Labelling is a very important part of hazardous substance management. Labels provide the necessary information to manage hazards of the substance in order to protect both people and the environment. The information on a label is often the first information available to a person if there is an emergency.
What do labels need to contain?
- Information on Hazards
- Information on Disposal
- Emergency Management Information
The level of hazrad information required is dependent on the classification of the substance and is prescribed by either the relevant Group Standard or by one or more of the following regulations:
- Hazardous Substances (Identification) Regulations
- Hazardous Substances (Disposal) Regulations
- Hazardous Substances (Emergency Management) Regulations
Who is responsible for labelling requirements?
Suppliers or sellers of hazardous substances must ensure that this information is provided with the substances and that it meets the minimum standards of comprehensibility, clarity and durability (generally this will be by way of labels) specified in the Hazardous Substances (Identification) Regulations 2001.
The Person in Charge of the place where the hazardous substances are held must ensure that the information requirements continue to be met (ie labels stay intact and legible).
Advice on label compliance
Manufacturers and importers can seek informal advice on whether a label complies with HSNO requirements. Further information on this service is available here