional period. Some of them are similar to the European symbols but there is no single word describing the hazard. Information on these is available on the Globally Harmonized System webpages.

In Great Britain, the implementing legislation is the Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 2009 (known as CHIP or CHIP 4). Although the CHIP Regulations will be repealed in full in the UK when the new CLP Regulation is fully in force (1 June 2015), it is also necessary to amend CHIP and its supporting guidance as the transitional period progresses and the new Regulation begins to apply the new Globally harmonized System regime.

The first requirement of COSHH is to prevent exposure to substances hazardous to health where it is ‘reasonably practicable’ (i.e. the costs in reducing exposure would not be grossly disproportionate to the benefits). This can be achieved by:

• Changing the process so that the substance is no longer used/produced;
• Replacing it with a safer alternative; or
• Completely enclosing the process.