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Hazardous substance labelling under CLP: UK guide

The 9 CLP/GHS pictograms, when they\'re required, container vs area signage, and how CLP fits with COSHH 2002.

By Direct Signs Team · ISO 9001 certified UK manufacturer · Updated April 2026

The short answer

UK hazardous substance labelling uses CLP / GHS pictograms — 9 standardised red-diamond hazard symbols on chemical containers and packaging. Required by GB CLP (post-Brexit) and the equivalent EU CLP Regulation (EC 1272/2008) for Northern Ireland. CLP labels go on containers; BS EN ISO 7010 area signage goes on the storage and use areas. COSHH 2002 ties the two together via workplace risk assessment.

The 9 CLP/GHS pictograms

Pictogram Hazard Examples
Exploding bomb (GHS01)ExplosiveTNT, fireworks, organic peroxides
Flame (GHS02)FlammablePetrol, ethanol, acetone, propane
Flame over circle (GHS03)OxidisingHydrogen peroxide, sodium chlorate, oxygen cylinders
Gas cylinder (GHS04)Gas under pressureCompressed air, propane, oxygen, refrigerants
Corrosion (GHS05)CorrosiveSulphuric acid, sodium hydroxide, bleach concentrate
Skull and crossbones (GHS06)Acute toxicityCyanide, arsenic, methanol
Exclamation mark (GHS07)Harmful / irritantMost cleaning products, ammonia, irritant chemicals
Health hazard (GHS08)Serious health hazardCarcinogens, mutagens, respiratory sensitisers
Environment (GHS09)Hazardous to aquatic environmentOils, certain pesticides, heavy metals

Container labels vs area signage

Two systems work together in UK workplaces:

Container labels (CLP / GHS). Required on every chemical container — supplied label from the manufacturer/importer, plus self-applied labels on decanted substances. Includes the pictogram(s), signal word ("Danger" or "Warning"), hazard statements (H-codes), and precautionary statements (P-codes).

Area signage (BS EN ISO 7010). Required at the storage and use areas. Yellow-triangle warning signs at the entrance to the area; specific pictograms at storage cabinets, decanting points, and use locations.

Direct Signs supplies both — CLP labels for chemical container marking, plus BS EN ISO 7010 warning signs for area-level signage.

How CLP fits with COSHH

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) require employers to assess and control risks from hazardous substance use. CLP labels are the input — they tell you what the hazard is. COSHH is the system that uses them — risk assessment, control measures, PPE provision, monitoring, and signage.

For COSHH compliance, you need:

  • CLP labels intact on every container (supplier responsibility on supply, employer responsibility once on site)
  • COSHH risk assessment for each substance and use case
  • Control measures (LEV, PPE, training, procedures)
  • Signage at storage and use areas reinforcing the hazard
  • Spill kits, eye wash, emergency shower as appropriate
  • Periodic review of the assessment and controls

UK regulation post-Brexit

Since 2021, the UK operates two CLP systems:

  • GB CLP — covers Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales). Administered by HSE. Functionally identical to EU CLP with administrative differences.
  • EU CLP — covers Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework. Administered by ECHA.

For most UK manufacturers and importers, GB CLP applies. For substances supplied across the GB-NI boundary, both systems apply — labels need to meet both. Direct Signs supplies CLP-compliant labels under both systems.

Bulk and bespoke CLP labels

Direct Signs supplies:

  • Stock CLP pictogram labels in 50mm and 100mm sizes for individual containers
  • Combined warning signage for area-level use (storage cabinets, fume cupboards)
  • Bespoke CLP labels with substance name, hazard statements, and precautionary statements pre-printed
  • Lockout-tagout signs incorporating CLP pictograms for lockable hazardous-substance equipment

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Quick answers

CLP / GHS labelling FAQs

What is CLP?
CLP stands for Classification, Labelling and Packaging of substances and mixtures. The UK has its own GB CLP regulation (post-Brexit), which mirrors the EU CLP Regulation (EC 1272/2008). Both implement the UN Globally Harmonised System (GHS) for chemical hazard communication. CLP defines how hazardous substances are classified, the pictograms used to label them, and the safety information required.

What are the 9 CLP pictograms?
The 9 CLP/GHS pictograms are: explosive (exploding bomb), flammable (flame), oxidising (flame over circle), gas under pressure (gas cylinder), corrosive (hands corroded), acute toxicity (skull and crossbones), serious health hazard (silhouette with broken star), harmful (exclamation mark), and environmental hazard (dead tree and fish). Each is a red diamond border on a white background with a black pictogram.

Is CLP labelling the same as BS EN ISO 7010?
No. CLP labels go on chemical containers and packaging — they're defined by GB CLP / EU CLP. BS EN ISO 7010 safety signs go on workplaces and equipment — they communicate hazards in workplace environments. The two systems often appear together: a chemical container has a CLP label, the storage area has a BS EN ISO 7010 warning sign, both communicate the same hazard.

When is CLP labelling required?
CLP labelling is required on every chemical container of a hazardous substance or mixture supplied or stored in the UK. The supplier (manufacturer or importer) is responsible for the label on supply. Once on site, the label remains in place until the container is disposed of. Decanted substances need their own CLP-compliant label on the new container.

What is the difference between CLP labels and COSHH signs?
CLP labels go on the chemical containers. COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002) requires risk assessment of hazardous substance use, including signage at storage and use areas. So CLP = the label on the bottle; COSHH = the safety system that uses the label, plus area signage like "Hazardous substance storage" and PPE-required signs.

Are there UK-specific CLP requirements?
Post-Brexit, the UK operates GB CLP (covering Great Britain) and Northern Ireland still uses EU CLP. The two systems are functionally identical with administrative differences (HSE vs ECHA notification, UK-only Article 45 reporting). Substances supplied across the GB-NI boundary need labels meeting both systems.

Where do CLP signs and labels go?
CLP labels go on the immediate container of the hazardous substance — the bottle, drum, IBC, or sack. CLP-style hazard signage at storage areas (the diamond pictograms enlarged for area-level visibility) marks the boundary of where hazardous substances are stored. BS EN ISO 7010 warning signs at access points reinforce the safety message.

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Stock CLP pictograms in 50mm and 100mm. Bespoke labels with substance-specific wording in 3-5 working days.

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