Chemical Safety Simplified: How to Read and Understand Product Labels

Whether you're managing a large facility or stocking a janitorial cupboard, understanding chemical product labels is essential not just for compliance but also for safety, efficiency and peace of mind. We know that cleaning teams juggle a wide range of products daily. That's why decoding a chemical label quickly and correctly is a skill worth having and improves safety massively.

Here’s a simple guide to help you understand what matters and how to use that information with confidence.

Key Elements of a Cleaning Chemical Label

1. Product Name & Function
This tells you what the product is and what it’s for. For example: Enzy Guard Sanitiser, used for high-risk infection control, or Hygenol Lemon Floor Cleaning Gel, used for cleaning floors.

2. Hazard Symbols (CLP Pictograms)
You’ll often see red diamond-shaped icons on Chemical product labelling. These signal hazards such as corrosivity, flammability, or environmental danger. For example, a bottle marked with a “corrosive” symbol should be handled with gloves and caution.

3. Directions for Use
These are crucial to follow for the product to work effectively and safely. Using too much can waste product (and money); too little may reduce effectiveness.

4. Dilution Rates
Many professional chemicals are concentrated. The label will show correct mixing ratios such as: 1:50 for general use. Accurate dilution saves money and ensures performance.

5. Safety Instructions / PPE Guidance
Look for mentions of required PPE (like gloves or goggles), first aid measures, or ventilation requirements. For example, some floor degreasers may advise against use in enclosed, unventilated areas.

6. Storage & Disposal Advice
Proper storage extends product life and maintains safety. Disposal instructions help ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

7. Contact Information & Emergency Numbers
Manufacturers must include their name, contact info, and often an emergency response line. Always handy in case of misuse or spills.

Bonus Tip: Know Your COSHH

Every product used in the workplace that poses a health risk must be covered by a COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) assessment. A proper label helps you complete these quickly and accurately.

Why It Matters

• Protect your cleaning staff from chemical exposure.

• Ensure legal compliance under UK health and safety regulations.

• Avoid product misuse that could damage surfaces or reduce hygiene standards.

• Improve training and onboarding of new team members.

At Hygenol, All of our chemical products come with detailed yet easy-to-read information so your teams can clean with confidence. Starting from 2025, We are rolling out new labelling to ensure CLP compliance and clarity. During this process, we will be adding a QR code to our 5 Litre and 750ml products to allow quick and easy access to safety data sheets.

Need help understanding a label? Get in touch with our team — we’re here to help.