Sodium Hydroxide Labelling
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Current Sodium Hydroxide labelling requirements are covered by The Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 2009, also known as the CHIP Regulations.
Dangerous substances and preparations such as Sodium Hydroxide must be labelled for supply with the following information: the name, full address and telephone number of the supplier. Sodium Hydroxide labelling must also include:-
- The name of the substance as specified in table 3.2 of the CLP Regulations or an internationally recognised name where no name is specified.
- Indications of danger with the corresponding symbols.
- The risk phrases, set out in full.
- The safety phrases, set out in full.
- Any EC number and where the substance is listed in table 3.2, the words ‘EC label’.
A Corrosive symbol currently takes the form of a hand and surface being attacked by a liquid, the corresponding letter is ‘C’.
Corrosive liquids can be classified as either R34 or R35.
This format of labelling is set to be replaced with a Globally Harmonised System (GHS) and will be covered by the CLP Regulations ‘Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulations’ EC number 1212/2008.
For substances such as Sodium Hydroxide labelling changes will come into force on 1 December 2010 and replace existing label requirements.
The name, address, telephone number and product identifiers remain but the phrases ‘EC number’ or ‘EC label’ is not stated.
A signal word will be included ‘DANGER’ or ‘WARNING’ plus hazard and precautionary statements.
Hazard Pictograms will be in the form of a square set at a point with white background and red border. These will cover at least one fifteenth of the label area and be a minimum of 1cm 2 (100mm 2).
Precautionary Statements
These are phrases which describe recommended measures that should be taken to minimise or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposures to a hazardous product or improper storage or handling of a hazardous product.
There are 5 categories of Precautionary Statement:-
- General
- Prevention
- Response
- Storage
- Disposal
Precautionary Statements are assigned the letter P with a three figure code e.g. P102 ‘Keep out of reach of children’.
Hazard Statements
These are Statements assigned to hazard classes and categories that describe the nature of the hazard and where appropriate, the degree of hazard. Hazard Statements are assigned the letter H and a three figure code e.g. H240 ‘Heating may cause an explosion’.
Each Hazard Statement will have a recommended number of Precautionary Statements.
In order to improve readability and save on label space the Hazard Statements and Precautionary Statements can be combined.
The manufacturer may also provide directions for use on the label.
Sodium Hydroxide labelling requirements come under the current CHIP Regulations which classify Sodium Hydroxide and its solutions as Corrosive or Irritant. Sodium Hydroxide in its solid form, usually pellets or flake, is classified as Corrosive: R35. Solutions of the substance have varying classifications as follows:-
- up to 5% by weight C: R35
- Between 2 and 5% by weight C: R34
- Between 0.5 and 2% by weight Xi: R36/38
The above ‘R’ or Risk Phrases have associated text:
- R35 'Causes severe burns'
- R34 'Causes burns'
- R366/38 'Irritating to eyes and skin'
These Risk Phrases must be displayed on the product label with a list of ‘S’ or Safety Phrases. Typical Safety Phrases for Sodium Hydroxide would be:-
- S1/2 'Keep locked up and out of reach of children'
- S26 'In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice'
- S45 'In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately (show label where possible)'
- S24/25 'Avoid contact with skin and eyes'
- S36/37/39 'Wear suitable protective clothing, gloves and eye/face protection'
- S60 'This material and its container must be disposed of as Hazardous Waste'
The hazard symbol must be shown on an orange box on the label. A Corrosive symbol consists of a chemical dripping onto a hand and a flat surface which show signs of damage. The Irritant symbol shows a black cross on the orange background. The dimensions of this symbol must be a minimum of 10% of the label area or in any case a minimum of 100mm2 (1cm2).
Classification and labelling regulations of all chemicals, not just Sodium Hydroxide labelling, are set to change on 1 December 2010 from CHIP to CLP which is the new EU regulations on Classification, Labelling and Packaging Number 1282/2008 which allows for the conversion to a GHS (Globally Harmonised System) of labelling products. If desired products can be re-classified in this new format now.
After this date, all substances will have to be reclassified including preparations which contain substances from the Dangerous Substances Directive (DSD). Other preparations need to be reclassified by 1 June 2015.
For further information of packaging, transport and uses of Sodium Hydroxide, please refer to the relevant pages of this Sodium Hydroxide website. Sodium Hydroxide is also commonly known as NaOH, Lye or Caustic Soda.
http://www.sodium-hydroxide.co.uk/sodium-hydroxide-labelling | Saved Thursday, January 28th, 2010 - 5:04 AM