Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002

Symbol

Abbreviation

Hazard

Description of hazard

(Physicochemical)

E

explosive

Chemicals that explode.

O

oxidising

Chemicals that react exothermically with other chemicals.

F+

extremely flammable

Chemicals that have an extremely low flash point and boiling point, and gases that catch fire in contact with air.

F

highly flammable

Chemicals that may catch fire in contact with air, only need brief contact with an ignition source, have a very low flash point or evolve highly flammable gases in contact with water.

(Health)

T+

very toxic

Chemicals that at very low levels cause damage to health.

T

toxic

Chemicals that at low levels cause damage to health.

Carc Cat 1

category 1 carcinogens

Chemicals that may cause cancer or increase its incidence.

Carc Cat 2

category 2 carcinogens

Carc Cat 3

category 3 carcinogens

Muta Cat 1

category 1 mutagens

Chemicals that induce heritable genetic defects or increase their incidence.

Muta Cat 2

category 2 mutagens

Muta Cat 3

category 3 mutagens

Repr Cat 1

category 1 reproductive toxins

Chemicals that produce or increase the incidence of non-heritable effects in progeny and/or an impairment in reproductive functions or capacity.

Repr Cat 2

category 2 reproductive toxins

Repr Cat 3

category 3 reproductive toxins

Xn

harmful

Chemicals that may cause damage to health.

C

corrosive

Chemicals that may destroy living tissue on contact.

Xi

irritant

Chemicals that may cause inflammation to the skin or other mucous membranes.

(Environmental)

N

dangerous for the environment

Chemicals that may present an immediate or delayed danger to one or more components of the environment