Top 5 Essential Safety Signs for Chemicals

In the 2023/24 period, approximately 1.7 million workers in Great Britain suffered from work-related illnesses, with 604,000 sustaining non-fatal injuries. The total annual cost of workplace injury and new cases of work-related ill health in 2022/23 was £21.6 billion. These figures underscore the critical importance of safety measures in workplaces, especially in environments involving hazardous chemicals. Proper signage plays a pivotal role in preventing accidents and ensuring the well-being of employees.

Legal Requirements for Handling Chemicals in the UK

Employers and employees working with hazardous chemicals in the UK must comply with strict regulations to ensure workplace safety.

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 is the primary legislation governing the handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous substances.

Under COSHH, employers must:

• Identify hazardous substances in the workplace and assess the risks they pose.

• Implement control measures such as ventilation, PPE, and safe storage to minimise exposure.

• Provide training and information to employees on how to handle chemicals safely.

• Monitor exposure levels and conduct health surveillance if necessary.

• Prepare for emergencies, including spillages and accidental exposure.

In addition to COSHH, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires businesses to ensure the safety of employees and the public. This includes providing appropriate safety signage to warn of potential dangers, ensuring compliance with the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996. Failure to comply with these laws can result in hefty fines, legal action, and, most importantly, serious harm to workers. 

Proper safety signage is an essential part of compliance, helping to reduce risks and keep workplaces safe.

Here are the top five chemical safety signs commonly encountered in workplaces:

• Danger: Corrosive

  This sign features a test tube pouring liquid onto a hand and a surface, both showing damage. It warns that the substance can cause severe skin burns and eye damage, and can corrode metals. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and eye protection is essential when handling these materials.

• Toxic

  Depicted by a skull and crossbones, this sign indicates the presence of substances that can cause serious health hazards or death if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. Strict handling procedures and PPE are mandatory to prevent exposure.

• Flammable Material
  
  Shown as a flame symbol, this sign alerts workers to materials that can easily ignite and cause fires. Proper storage away from heat sources and open flames, as well as the use of fire-resistant containers, is crucial.

• Eye Wash Station
  
  Represented by a symbol of an eye and a small shower in green, this sign informs people where the eye wash station is located incase of an emergency. These types of signs in green show workers safe points such as fire exits and evacuation routes. 

• Danger: Chemicals
  
  This sign, featuring an exclamation mark, warns of the presence of potentially hazardous substances. This warns people that they may need to take care when navigating the area. This sign could also be accompanied by ‘No Naked Flames’ signs, or the mandatory ‘Eye protection must be worn’. 

Implementing and adhering to these safety signs is vital in maintaining a secure working environment when dealing with hazardous chemicals. They serve as immediate visual reminders of potential dangers, guiding workers to take necessary precautions. 

For all your safety signage needs, whether standard or custom, Parrot Signs & Graphics offers a comprehensive range to ensure your workplace remains compliant and safe.