Chemicals are a natural part of everyday life in many companies – from industrial production and laboratories to construction sites and agriculture. With chemicals also comes a responsibility: to protect employees, customers and the environment. That is why you see the little red hazard symbols on bottles, containers and safety data sheets.
Here we go through what the hazard symbols mean, how they should be handled in practice, and what laws and regulations apply.
What is a hazard symbol?
A hazard symbol (also known as a hazard pictogram and hazard label) is a pictorial icon that highlights the risk of chemicals that may expose the user to health, environmental, fire or explosion hazards. The hazard symbols are designed to be understandable for everyone. In other words, you don’t need to know chemistry to understand that a picture of a flame means “flammable”. This makes it easy to identify potential hazards, regardless of situation and language.
Where are the hazard symbols located?
The hazard symbols must be clearly marked on the product being used, and can be found on the packaging or in the safety data sheet (SDS). Sometimes the workplace may also have its own lists of hazard symbols on cabinets, containers or other storage areas, for example when storing chemicals in large quantities.
What do the hazard symbols mean?
Previously, orange hazard symbols were used, but from 2015 these were replaced by red and white diamonds. Each symbol represents a specific type of chemical hazard:
Acute toxicity
May cause life-threatening injuries if swallowed, in contact with skin or inhaled.
Corrosive
May cause burns to skin and eyes or serious eye damage. Also used for chemicals that may be corrosive to metals.
Health hazard
May cause irritation to the skin, eyes and respiratory tract, allergic skin reactions, drowsiness and dizziness.
Chronic health hazard
May cause cancer, genetic damage, reduced fertility, birth defects, inhalation allergy, chemical pneumonia or other serious health effects.
Environmental hazard
Can be acute or long-term toxic, and/or cause long-term damage because the substance is persistent and bioaccumulative. Must be handled so that the product, either in use or as waste, does not harm nature.
Explosive
May explode on impact, friction, sparks or heat.
Oxidising
May cause fire or contribute to the combustion of other materials.
Flammable
Can ignite easily and burn violently. Some chemicals produce flammable gas in contact with water or self-ignite in air.
Gas under pressure
Container with pressurised gas or extremely low temperature. May explode in case of external fire.
How to handle hazard symbols?
Hazardous chemicals must be labeled with a hazard label that provides information about hazards and necessary precautions. Among other things, the label must contain a hazard symbol, warning words and hazard and safety phrases (H and P phrases).
If you notice a hazard symbol on a product, you must take extra precautions. This may involve:
Always read the hazard label before use
Check SDS for more information
Follow the instructions carefully
Use the right protective equipment
Ensure sufficient ventilation
Avoid mixing incompatible chemicals
Wash hands, clothes and equipment thoroughly after use
If swallowed or poisoned, contact poison control or emergency services
International laws and regulations
Most European countries follows the CLP regulation (Classification, Labelling, and Packaging), which is based on the global system GHS (Globally Harmonized System and Classification and Labelling of Chemicals). CLP ensures that chemical hazards are clearly communicated through standardized symbols, signal words, and safety statements. In addition, the REACH regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) also applies within the European Union.
Outside the EU, many countries have implemented or are aligning with GHS-based classification and labelling systems. However, the specific regulatory frameworks, registration requirements, and enforcement practices vary between jurisdictions.
Companies must therefore ensure compliance with the applicable chemical control legislation in each country where their products are manufactured, imported, distributed, or used.
Important: In addition to regional frameworks, national and local regulations may apply. Individual countries may have supplementary requirements related to storage, transport, workplace safety, environmental protection, or reporting obligations. It is essential to verify compliance with all applicable laws in the relevant market.
Hazard symbols are not just little red icons on a label. They are the key to understanding and following chemical regulations. When employees know the symbols, read the labels and follow the instructions, they contribute to a safer working day in line with national and international requirements.
In addition, the hazard symbols provide a common recipe for how chemicals should be described and labeled, no matter where in the world they are used. This makes communication easier, provides a better overview in the workplace and ensures that everyone speaks the same “language” about chemicals.
Waste management and waste declaration of hazardous chemicals require more than just sorting at source – they require careful planning, proper handling and clear documentation. Here we have gathered the basics you need to know about safe handling and declaration of hazardous waste.
Why safe handling of chemical waste is important
Chemical waste is not like other waste. It may contain hazardous substances that are flammable, corrosive, toxic, reactive and/or harmful to the environment. Many accidents occur after chemicals have been used, when they are stored or disposed of incorrectly.
A thorough risk assessment should always form the basis and include hazards related to storage, transport, interim storage and disposal. Such risk management is an important part of the organisation’s health, safety and environment (HSE) work.
Chemical waste is not only a workplace risk; it can also have a significant impact on the environment. Improper handling can lead to contamination of soil, water and air, and create long-term environmental consequences.
Classification and labelling of waste
It is important that all classified chemical waste is labelled correctly before it is stored or sent to a receiving facility. This includes, among other things:
Identification of the type of substance (e.g. corrosive, flammable or toxic)
Use of appropriate packaging that can withstand the contents
Clear labelling with contents, date, responsible person and hazard pictograms
Separation of incompatible substances (e.g. acids and bases)
Waste declaration
Waste declaration is the process by which organisations report the types and quantities of hazardous waste they generate. Its purpose is to ensure traceability and the safe handling of waste from its point of origin through to final treatment.
In many countries, organisations that produce hazardous waste are required to deliver it to an authorised collection or treatment facility and complete a waste declaration in advance. This is often done through a national or digital reporting system before the waste is transferred.
Roles, responsibilities and training
It must be clearly defined who is responsible within the organisation. This will often be an HSE manager or subject specialist with overall responsibility for chemical handling and waste declaration.
Everyone who handles hazardous waste must have the necessary training in chemical safety, procedures and emergency preparedness. This should form part of the organisation’s systematic HSE work.
Checklist: Safe waste management and waste declaration
Make sure you can tick off these points. Then you are well on your way to ensuring safe and efficient waste management:
Use appropriate packaging (e.g. sealed, labelled and compatible with the chemical)
Clear labelling of chemical waste
Ensure correct interim storage of chemicals
Complete waste declaration before delivery
Establish fixed routines for emptying and handling
Carry out regular risk assessments
Provide employees with adequate training
Document and track your waste
Ensure sufficient ventilation and containment in the waste area
Have emergency preparedness and protective equipment available
Safe handling and correct waste declaration of hazardous chemicals require planning, proper procedures and clear documentation. When this is an integrated part of HSE work, the risk of accidents is reduced and the organisation ensures both compliance with regulations and responsibility for people and the environment.
Chemical substitution, replacing hazardous chemicals with less harmful alternatives, has long been an important tool for improving health, safety, and the environment. In the past, this work has been time-consuming and complex. Now, artificial intelligence (AI) is changing how companies in many industries work with chemicals and risk reduction.
Today’s challenges with substitution
Finding safer alternatives to existing chemicals is rarely straightforward. Companies often have to consider:
Hazard classification and health effects
Technical performance and function
Regulations and regulatory requirements
Availability in the supply chain
Traditionally, this has been done manually, by comparing safety data sheets (SDS), regulations, and internal experiences. The result can be lengthy processes, divergent assessments, and an increased risk of errors. This, in turn, can delay the introduction of safer chemicals and make it more difficult to meet HSE and sustainability requirements.
KI as support in substitution
Artificial intelligence makes it possible to work more systematically and data-driven with chemical substitution. Instead of relying on manual searches and individual assessments, AI can analyse large amounts of chemical data in a short time and provide structured suggestions for alternatives. This can contribute to a better overview, more consistent assessments, and faster decision-making processes.
Although AI can provide valuable analyses and recommendations, the results must always be evaluated by qualified professionals. AI is a decision support tool and not a substitute for chemical, HSE, or regulatory expertise.
Faster identification of safer alternatives
With the help of AI, companies can quickly analyse large amounts of SDS data and other chemical information. The system can suggest substances or products with lower hazard levels, similar functionality, and better regulatory status.
This is particularly useful when regulations change or when there is a need for rapid transition to safer solutions.
Automated assessment of hazards and risks
AI can help interpret complex data, classify hazards, and calculate risk levels in a more standardised way. This reduces differences in assessments between departments and projects.
In addition, KI can reveal incomplete or outdated information, enabling the business to identify where updates or professional reviews are needed.
Better control of regulations – nationally and internationally
Many companies operate in several countries or have to comply with both local and international requirements. AI-based solutions can monitor regulatory changes and automatically check whether chemicals and proposed alternatives comply with current requirements.
This reduces the risk of unintentional regulatory violations and supports a more proactive approach to chemical management.
Support for sustainability and ESG work
KI can also be used to compare environmental properties such as degradability, ecotoxicity, emissions, and life cycle impact. This provides a better basis for decision-making for companies that work systematically with sustainability, environmental reporting, and ESG requirements.
Artificial intelligence is simplifying and improving the work of chemical substitution. For companies that want to reduce risk, improve the working environment, and be better equipped for future requirements, AI-based solutions can be an important step forward. When used correctly, artificial intelligence can contribute to safer chemical use, better compliance with regulations, and more sustainable choices – across industries and national borders.
Clear and accurate labelling of chemicals is a fundamental prerequisite for a safe working environment. CLP labelling plays a key role in communicating chemical hazards in a standardised and easily understandable way.
What is CLP labelling?
CLP stands for Classification, Labelling and Packaging and is the EU’s regulation for the classification, labelling, and packaging of chemicals. The regulation is based on the UN’s Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), with the aim of ensuring that workers and users receive clear, unambiguous information about chemical hazards.
Although CLP is an EU regulation, its principles are largely harmonised with regulations in many other parts of the world. This makes CLP labelling relevant also for companies that operate internationally or use chemicals supplied from other markets.
You can find more information about the CLP Regulation, also known as the CLP Regulation, at ECHA.
CLP labelling is more than just a formal requirement. It can also help to:
Protecting employees from health hazards
Prevent accidents and misuse
Ensure compliance with HSE and working environment requirements
Creating safer workplaces across industries
When the information on the label is accurate, up-to-date, and easy to understand, it becomes easier for everyone to handle chemicals safely.
What does a CLP label contain?
A CLP label should provide the user with all the information necessary for the safe handling of the substance or mixture. A complete label includes, among other things:
Supplier information: Name, address, and telephone number of the supplier. From July 1, 2026, suppliers must be established in the EU/EEA.
Product identification: Clear name or identifier that makes it clear which substance or mixture the label applies to.
Nominal quantity: Quantity of contents, when the product is intended for the general public and this is not stated elsewhere on the packaging.
Hazard information: This may include hazard symbols (pictograms), hazard signal words, hazard and safety statements, and any additional information required by other regulations.
CLP also sets requirements for the size, design, and placement of the label. It must be securely attached, easily visible, legible, and durable throughout the product’s lifetime. In some cases, such as very small containers, there are limited exceptions where not all information can be included. In such cases, certain elements may be omitted, but this must be done in accordance with the regulations.
CLP hazard symbols
Hazard symbols, also known as hazard pictograms, provide immediate visual information about the hazards posed by a chemical. Under CLP, there are nine different pictograms covering, among other things:
Health hazard
Chronic health hazard
Flammable substances
Corrosive chemicals
Acute toxicity
Gas under pressure
Environmental hazard
Explosive
Oxidising substances
The correct use of hazard symbols is crucial for employees to be able to quickly identify risks, especially in environments where many chemicals are used in parallel. The symbols must always correspond to the classification of the substance and the most serious hazards.
Incorrect or inadequate labelling can lead to safety risks, regulatory non-compliance, and, in the worst case, serious incidents.
Classification and labelling according to CLP is a key part of systematic HSE work in companies that handle chemicals. Correct CLP labelling helps ensure that hazards are understood quickly and correctly, and provides employees with the necessary basis for the safe use, storage, and handling of chemical substances and mixtures. At the same time, the regulations set clear requirements for the content, design, and updating of labels. Changes in classifications, language requirements, and compliance with SDS mean that chemical labelling can be demanding to manage over time. Nevertheless, the consequences of errors or omissions are often far greater than the effort required to do it right.
Improper storage of chemicals and hazardous substances increases the risk of accidents, environmental damage and, in the worst case, regulatory breaches. Here we have gathered some of the most common challenges related to chemical storage, and how you can ensure safe chemical management in your organisation.
Inadequate labelling and documentation
One of the most widespread challenges is incorrect or inadequate labelling of products. When hazard symbols and labels are missing or difficult to read, it can lead to confusion or incorrect handling of chemical substances. Therefore, make sure that hazardous chemicals are labelled with clear hazard labels in accordance with CLP regulations, and that safety data sheets (SDS) are updated at all times.
Unsuitable storage conditions
Unsuitable storage conditions can create dangerous situations. Many chemicals can react to heat, moisture or direct sunlight, increasing the risk of leaks, explosions or fire. Therefore, ensure that chemicals are stored at the correct temperature, not in overheated rooms or near heat sources or machinery, and that storage areas have adequate ventilation.
Lack of overview of flammable and explosive substances
Many organisations lack a consolidated and up-to-date overview of flammable and explosive substances. This can make it difficult to assess risks, control storage quantities and ensure appropriate preventive measures. Without a good overview, the risk of incorrect storage, undetected ignition sources and inadequate emergency preparedness in the event of fire or explosion increases.
Insufficient training and safety and emergency procedures
Even the best chemical management systems are of little use if employees do not know how to use them. Lack of training can lead to incorrect handling, especially in the event of leaks or incidents. Therefore, ensure that clear procedures are in place for risk assessment, chemical handling and emergency situations, and that all employees receive the necessary training.
Outdated or inadequate equipment
If equipment is old, worn or no longer suited to the chemicals being stored, the risk of hazardous situations increases. Ensure that there are fixed routines for inspection, maintenance and replacement of equipment, and that employees have the correct protective equipment for their work.
Incorrect waste handling
Improper handling of chemical waste can lead to environmental damage and fire hazards. Unfortunately, many organisations lack clear procedures for how hazardous waste should be collected, labelled and stored. Therefore, ensure you have a clear waste management plan, use approved containers and label waste correctly. Waste collection should be arranged with certified waste management companies.
Storage of incompatible chemicals
Certain chemicals must never be stored together, as they can react dangerously with each other. Incorrect co-storage is one of the most common causes of serious accidents. Therefore, divide storage areas by substance type and hazard class. Use separate cabinets or rooms, and label clearly to prevent dangerous chemical reactions.
Examples of incompatible substances:
Acids and bases
Oxidising substances and flammable liquids
Chlorine and ammonia
Manual systems
Many organisations still use manual systems or unclear Excel lists for chemical management. This can increase the risk of errors, lack of updates and poor oversight. This can be avoided by implementing automated systems that provide full oversight of chemicals, documentation, storage conditions and waste management.
Digital tools can solve some of the challenges
By using a digital tool such as Workplace Safety, the company gets a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of chemicals and associated documentation. The system provides guidance on co-storage and alerts you to potential storage hazards, based on the German standard TRGS 510 for co-storage. It is also easy to look up the safety data sheet directly in the system, so requirements for handling, storage and stability are quickly available.
Chemical management is primarily about order, structure and good routines. By ensuring clear labelling, correct storage conditions, suitable equipment and simple, up-to-date systems, daily operations can become both safer and more efficient. Small improvements in routines can make a big difference.
Chemicals are a natural part of everyday working life in many businesses, but a chemical inventory are often underestimated in day-to-day HSE work. That is why we have compiled ten reasons why a chemical inventory should be given higher priority on the HSE agenda.
1. Get a complete overview of chemicals in your business
A robust chemical inventory provides a comprehensive and structured overview of all chemicals in use, where they are located, and how they are handled. This makes it easier to identify products that are no longer in use, chemicals with overlapping functions, or substances that create unnecessary risks. Such an overview is also crucial for planning, purchasing, and safe storage of chemical products.
2. Complies with legal requirements
Many countries have strict requirements for companies that use hazardous chemicals, typically anchored in occupational health and safety legislation and supporting regulations. One common requirement is maintaining an up-to-date and accessible chemical inventory, ensuring that the latest versions of safety data sheets (SDS) are readily available.
3. Strengthens internal control and documentation
The chemical inventory is a key part of the internal control system. When the company documents which chemicals are used, the hazards they pose, and the measures that have been implemented, a clear overview is created. This gives management a better basis for following up on HSE work and ensures that the company works more systematically with chemical management.
4. Ensures adequate training of employees
Employees who work with chemicals on a daily basis must have access to accurate and up-to-date information. The chemical inventory makes it possible to actively use SDS, see hazard classifications and recommended protective measures in training and practical work. When safety information is easily accessible, the risk of misuse and misunderstandings is reduced.
5. Reduces the risk of injuries and accidents
Access to updated information on health hazards, first aid, and proper handling increases safety in daily work. Many chemical accidents are caused by lack of knowledge, improper storage, or incorrect use of protective equipment. A well-maintained chemical inventory helps prevent such incidents and can reduce both health hazards and material damage.
6. Better risk assessments
The chemical inventory provides necessary information about exposure hazards, reactions, storage requirements, and risk reduction measures. This makes risk assessments more accurate and provides a better basis for choosing the right protective measures, working methods, and technical solutions. A comprehensive chemical inventory also makes it possible to monitor the development of risk over time.
7. Better preparedness for accidents and emergencies
In the event of spills, leaks, fires, or other undesirable incidents, time-critical information is crucial. The chemical inventory provides immediate access to information about first aid measures, extinguishing methods, measures in the event of accidental spills, and special handling requirements. This enables employees and emergency services to deal with the situation more quickly and effectively.
8. Simplifies substitution work
Some regulations require companies to consider less hazardous alternatives wherever possible. An electronic chemical inventory makes it easier to identify high-risk substances and compare alternatives. This makes substitution efforts more targeted and contributes to a safer working environment.
9. Streamlines operational management
A chemical inventory can save time by providing easy access to documentation and automatic updates of safety data sheets. It reduces the need for manual routines and improves workflow between departments. A more efficient workflow can lead to financial savings over time.
10. Strengthens the safety culture
When a company prioritises overview, accessible information, and clear procedures, it sends a clear signal that safety is taken seriously. An ideal chemical inventory makes it easier for employees to take ownership of HSE work and creates a culture where safe chemical handling is a natural part of the working day.
The list makes it clear that the chemical inventory is a more important HSE tool than many people may realise. When a company prioritises keeping its chemical inventory up to date and accessible, it can contribute to increased safety and quality in the workplace. That is why the chemical inventory belongs on the HSE agenda – every single day.
