Hazard Labelling – Questions and Answers on Safe Chemical Handling
What is Hazard Labelling?
Hazard labelling indicates whether a product may be dangerous to health, the environment, or safety.
Labels follow the EU CLP Regulation (EU 1272/2008), and are designed to make risks easy to understand.
A proper label includes:
- Hazard pictogram (symbol)
- Signal word – “Danger” or “Warning”
- H- and P-statements – describing risks and safety measures
- Product identification and contact information
In short: hazard labelling tells you what you need to know before using a product.
Why Hazard Labelling Matters in Construction
The construction industry uses a wide range of chemicals – from paints and adhesives to cement and cleaning products.
Outdated or incorrect labelling can result in:
- Skin and eye injuries
- Poisoning or respiratory issues
- Environmental pollution
- Violations of HSE and CLP regulations
Accurate hazard labelling is therefore both a legal requirement and a vital safety measure.
What do the hazard symbols mean?
Here are some of the most common pictograms and their meanings:
GHS01 – Explosive
May explode when exposed to heat, shock, or sparks
GHS01 – Explosive
Can ignite when exposed to heat, flame, or sparks
GHS05 – Corrosive
Causes severe burns to skin and eyes
GHS06 – Toxic
Harmful or fatal if swallowed, inhaled, or in contact with skin
GHS09 – Environmental hazard
Harmful to aquatic life and the environment
These symbols must always appear in red and white with a black icon, clearly visible on the product label.
Which regulations apply?
Across Norway and the EU, the following apply:
- CLP Regulation (EU 1272/2008) – classification and labelling
- REACH Regulation – registration and safety information on chemicals
- National HSE regulations – requirements for chemical inventories, training, and risk assessment
Manufacturers are responsible for labelling and updating products correctly.
Employers must ensure that workers understand the symbols, use proper PPE, and have access to Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
How to Ensure Correct Hazard Labelling in Practice
1. Verified Data from Manufacturers – Cobuilder Supply
Accurate hazard labelling starts with verified data from the manufacturer.
With Cobuilder Supply, manufacturers can deliver chemical data, GHS symbols, and safety information in a standardised digital format.
- Automatically updated when SDS or classification changes
- Always aligned with correct H- and P-statements
- Includes CE-marking, standards, and label data
This gives contractors and HSE managers confidence that their product information fully complies with CLP requirements.
2. Safe Data Sharing and Project Management – Cobuilder Collaborate
Once data from Supply is validated, it can be shared directly within Cobuilder Collaborate.
All project participants get access to up-to-date hazard information, SDS files, and pictograms — in one secure place.
- Documentation is stored and version-controlled
- Real-time updates across all projects
- Chemicals can be linked to HSE plans and substance inventories
- Audits and inspections can be verified instantly
Together, these solutions form a digital system for safe chemical management — from factory to construction site.
Build safer projects with structured data and digital collaboration
Ready to strengthen chemical safety on your projects?
Book a free demo to see how Cobuilder Supply and Collaborate ensure correct hazard labelling and compliant data — from manufacturer to site.
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Praktisk innføring i bruk av Cobuilder CollaborateNorwegianRecording available
