Recognising hazardous substances, labels and safety data sheets

Identifying a substance is the first step in a safe response. Labels, hazard pictograms, product instructions, safety data sheets and local COSHH information tell staff which controls to use and prevent guesswork.

What labels can tell you

• the product name and intended use
• hazard pictograms or warning symbols
• signal words and warning statements
• storage, dilution, ventilation and PPE instructions
• first-aid or emergency actions
• manufacturer instructions and expiry or batch information where relevant

Do not assume a familiar product is harmless. Cleaning products, peroxide systems, sprays and disinfectants can irritate skin, eyes or airways if they are overused, mixed, sprayed without ventilation, or handled with inappropriate PPE.

Safety data sheets

A safety data sheet (SDS) provides hazard, handling, storage and emergency information for a chemical product. Staff who work with hazardous substances must know how to access the relevant SDS or local COSHH information.

An SDS is information for a COSHH assessment, not a substitute for one. The practice must apply SDS details to the specific task, workplace, people at risk and local controls.

Frontline rules

• Do not use unlabelled products.
• Do not decant products into unmarked bottles, cups or food containers.
• Do not mix products unless the local procedure specifically says to do so.
• Do not sniff or test unknown substances to identify them.
• Report damaged, faded or missing labels.
• Ask where the COSHH file, SDSs or local procedure are kept if you do not know.

If you cannot identify the substance, you cannot safely choose the controls. Stop, check and report.