JSP 375 Vol 2 

MoD Health & Safety Handbook 

24  The quality requirement puts a responsibility on the supplier to ensure that the information is 

sufficient.  Sufficient  means passing the common sense test of giving enough information to allow the 

user to decide how to protect both people at work and the environment. Among other things, this 

includes the hazardous properties of the chemical, information on handling and storage, and exposure 

controls/personal protection.  

25  Detailed guidance on safety data sheets can be found in the Approved Code of Practice: 

SAFETY DATA SHEETS FOR SUBSTANCES AND PREPARATIONS DANGEROUS FOR SUPPLY  

26  People are sometimes uncertain where CHIP finishes and the Control of Substances Hazardous to 

Health Regulations (COSHH) starts. In broad terms, writing a safety data sheet and providing it to the 

customer with the product is a part of the supply process and is covered by CHIP. COSHH applies when 

people may be at risk from exposure to substances hazardous to health (which include chemicals) at 

work. Line managers must use the information on safety data sheets when, as part of the duties under 

COSHH, they assess the risks and take steps to prevent or control the exposure. 

Category of Danger 

Symbol 

Indication of 

Symbol 

Letter 

Danger 

Physico chemical 

Explosive E 

Explosive 

Oxidising O 

Oxidising 

Extremely flammable 

F+ 

Extremely 

flammable 

Highly Flammable 

F 

Highly 

Flammable 

Flammable   

Health Very 

toxic 

T+ 

Very 

Toxic 

Leaflet 5 Annex H 

Page 4 

 April 

2003