Other Hazardous Materials Labels (CHIP)

Modified on: Tue, 10 Jan, 2023 at 11:33 AM

The Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) regulations, also known as CHIP regulations, were implemented in the United Kingdom to ensure the safe handling, storage, and transport of chemicals. The regulations were based on two European Directives: the Dangerous Substances Directive and the Dangerous Preparations Directive. The CHIP regulations set out requirements for the classification, labeling, packaging and provision of safety data sheet for the chemicals they supply.

One of the key elements of the CHIP regulations was the use of hazard labels and warning phrases on chemical products. These labels and phrases were used to provide information about the hazards of a chemical and to help ensure that it was used safely. The orange and black hazard symbols, which are well-known among chemical suppliers and many chemical users and consumers, were used to help make the information on the labels easy to understand and quickly recognizable.

It is worth noting that as of June 1, 2015, CHIP regulations were revoked and replaced by the European Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation. CLP aligns with the United Nations' Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) which is adopted by many countries worldwide. In that sense, suppliers must comply with the new CLP Regulations in order to continue to supply chemicals in the UK. This change was done to ensure that the EU have a common system to classify and label chemicals in order to ensure a high level of health and environmental protection, and also to facilitate the free movement of goods in the EU.

Examples of these phrases include

Toxic by inhalation and if swallowed
Very toxic to aquatic organisms
Keep locked up and out of reach of children In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice