Chemicals should be labelled to inform about the hazards they may pose. If you make your own solutions, or other substance mixtures, they should be labelled so that they can be identified and handled in a safe manner.
When you have completed this module
- you will know what proper labelling of substances entails
- you can use the label generator at chesse.org
- you are familiar with your school’s routine for labelling chemicals
Introduction (15 minutes)
Note some keywords or short sentences about:
- Why is it important that both purchased chemicals and solutions made at school are properly labelled?
- What safety risks can incorrect or missing labelling of chemicals pose?
If you are working with others, form groups of three to four people and discuss what you have noted.
Test yourself (15 minutes)
Start by reading the text about labelling on chesse.org, stop reading when you reach the CheSSE Label Generator. Then, complete the interactive tasks below. Take note of the option for fullscreen mode.
How to use the CheSSE Label Generator (15 minutes)
In the label generator, you will find substances that are common in schools. Watch the screencast, then complete the exercises below.
Exercises:
Use the CheSSE label generator to create a label for 15 % acetic acid.
Find a chemical in the school’s chemical cabinet that is listed in the label generator and needs a new label. Use the label generator to create a label. Adjust the size to fit the container, print it out, and attach it to the container.
Get the Chemical Labelling in order (30 minutes)
A school is legally required to document its chemical safety procedures. As part of this documentation, a written set of routines is needed. Chemicals in the science classroom must be labelled in accordance with EU regulations. If you prepare your own solutions, they must also be labelled to ensure proper identification and handling.
Are all the school’s chemicals, including solutions made by you and other teachers, properly labelled? If not, find the school’s routines for this and create a plan to ensure that all chemicals are properly labelled. If your school has not previously had a systematic approach to routines, you can use the “Routines for Labelling Chemicals” from Checklists and Tools.
Labels for Substances Not Found in the Label Generator
These elements should be included on the label:
- Product identifier (name and identification number)
- Chemical formulae and concentration
- Hazard information
- Hazard pictogram(s)
- Signal word
- Hazard statement(s)
- Precautionary statement(s)
- Information about who made the solution and when it was made
Find a safety data sheet for a solution with the same substance and concentration that you need to label. If you can’t find a safety data sheet with the correct concentration, use a safety data sheet for a more concentrated solution or for the pure substance. This may mean classifying the solution as more hazardous than it is, but it is better to err on the side of caution.
Use the hazard pictogram(s), signal word, and hazard statements (H-statements) you find in the safety data sheet and use the precautionary statements (P-statements) that are relevant for how the solution will be used in the classroom.
If you believe the solution is not subject to labeling requirements, you can write “Currently not classified as a harmful mixture” on the label.
Next steps (30 minutes)
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