The label as a guide

You can't see what a substance or mixture is or whether it is hazardous. That's why the labels on the packaging are so important. 

The label contains information about the hazardous properties of the substance. Worldwide, agreements have been made on the hazard classification and hazard communication of chemical substances and mixtures (GHS Globally Harmonized System). The CLP Regulation sets out the provisions for the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures according to the GHS system. 

In addition to the hazard pictograms, the label contains the so-called new H and P statements that have replaced the old R and S phrases. 

• The new hazard pictograms are black symbols set in a red rimmed white diamond. 
• H-statements (Hazard/hazard information). 
• P-statements (Precautionary/precautionary recommendation). 
• The signal word 'Danger' or 'Warning'. 
• Additional information if applicable. 

You can read more about this at: What you can do yourself: safety data sheets, hazard pictograms, labels, H and P phrases.