GL111 CLP hazard classifications for diluted common chemicals
Published August 2013
Check for later versions at www.cleapss.org.uk
Introduction
This document provides information and guidance on some chemicals commonly used in school, based on
chemical classifications under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of
substances and mixtures (CLP). Classification information relates to chemicals which have been classified and
labelled under CLP.
For chemicals supplied under CHIP, check the classification on latest edition of CHIP Hazcards (2007
and updates) for the classification and see E236 Producing labels for labelling advice and printable
CHIP symbols.
The two parts of this document cover:
Part (a): Suggestions and examples to help you to produce labels for chemicals prepared for use in school.
Part (b): CLP hazard information for 18 chemicals and for their solutions at different dilutions, and general
guidance on control measures when handling them in school.
Part (a): Advice and examples for producing your own labels
Labelling a bottle has two important aims:
•
•
to tell people what the chemical is, and
to give them information to enable them to use it safely.
It is also good practice to teach young people about hazards, and helpful to remind teachers to exercise the
appropriate control measures.
However, so long as the label tells people what is in the container and warns them of hazards, it is best for each
school to decide what exactly to include. This can be part of more-general departmental discussions around risk
assessment.
Whatever your school decides to put on labels, it is important to make sure that anyone who may handle
the chemical is trained in the meaning of your labelling system and understands any warnings.
Technicians can rest assured that it is not their responsibility to decide what to put on labels. If you are not
confident about labelling or any related matter, you should ask your employer for further training.
What to put on labels
It is useful to include the reagent name, concentration and hazard labelling. Use appropriate CLP pictograms
and signal words (signal words are either ‘Danger’ or ‘Warning’).
If the risk assessment indicates it, important general control measures such as the level of eye protection or ‘use
a fume cupboard’ could be added. When making up large volumes of diluted reagents to be used over a period
of time, or for chemicals that lose activity quite quickly, it can be useful to include a date.
•
•
For details of what to put on labels for the 18 chemicals included in this document, see Table 1.
For printable CLP pictograms, see Appendix 1.
Example of a possible layout for a label
Concentration
Name of chemical
CLP
pictogram(s)
Concentration
Name of chemical
CLP
pictogram(s)
Signal word
A label including basic information
Signal word
Major control measures
Major control measures can be included if
the risk assessment suggests it would be
wise to do so.
Examples of labels for bottles containing chemical solutions
2M
Ammonia solution
Danger
In this example, the name, concentration and
CLP pictogram and signal word are included.
2M
Ammonia solution
Danger
Wear goggles
Use a fume cupboard
This label also includes major control
measures .
(Note: when using a chemical, instructions for how to use it in the activity would expand on, and may modify, advice
according to the context.)
Printing and using labels
It is easier to fill out and print a complete sheet of labels at a time, as it can be difficult to re-feed partially-used
sheets through a printer to produce further labels in the unused spaces.
Paper labels on bottles may be protected from becoming wet with transparent adhesive tape or film. Remember
to protect the label (and people’s hands) when pouring by always holding the bottle with the label uppermost.
Templates
Suppliers of commercial blank labels usually provide downloadable templates on their websites. Templates are
usually in the form of a table in a MS Word document, with the borders shown as faint blue lines. These are grid
lines to indicate the dimensions of the final label; they are not printed out.
Labels can also be divided into smaller areas using the Split cell command in Word. The smaller labels can be
placed on bottle caps or small bottles, vials or specimen tubes.
Typical label sizes (as used at CLEAPSS) include:
For small bottles, beakers, etc. (5.1 x 2.5 cm)
For vials or specimen tubes. (3.81 x 2.12 cm)
For larger bottles, large beakers, etc. (7 x 3 cm)
For boxes, shelving, etc. (9.91 x 6.77 cm)
•
•
Lines can be inserted as guides for separating
the name from safety or other information.
To divide labels into two, either horizontally or
vertically: add your own cutting lines
appropriately before preparing the label.
Part (b): CLP Hazard information for some c hemicals and their solutions at
different concentrations
Note as always, that chemical hazard information and CLEAPSS guidance can change as new data become
available or new/revised legislation is published. Information on more chemicals will also be published in due
course. Check the CLEAPSS website What’s new section regularly for new information.
Table 1 summarises the expected labelling (under CLP) of 18 chemicals commonly used in school. It also shows
how the CLP hazard classifications of these chemicals vary as they are diluted. It additionally provides guidance
on control measures for the general use of these chemicals and their dilutions. For use in particular activities,
see more-detailed guidance elsewhere (eg, the CLEAPSS Recipe Book or various guides).
How to use the Table
The information in the table applies only to chemicals classified and labelled as listed. If a listed chemical you
have purchased has, for some reason, been given a different classification to that in the table, the rest of the
information about dilutions in the table may not apply. If this is the case, see CLP chemical hazard classification:
checking the label! (supplement to Bulletin 146) for advice on how to proceed.
The table consists of three sections.
Section A: Information and guidance for labelling ‘in-house’ solutions / dilutions
CLEAPSS recommends that you include information from this section on your label. Choose details appropriate
to the concentration you are using.
Section B: Suggested general control measures and guidance
This information may be incorporated into labels if the risk assessment for their use suggests it would be helpful
to do so. The information will also be useful to teachers preparing lesson notes, schemes of work and
worksheets.
Section C: Hazard statement(s) / additional information / notes
Notes and H (Hazard) statements referring to physical or health hazards are provided. These will help you
interpret the information in the previous columns. The notes can also help teachers and departments making
decisions about risk assessments and labelling. However, the language used in H statements is sometimes
unfamiliar and may appear unnecessarily alarming. For this reason, we do not suggest you include H
statements on your labels for class use.
Appendix 2 gives some general hazard and risk assessment information to supplement that in the table. In
particular, readers may find the information on personal protective equipment useful.
Table 1: CLP physical and health hazard labels and suggested control measures for diluted solutions
Notes
•
Some chemicals may also have the pictogram, signifying environmental hazards, on the label. This classification does not generally affect
CLEAPSS guidance on their use, so, for simplicity, this pictogram is not included in Table 1.
•
Standard symbols are used: ‘<’ means ‘less concentrated than’ and ‘>’ means ‘equal to or more concentrated than’.
SECTION A
SECTION B
SECTION C
Information and guidance for labelling ‘in-house’ solutions /
Suggested general control measures and guidance
Hazard statement(s) / additional
dilutions
for inclusion on ‘point of use text’ (or label) if required
information / notes
Solution:
Concentration range
Pictogram(s)
Concentrated (i.e. ‘880’
ammonia) and solutions
>3M
Signal Word
DANGER
• Use in a fume cupboard. Avoid inhaling vapour.
H314: Causes severe skin burns & eye damage
• Wear splash-proof goggles (a face shield is preferable when
handling large volumes).
• Wear chemical-resistant gloves.
Solutions >3 M are classified H335: May cause
respiratory irritation
• Ensure room is well ventilated (consider the need for a fume
> 1.8 M and < 3 M
DANGER
> 0.6 M and < 1.8 M
WARNING
Ammonia
(Ammonium hydroxide
< 0.6 M
Solid
-
See note *
DANGER
Barium
•
•
•
•
•
cupboard) Avoid inhaling vapour.
Wear splash-proof goggles.
Consider the need for good disposable gloves.
Ensure room is well ventilated. Avoid inhaling vapour.
Wear eye protection.
Consider the need for good disposable gloves.
• Ensure room is well ventilated.
• Wear eye protection even when using dilute solutions.
• Wear eye protection.
• Wear good disposable gloves when handling the solid and
preparing solutions.
H318: Causes serious eye damage
H315: Causes skin irritation
H319: Causes eye irritation
H315: Causes skin irritation
*Even at this concentration ammonia solutions
release ammonia vapour (Toxic if inhaled).
It is advisable to include a warning to this effect
on the label of solutions (see suggested control
measures for guidance on what to write).
H301: Toxic if swallowed
H332: Harmful if inhaled
chloride
Solutions > 0.4 M
WARNING
• Wear eye protection.
H302: Harmful if swallowed
Standard symbols are used: ‘<’ means ‘less concentrated than’ and ‘>’ means ‘equal to or more concentrated than’.
SECTION A
SECTION B
SECTION C
Information and guidance for labelling ‘in-house’ solutions /
dilutions
Suggested general control measures and guidance
for inclusion on ‘point of use text’ (or label) if required
Hazard statement(s) / additional
Solution:
Concentration range
Pictogram(s)
Signal Word
• Bromine vapour is released from the liquid and solutions.
Bromine liquid
DANGER
•
•
•
> 0.2 M and < 0.3 M
(Note: solubility of bromine in
water is ~ 0.25 M at room
temperature)
DANGER
•
Take care to avoid inhalation. Asthmatics and others with
respiratory conditions: TAKE EXTRA CARE!
Use in a fume cupboard.
Wear splash-proof goggles.
Consider the gloves required (use chemical-resistant or good
disposable as appropriate).
Use the most dilute solution possible to obtain the desired
experimental result.
• Bromine vapour is released from solutions. Take care to
Bromine
> 0.06 M and < 0.2 M
WARNING
•
•
•
< 0.06 M
-
See note *
•
•
avoid inhalation. Asthmatics and others with respiratory
conditions: TAKE EXTRA CARE!
Use in a fume cupboard for solutions = 0.02 M. Also consider
the use of a fume cupboard at lower concentrations.
Ensure room is well ventilated if working on the open bench.
Wear eye protection. Consider the need for splash-proof
goggles.
Consider the need for gloves.
Use the most dilute solution possible to obtain the desired
experimental result. (e.g., 0.005-0.01 M is adequate when
testing for unsaturation.)
Solid
Copper(II)
sulfate(VI)
> 1.0 M
> 0.6 M and < 1.0 M
information / notes
WARNING
• Wear eye protection.
H314: Causes severe skin burns & eye damage
H330: Fatal if inhaled**
**This is a similar classification to Very Toxic by
inhalation under CHIP.
H318: Causes serious eye damage
H315: Causes skin irritation
H319: Causes serious eye irritation
H315: Causes skin irritation
*Bromine is acutely toxic by inhalation.
For solutions above 0.01 M, the WEL (STEL) will
be approached in localised situations (e.g. just
above open test-tubes) and inhalation of the
vapour would act at least as a respiratory irritant.
It is advisable to include a warning to this effect
on the label (see suggested control measures for
guidance on what to write).
H319: Causes serious eye irritation
H315: Causes skin irritation
H302: Harmful if swallowed
H319: Causes serious eye irritation
H315: Causes skin irritation
Standard symbols are used: ‘<’ means ‘less concentrated than’ and ‘>’ means ‘equal to or more concentrated than’.
SECTION A
SECTION B
SECTION C
Information and guidance for labelling ‘in-house’ solutions /
dilutions
Suggested general control measures and guidance
for inclusion on ‘point of use text’ (or label) if required
Hazard statement(s) / additional
Solution:
Concentration range
Pictogram(s)
Concentrated
(‘glacial’)
information / notes
Signal Word
DANGER
• Use or dispense in a fume cupboard. Avoid inhaling vapour.
• Wear splash-proof goggles (a face shield is preferable when
H314: Causes severe skin burns & eye damage
H226 Flammable vapour and liquid
handling large volumes).
• Wear chemical-resistant gloves if handling large volumes.
Ethanoic acid
(Acetic acid)
Solutions > 4 M
DANGER
> 1.7 M and < 4 M
WARNING
< 1.7 M
-
-
Consider the use of good disposable gloves for small-scale
practical work.
• Wear eye protection.
• Avoid inhaling vapour.
• Consider the need for good disposable gloves.
H314: Causes severe skin burns & eye damage
Note: we have assumed that the solutions
commonly used in school are below the
concentration classified as flammable.
H319: Causes serious eye irritation
H315: Causes skin irritation
• Wear eye protection even when dilute solutions are used.
• Wear splash-proof goggles (a face shield is preferable when
handling large volumes).
Concentrated acid and
solutions > 6.8 M
DANGER
• Wear chemical-resistant gloves if handling large volumes.
• Use in a fume cupboard. Avoid inhaling vapour.
• Take care when opening bottles. Pressure may have built
H314: Causes severe skin burns & eye damage
H335: May cause respiratory irritation
up.
• Use in a fume cupboard for solutions in the mid-upper
Hydrochloric
acid
>2.7 M and < 6.8 M
WARNING
concentration range. Avoid inhaling vapour.
• Ensure laboratory is well-ventilated if working on the open
bench.
• Wear splash-proof goggles.
• Consider the need for good disposable gloves.
< 2.7 M
-
See note *
• Wear eye protection even when dilute solutions are used.
H319: Causes serious eye irritation
H315: Causes skin irritation
H335: May cause respiratory irritation
*Note: Solutions of hydrochloric acid below 2.7
M are not assigned a hazard classification.
However, experience of the use of this acid in
school science activities indicates that it is
appropriate to apply the control measures
indicated here. It is advisable to include a
warning to this effect on the label (see
suggested control measures for guidance on
what to write).
Standard symbols are used: ‘<’ means ‘less concentrated than’ and ‘>’ means ‘equal to or more concentrated than’.
SECTION A
SECTION B
SECTION C
Information and guidance for labelling ‘in-house’ solutions /
dilutions
Suggested general control measures and guidance
for inclusion on ‘point of use text’ (or label) if required
Hazard statement(s) / additional
Solution:
Concentration range
Pictogram(s)
> 28 vol
Signal Word
DANGER*
(up to & including 100 vol)
• Wear splash-proof goggles.
• Wear good disposable gloves.
• Take care when opening bottles. Pressure may have built
>18 vol and < 28 vol
< 18 vol
WARNING
-
-
• Wear eye protection.
*Note: using concentrations < 18 vol should
suffice for many pre-16 activities.
WARNING
• Avoid inhaling vapour
• Use the most dilute solution possible to obtain the desired
experimental result..
Iodine
• Wear eye protection even with dilute solutions.
< 1 M in potassium
iodide
-
See note*
• Use the most dilute solution possible to obtain the desired
experimental result. (e.g 0.01 / 0.1 M is adequate for starch
testing with enzymes / titrations).
• Wear eye protection.
• Wash hands thoroughly after use, even when low
Solid and solutions
concentrations are used.
• Enforce hygiene standards rigorously. Consider supervising
>1M
DANGER
students’ hand washing after activities.
• Consider if the activity or circumstances necessitate the use
Lead(II)
of good disposable gloves.
• For weighing the solid/preparing solutions: wear eye
> 0.015 M
protection and good disposable gloves. If necessary, weigh
solid on a balance placed in a fume cupboard which is not
switched on and with the sash partially pulled down.
< 0.015 M
-
-
H319: Causes serious eye irritation.
• Wear eye protection even when using dilute solutions .
• Wear eye protection
Solid and solutions
> 1 M in potassium
iodide
nitrate(V)
H318: Causes serious eye damage.
up.
Hydrogen
peroxide
information / notes
H312 Harmful in contact with skin
H332: Harmful if inhaled
Solutions in ethanol will have additional
hazards.
*Iodine is harmful by inhalation and in contact
with the skin. Consider these hazards even at
low concentrations . Consider including a
warning to this effect on the label. (see
suggested control measures for guidance on
what to write)
H360D: May damage the unborn child
H373: May cause damage to organs through
prolonged or repeated exposure.
H361f: Suspected of damaging fertility
H302: Harmful if swallowed
The solid is also classified H332 Harmful if
inhaled.
H360D: May damage the unborn child
H373: May cause damage to organs through
prolonged or repeated exposure.
H361f: Suspec ted of damaging fertility (>0.1 M)
Lead salts may be of concern to those who are
pregnant. However, in schools they are used
infrequently, in small quantities and at low
concentrations. Exposure is therefore low and, if
risk assessments are followed, controlled.
Standard symbols are used: ‘<’ means ‘less concentrated than’ and ‘>’ means ‘equal to or more concentrated than’.
SECTION A
SECTION B
SECTION C
Information and guidance for labelling ‘in-house’ solutions /
Suggested general control measures and guidance
Hazard statement(s) / additional
dilutions
for inclusion on ‘point of use text’ (or label) if required
information / notes
Solution:
Concentration range
Pictogram(s)
Signal Word
• Use in a fume cupboard. Avoid inhaling vapour.
• Wear splash-proof goggles (a face shield is preferable when
Concentrated acid and
solutions > 2.2 M
DANGER
acid
• Wear eye protection.
> 0.4 M and < 2.2 M
< 0.4 M
WARNING
-
Concentrated acid and
solutions > 10 M
Nitric(V) acid
• Wear chemical-resistant gloves if handling large volumes.
H314: Causes severe skin burns & eye damage
Consider the use of good disposable gloves for small-scale
practical work.
Methanoic
(Formic acid)
handling large volumes).
-
DANGER
Solutions > 3 M and
<10 M
• Avoid inhaling vapour.
• Consider the need for good disposable gloves.
H315: Causes skin irritation
H319: Causes serious eye irritation
• Wear eye protection even when dilute solutions are used.
• Wear splash-proof goggles (a face shield is preferable when
handling large volumes).
• Wear chemical resistant gloves.
• Use concentrated acid in a fume cupboard. Use a fume
cupboard for lower concentrations if required (e.g. if nitrogen
oxide fumes are produced).
H314: Causes severe skin burns & eye damage
H272: May intensify fire; oxidizer
H314: Causes severe skin burns & eye damage
DANGER
• Wear splash-proof goggles.
• Consider the need for good disposable gloves.
> 0.8 M and < 3 M
> 0.1 and < 0.8 M
< 0.1 M
WARNING
-
-
• Wear eye protection
• Wear eye protection even when dilute solutions are used.
H314: Causes severe skin burns & eye damage
H315: Causes skin irritation
H319: Causes serious eye irritation
Standard symbols are used: ‘<’ means ‘less concentrated than’ and ‘>’ means ‘equal to or more concentrated than’.
SECTION A
SECTION B
SECTION C
Information and guidance for labelling ‘in-house’ solutions /
dilutions
Suggested general control measures and guidance
for inclusion on ‘point of use text’ (or label) if required
Hazard statement(s) / additional
Solution:
Phosphoric
(V) acid
(Orthophosphoric
acid)
Concentration range
Pictogram(s)
Signal Word
Concentrated acid and
solutions > 2.6 M
DANGER
• Wear splash-proof goggles.
• Wear chemical-resistant gloves if handling large volumes.
> 1 M and < 2.6 M
WARNING
• Wear eye protection
<1M
-
-
Solid and solutions
>3M
DANGER
> 0.4 M and < 3 M
DANGER
> 0.1 M and < 0.4 M
WARNING
H314: Causes severe skin burns & eye damage
Consider the use of good disposable gloves for small-scale
practical work.
H315: Causes skin irritation
H319: Causes serious eye irritation
• Wear eye protection even when dilute solutions are used.
• Wear splash-proof goggles
• Consider if the activity necessitates the use of good
H314: Causes severe skin burns & eye damage
H302: Harmful if swallowed
disposable gloves.
Potassium
hydroxide
< 0.1 M
information / notes
-
-
H314: Causes severe skin burns & eye damage
• Wear eye protection
H315: Causes skin irritation
H319: Causes serious eye irritation
• Wear eye protection even when dilute solutions are used.
Assume that solutions < 0.09 M will cause skin
and eye irritation. It is advisable to include a
warning to this effect on the label (see
suggested control measures for guidance on
what to write).
Standard symbols are used: ‘<’ means ‘less concentrated than’ and ‘>’ means ‘equal to or more concentrated than’.
SECTION A
SECTION B
SECTION C
Information and guidance for labelling ‘in-house’ solutions /
dilutions
Suggested general control measures and guidance
for inclusion on ‘point of use text’ (or label) if required
Hazard statement(s) / additional
Solution:
Concentration range
Pictogram(s)
Signal Word
• Use in a fume cupboard. Avoid inhaling vapour.
• Wear splash-proof goggles (a face shield is preferable when
Concentrated acid
DANGER
and solutions > 3.4 M
Propanoic
acid
handling large volumes).
• Wear chemical-resistant gloves if handling large volumes.
Consider the use of good disposable gloves for small-scale
practical work.
• Wear eye protection.
(Propionic acid)
> 1.4 M and < 3.4 M
< 1.4 M
WARNING
-
information / notes
-
• Avoid inhaling vapour.
• Consider the need for gloves.
H335: May cause respiratory irritation
H315: Causes skin irritation
H319: Causes serious eye irritation
H335: May cause respiratory irritation
• Wear eye protection even when dilute solutions are used.
Solid
• Wear splash-proof goggles.
• Consider wearing good disposable gloves when handling
> 0.3 M
the solid. Avoid skin contact.
• Use the most dilute solution possible to obtain the desired
experimental result. It is rarely necessary to use
concentrations = 0.18 M for activities below post-16 level.
DANGER
H314: Causes severe skin burns & eye damage
H314: Causes severe skin burns & eye damage
H272: May intensify fire; oxidizer
H314: Causes severe skin burns & eye damage
• Wear eye protection (consider if the activity necessitates the
use of splash-proof goggles).
Silver
nitrate(V)
• Avoid skin contact.
• Use the most dilute solution possible to obtain the desired
> 0.18 M and < 0.3 M
H318: Causes serious eye damage
H315: Causes skin irritation
experimental result..
> 0.06 M and < 0.18 M
WARNING
• Wear eye protection.
• Avoid skin contact.
• Use the most dilute solution possible to obtain the desired
H315: Causes skin irritation
H319: Causes serious eye irritation
experimental result..
• Wear eye protection even when dilute solutions are used.
< 0.06 M
-
-
• Avoid skin contact.
• Use the most dilute solution possible to obtain the desired
experimental result..
Note: All solutions cause skin to blacken and will
stain clothing and some bench surfaces.
Standard symbols are used: ‘<’ means ‘less concentrated than’ and ‘>’ means ‘equal to or more concentrated than’.
SECTION A
SECTION B
SECTION C
Information and guidance for labelling ‘in-house’ solutions /
dilutions
Suggested general control measures and guidance
for inclusion on ‘point of use text’ (or label) if required
Hazard statement(s) / additional
Solution:
Sodium
hydroxide
Concentration range
Pictogram(s)
information / notes
Signal Word
Solid and solutions
> 0.5 M
DANGER
• Wear splash-proof goggles.
• Consider if the activity necessitates the use of good
> 0.125 M and <0.5 M
WARNING
• Wear eye protection
H315: Causes skin irritation
H319: Causes serious eye irritation
• Wear eye protection even when dilute solutions are used.
*Assume that solutions < 0.125 M can cause
skin and eye irritation. It is advisable to include a
warning to this effect on the label (see
suggested control measures for guidance on
what to write).
< 0.125 M
-
See note *
H314: Causes severe skin burns & eye damage
disposable gloves (e.g. saponification of oils to make soap
involves heating 5 M solutions).
• Wear splash-proof goggles (a face shield is preferable when
handling large volumes).
Concentrated acid
and solutions > 1.5 M
DANGER
> 0.5 M and < 1.5 M
WARNING
• Wear eye protection
-
• Wear eye protection even when dilute solutions are used.
Solid and solutions
> 1.5 M
DANGER
• Wear eye protection. Wear splash-proof goggles if activity
> 0.2 M and < 1.5 M
DANGER
> 0.06 M and < 0.2 M
WARNING
< 0.5 M
H314: Causes severe skin burns & eye damage
Consider the use of good disposable gloves for small-scale
practical activities.
Sulfuric(VI)
acid
Zinc
sulfate(VI)
• Wear chemical-resistant gloves if handling large volumes.
-
involves:
−
a high splash risk,
−
handling large volumes of solutions at the upper end of
this concentration range.
• Wear eye protection.
H315: Causes skin irritation
H319: Causes serious eye irritation
H318: Causes serious eye damage
H302: Harmful if swallowed
H318: Causes serious eye damage
H319: Causes serious eye irritation
Appendix 1
GL 111 08/13
Page 13 of 15
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Appendix 2
Hazard classification
In many cases, the hazard classification of a chemical under both CLP and CHIP is very similar. Sulfuric acid
and its dilutions is one of many examples.
•
For a small number of chemicals, the CLP pictograms and signal words make the hazard classifications
look different. However, this may reflect simply a difference between the way in which CLP and CHIP
classifications are defined or presented. See Example 1 below.
•
For some hazards, CLP defines different concentration limits at which the classification changes. In some
cases, these limits apply generically; in others, they are specific to the chemical. Nevertheless, this does not
reflect an actual change in the hazards of that dilution: the label may be different, but the known hazards
remain as before, as does CLEAPSS guidance on the handling of these dilutions. See Example 2.
•
Occasionally, new data leads to a reclassification. See Example 3.
The following examples illustrate some important changes in the classification and labelling of chemicals under
CLP.
Example 1: Differences in hazard symbols/pictograms; for example, see zinc sulphate(VI). In this case, the
difference arises because, under CLP, the ‘serious eye damage’ hazard category, with Hazard statement H318,
has the ‘corrosive’ pictogram associated with it whereas under CHIP, with Risk phrase R41, the ‘irritant’ symbol
is used.
R41: Risk of serious damage to eyes
H318: Causes serious eye damage
Where this occurs CLEAPSS is taking the opportunity to reflect on our guidance and amend it if necessary. For
zinc sulfate and its solutions, for example, we have concluded that the existing control measures for activities
using them should still be sufficient to manage the risk and that no major changes are needed.
Example 2: For some hazards (e.g. skin corrosion or acute toxicity) the concentration levels for determining the
hazard classification of a mixture are lower under CLP than they are under CHIP. This means that solutions of
some chemicals may have more severe hazard classifications under CLP than under CHIP.
Ammonia is a good example here. Under CHIP, solutions greater than or equal to 3 M are classified as irritant to
skin and eyes. Under CLP this classification applies at a concentration of only 0.6 M. Again, CLEAPSS is
reviewing its current guidance (for both CLP and CHIP-based documents) and amending where necessary.
In fact, for ammonia solutions, CLEAPSS guidance has always taken account of the irritant nature of the
chemical below the ‘official’ classification level. As with zinc sulfate, our guidance therefore is not changing.
Example 3: In a few cases, the information gathered about a chemical leads to a complete re-classification. This
is not a result of moving to the CLP system, and these reclassifications apply under both CHIP and CLP for as
long as both systems are running side by side (until at least 2015). CLEAPSS will continue to amend its
guidance and publish notifications on the website as required.
Examples here are the recent changes to nickel and its compounds, mercury and its compounds and
phenolphthalein.
Control measures and risk assessment
Control measures CLEAPSS guidance on control measures does not always follow hazard classifications
exactly. This is because, when preparing health & safety guidance, CLEAPSS considers not only the hazard
classification, but also uses judgement based on our longstanding experience of the way chemicals are used in
schools. It’s also important to remember that hazards don’t actually decrease in a simple ‘stepwise’ manner – in
reality there is a continuous gradation as the chemical is diluted. The concentration levels at which different
hazard classifications are applied are simply defined by the legislation, and, as such, are considered as useful
‘markers’.
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The relationship between hazard and concentration as a chemical is diluted
Sulfuric acid
Concentration Hazard classification / label
The classification
changes at defined
concentrations, but
the hazards decrease
continuously
as the acid is diluted.
Maximum level of hazard
Least-diluted (most
concentrated)
1.5 M and above
Danger
0.5 M and above
Warning
Most diluted (least
concentrated)
Minimum level of hazard
Risk assessment: The general control measures provided in this document and in Hazcards is intended to
support the process of risk assessment for class activities, but remember to refer to more-detailed guidance on
specific activities where it exists. As always, all relevant factors must be taken into account when carrying out a
risk assessment – such as how the chemical is being used in the activity; teacher, technician or student
experience and expertise; conditions and facilities. Always use the most-dilute solution that will produce
meaningful results for the particular activity.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is needed when handling or using some chemicals. The following terms
are used in Table 1:
Eye protection
CLEAPSS recommends eye protection (eg safety spectacles) to at least EN166 F.
Splash-proof
goggles
CLEAPSS recommends eye protection (goggles or a face shield) to EN 166 3.
Chemicalresistant gloves
CLEAPSS recommends chemical-resistant gloves to BSEN 374. These can be
recognised by the pictogram, provided on the pack or the glove itself.
Consider the
need for good
disposable gloves
CLEAPSS does not consider that protective gloves are needed unless the user has wounds or
skin conditions that increase vulnerability. However, some may consider the benefit from
wearing gloves (providing some skin protection) outweigh the disadvantages (clumsiness,
accidentally handling the face with contaminated gloves, unnoticed penetration by
chemicals, extra expense). In these cases, good-quality disposable gloves, used carefully,
usually suffice. Do not use powdered latex gloves and avoid latex altogether if possible.
Warn students about the risks and train them to remove and dispose of the gloves safely.
Further advice on chemical hazards and guidance can be found in these CLEAPSS publications:
•
For typical CLP classifications for a large number of school chemicals, check the latest version of E233CLP
Chemical Stocklist.
•
For advice on checking new stocks and what to do if the hazard classification does not match CLEAPSS
guidance, see CLP chemical hazard classification: checking the label! (supplement to Bulletin 146)
•
For more-detailed guidance on specific activities, see other CLEAPSS publications, including the current
Hazcards (2007 Edition with updates), various guides and the Recipe Book.
•
For guidance on disposal, check the current Hazcard for that chemical. For general guidance, search for
Disposal of chemicals on the CLEAPSS website .
•
CLP editions of Hazcards, Recipe Book and guidance on specific practical activities will be published in due
course.
Always check for the latest information about the classification of a chemical(s). If no significant
changes have been published on the CLEAPSS website, current (CHIP-based) guidance should still
apply.
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© CLEAPSS®, The Gardiner Building, Brunel Science Park, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge UB8 3PQ
Tel: 01895 251496; Fax: 01895 814372; E-mail: [email protected]; Web site: www.cleapss.org.uk