The transition period for using the new symbols has largely passed, except for substances that are mixtures. I strongly recommend you use only the GHS symbols, including contacting any suppliers who continue to send you packing/containers and MDSs (note they are no longer MSDSs!) with the old versions. Not quite sure why you wish to completely copy both the symbols and the phrases within on your COSHH assessments, as that merely repeats what's already available - but I guess that's your decision.

Hi Simon, The SDS of pure substances supplied in European Union MUST be CLP compliant ( CLP is GHS implementation by the for European Union with a direct acting European Regulation and not a directive--but has added some of its own hazard statements which are not in GHS) and the dealine was December 2010! In practice, this means that the symbols etc for labels and in the SDS must have the new CLP ones. However, they ALSO required to continue including the old classification, i.e risk phrases until mid 2015 in the SDS) For mixtures( i.e preparations) suppliers have upto Mid 2015 to switch over to the new system. If suppliers choose to do it before the deadline, thay are ALSO required to classify the preparation in both systems untll mid 2015. In practice, this means that one can undertake COSHH Assessments for both substances & preparations, still using the old "classification" i.e risk phrases etc . Obviously, if you areusing symbols in your COSHH assesments , it will be a problem, but there is nop mandatory requirement to use the old CHP or new CLP symbols in COSHH Assesments. Even the Health an d Safety Executives COSHH Essentials online tool for COSHH assessments still uses the old classification system

We put up posters to help identify the 2 differing symbols (shows both the old CHIP and new GHS symbols along with an explanation) as part of the training/awareness programme. I'll send you a link to where we got them on a DM in case it's of interest.

First time i have used this forum and appreciate all the help thanks

I agree with Ron. Putting the symbols on the COSHH assessments does nothing really to help, particularly since those on the safety data sheets may bear little relationship to what you will presumably have identified as the real hazards when the chemical(s) is(are) used. Furthermore, it is almost inevitable that some of your material containers will show the old symbols and some the new - a recipe for confusion. Chris