Labelling and Signage

Introduction

  • Chemical labeling is the process of providing important information about chemicals such as the chemical name, molecular weight, chemical formula, net weight, expiration date, and hazard symbols. The purpose of chemical labeling is to provide clear and easily understood information about chemicals that will be used or stored.

    Chemical labeling is important for maintaining the safety and health of humans and the environment. Chemical labeling must be done correctly and in accordance with the standards set by regulatory bodies. Labels must be placed on chemical packaging and be easily visible and readable. If there are changes to the chemical, the label must be updated or replaced with a new label.

    Chemical labeling also needs to be done with care. Failure to properly label chemicals can cause serious harm to users of the chemicals and the surrounding environment. Therefore, sufficient training and education must be conducted to ensure that chemical labeling is done correctly and carefully.

Chemical Labelling for quantities >125ml

The labeling of hazardous chemicals that are supplied is as follows:

  • Product Identifier
    Refers to the name or number used on the label to provide a unique way in which the hazardous chemical can be identified in certain conditions.
  • Supplier Identification
    Refers to the information of the supplier who issued and supplied the chemical.
  • Signal Word
    Refers to a word used to indicate the relative level of severity of the hazard and to alert readers to the potential danger of the hazardous chemical on the label, for example "Warning", which indicates a less severe hazard category; and "Danger", which indicates a more severe hazard category.
  • Hazard Statement
    Refers to a statement established for the Hazard Class and Hazard Category describing the nature of the hazard of a hazardous chemical, including those specified in the First Schedule of the Occupational Safety and Health (Classification, Labelling and Safety Data Sheet of Hazardous Chemicals) Regulations 2013.
  • Hazard Pictogram
    Refers to a graphical composition that conveys specific information about the hazard associated with the hazardous chemical as specified in the Second Schedule of the Occupational Safety and Health (Classification, Labelling and Safety Data Sheet of Hazardous Chemicals) Regulations 2013.
  • Precautionary Statement
    Refers to an expression that describes recommended steps to minimize or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure to hazardous chemicals, or storage or handling of hazardous chemicals that is not in accordance with standard procedures.

Chemical Labelling for quantities <125ml

The labeling of hazardous chemicals that are supplied is as follows:

  • Product Identifier
    Refers to the name or number used on the label to provide a unique way in which the hazardous chemical can be identified in certain conditions.
  • Supplier Identification
    Refers to the information of the supplier who issued and supplied the chemical.
  • Signal Word
    Refers to a word used to indicate the relative level of severity of the hazard and to alert readers to the potential danger of the hazardous chemical on the label, for example "Warning", which indicates a less severe hazard category; and "Danger", which indicates a more severe hazard category.
  • Hazard Pictogram
    Refers to a graphical composition that conveys specific information about the hazard associated with the hazardous chemical as specified in the Second Schedule of the Occupational Safety and Health (Classification, Labelling and Safety Data Sheet of Hazardous Chemicals) Regulations 2013.
  • The statement "Read the Safety Data Sheet before use"

Chemical Signage

GHS

The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) is a chemical labeling system that has been adopted by many countries around the world, including Malaysia. The system aims to create a uniform and easily understandable chemical labeling system worldwide.

In Malaysia, the GHS system is implemented through laws established by the relevant authorities. This includes the requirement to provide hazard labels on all chemicals used or stored in the workplace, and to provide further reference can be found in Industrial Code of Practice on Chemicals Classification and Hazard Communication (ICOP) 2014.