Look out for red and black symbols indicating that contents are hazardous and could cause harm if not used or stored correctly. Keep yourself and others safe by learning what they mean.​

Internationally used symbols include:

 Environmental harm

These products, such as garden sprays and pool chemicals, can harm the environment. Follow the instructions carefully to limit their impact.

Chemical burns (corrosive)

Oven, drain cleaners and other strong cleaning products can be corrosive, cause severe burning and eye damage. Wear protective gloves and safety glasses when you use them.

Serious health effects

This symbol indicates that the product can harm or kill if swallowed, inhaled, or in contact with your skin. Think about whether you really need to use these products.

 Further examples are available on the Household chemicals page.

Signal words

You should take the most care with products with labels using the words DANGER and HARMFUL, and ensure you follow the safety instructions.

Products with WARNING or CAUTION on the label are generally safer than those with DANGER or HARMFUL.

Hazard statements

Care should still be taken, regardless of whether a product label includes the signal words mentioned above.

It’s important to look for other warnings, such as:

• highly flammable liquid and vapour
• may cause respiratory irritation
• causes skin irritation

Prevention statements

These provide actions you should take to prevent harm, respond to an emergency, store and dispose of the product. For example:

• Use only in a well-ventilated area
• Keep out of reach of children
• Keep cool. Protect from sunlight.

Response statements

Response statements tell you what steps to follow after exposure, including first aid advice or treatment recommendations, for example:

• wash contaminated clothing before re-use
• if skin irritation occurs seek medical attention
• do not induce vomiting.

Storage statements

Storage statements tell you how to safely store substances, for example:

• store in a dry place
• store in corrosive-resistant container
• store away from other materials.

Disposal statements

Disposal statements provide recommendations about how to safely dispose of substances. The following are examples of disposal statements:

• avoid release into the environment
• do not allow to enter into drains or waterways.

Be careful with all chemicals

All chemicals should be treated with caution, even if they haven’t been classified as a hazardous substance.

Remember that even ‘natural’, ‘organic’ or ‘environmentally friendly’ products can be harmful so make sure you read those product labels too.

Some labels refer to PE (protective equipment) or PPE (personal protective equipment).

PPE is used to minimise exposure to hazards.

It can include things like safety glasses, a face mask, or protective gloves.

When choosing appropriate clothing or equipment for a task:

• talk to experts, ie those who use the clothing or equipment
• ensure that clothing or equipment fits
• look for a standards mark on clothing or equipment, indicating that it meets safety requirements.