CHEMICAL SAFETY

CHIP Code Sheet

A practical guide to chemical hazard labels used on professional cleaning and hygiene products.

LAST UPDATED: 19 SEPTEMBER 2026

Chemical hazard information

“CHIP sheet” is still a familiar term, but current chemical hazard information is supplied through CLP labels and product-specific Safety Data Sheets. Contact us with the product name and code if you need the correct current document.

Equipment Bazaar
235–238 Great Lister Street
Birmingham
B7 4BS
0121 359 6124
01

CHIP and current CLP labels

The older Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) system—usually called CHIP—has been replaced by Classification, Labelling and Packaging rules.

Chemicals placed on the market in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are governed by EU CLP. GB CLP applies to the Great Britain market. Both systems use the familiar GHS-style hazard pictograms: black symbols on a white diamond with a red border. A label may also include the signal word Danger or Warning, hazard statements and precautionary statements.

For official guidance, visit HSENI, the Health and Safety Authority or the Health and Safety Executive.

02

Hazard pictogram guide

Explosive chemical hazard pictogram
Explosive

May explode in certain conditions.

Flammable chemical hazard pictogram
Flammable

Catches fire easily.

Oxidising chemical hazard pictogram
Oxidising

May cause or intensify fire.

Gas under pressure chemical hazard pictogram
Gas under pressure

Contains pressurised gas.

Corrosive chemical hazard pictogram
Corrosive

May corrode metals or cause severe skin and eye damage.

Acute toxicity chemical hazard pictogram
Acute toxicity

Can cause serious or fatal poisoning.

Harmful / irritant chemical hazard pictogram
Harmful / irritant

May irritate skin, eyes or airways, or cause less severe toxicity.

Serious health hazard chemical hazard pictogram
Serious health hazard

May cause long-term or serious health effects.

Environmental hazard chemical hazard pictogram
Environmental hazard

Hazardous to the aquatic environment.

Pictograms provided by the Health and Safety Executive. Always use the information shown on the product’s current label and Safety Data Sheet.

03

Before using a cleaning chemical

  1. Read the container label and the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
  2. Check the required protective equipment, ventilation, dilution and storage instructions.
  3. Never mix chemicals unless the manufacturer specifically instructs you to do so.
  4. Keep products in their original labelled containers and away from food.
  5. Train staff, complete the appropriate COSHH assessment and know the first-aid procedure.
04

Safety Data Sheets

An SDS describes a product’s hazards and gives information about handling, storage, exposure controls, first aid and emergency measures. It supports a workplace risk assessment but is not itself the risk assessment.

Product-specific information comes first

Chemical classifications and instructions vary by product. If the label or current SDS differs from this general summary, follow the product label and SDS.

05

Request a code sheet

For CHIP, CLP or Safety Data Sheet information relating to a cleaning or hygiene product supplied by Equipment Bazaar, contact us with the product name and product code. Our team will help provide the correct current documentation where available.

Equipment Bazaar
235–238 Great Lister Street
Birmingham
B7 4BS

0121 359 6124
Email our team
Monday–Friday, 10am–5pm

Request a code sheet