Use both until 2015, then only use the newer symbols.

The art of communication is to use different methods and that includes written as well as pictorial. My COSHH paperwork is bright, colourful, aimed at grabbing attention, it is easily understood by all employees AND its not dull, wordy or uninteresting. My risk assessments, JSA’s and method statements use symbols as well as photographs when appropriate. Where ever and when ever possible I aim to attract the eye and the subconscious as well as being blatantly obvious. James, you crack on and continue to steer your thought process and mentality away from the image of H/S being boring, dull and wrapped up in a tweed jacket with leather elbow patches. And if you want to use CHiP symbols then use them. Heck., I even go to the trouble of identify the class of fire and type of fire extinguisher to be used if the substance is flammable. And yes I do use the fire symbols and little fire extinguisher symbols showing the colour code.

Thank you for your help Betta :) Ron - perhaps its time for a new jacket....

Did you not know? They're actually called CHIP symbols... Not that I feel have to justify the reason to you, as this is a forum for professionals to share advice, and I'm quite new to the safety field, and therefore I rely on these forums to get good advice from others, such as Betta when I am unsure of the answer...But as Betta says "The art of communication is to use different methods and that includes written as well as pictorial". We just feel that this works for us, perhaps not for your good self, which is just as OK. Have a lovely weekend Ron.

Hi all, I too place the pictograms on our Coshh assessments as a picture seems well received by everyone who reviews or require them, even plaudits from Achilles, CHAS, safe contractor and construction line, but most importantly our employees. The new symbols from the implementation of CLP are already in force are may be used in tandem with the CHIP pictograms but the new CLP symbols will soley be used as of 2015! There is some correlation between some of the pictograms but this is not across the board, the risk and safety statements Are being replaced by precautionary and hazard statements. The safety data sheets (SDS) should point out which scheme the Coshh assessment should be based on. Currently some of our assessments have either both sets of symbols or just the CHIP pictograms. Ron Hunter - I do not care if the inclusion of pictograms is necessary, for me each person is different in their approach and this system is very effective.