The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996

PART IIIMinimum requirements governing signs on containers and pipes

1.  Containers used at work for dangerous substances or preparations defined in Directives 67/548/EEC(1) and 88/379/EEC(2) and containers used for the storage of such dangerous substances or preparations, together with the visible pipes containing or transporting dangerous substances and preparations, must be labelled (pictogram or symbol against a coloured background) in accordance with those Directives.

• Paragraph 1 does not apply to containers used at work for brief periods nor to containers whose contents change frequently, provided that alternative adequate measures are taken, in particular for information and/or training, which guarantee the same level of protection.

• The labels referred to in paragraph 1 may be:

  • replaced by warning signs as provided for in Part II, using the same pictograms or symbols,

  • supplemented by additional information, such as the name and/or formula of the dangerous substance or preparation and details of the hazard,

  • for the transporting of containers at the place of work, supplemented or replaced by signs applicable throughout the Community for the transport of dangerous substances or preparations.

2.  Signs must be mounted as follows:

• on the visible side(s),

• in unpliable, self-adhesive or painted form.

3.  Where appropriate, the signs referred to in paragraph 1 of this Part must have the intrinsic features defined in paragraph 1.4 of Part II and must fulfil the conditions of use for signboards laid down in paragraph 2 of Part II.

4.  Without prejudice to paragraphs 1, 2 and 3, the labels used on pipes must be positioned visibly in the vicinity of the most dangerous points, such as valves and joints, and at reasonable intervals.

5.  Areas, rooms or enclosures used for the storage of significant quantities of dangerous substances or preparations must be indicated by a suitable warning sign taken from paragraph 3.2 of Part II, or markied as provided in paragraph 1 of Part III, unless the labelling of the individual packages or containers is adequate for this purposwe, taking into account Part II, paragraph 1.5 with regard to dimensions.

• Stores of a number of dangerous substances or preparations may be indicated by the warning sign for general danger.

• The signs or labels referred to above must be positioned, as appropriate, near the storage area or on the door leading into the storage room.