Hi everyone, I've done a forum search but nothings come up so.... I am writing a new COSHH assessment form and was wondering when the new international COSHH symbols come into effect as I was going to place the relevant new international symbol on the COSHH assessment form, although all my SDS have the old orange symbols on them. Or should I just stick to the trusty old orange symbols? Also can anyone tell me how the new symbols relate to the old orange ones? i.e. does old orange irritant symbol = new caution symbol etc? Why have they changed!!!! Thanks in advance, Lance

As you've chosen to incorporate the current symbols into your COSHH Assessment it would be tempting to stick with what you have, however the day will come (2014?) when the container in the one hand conflicts with the document in the other. I take it that you are using the COSHH Assessment also as a work instruction, where use of symbols and pictures can be very useful. Others may choose to entirely divorce the Assessment process and documentation (an employer function) from the written and other instructions and information provided to the employee. I personally prefer the latter, which can on a great many instances allow for the seperate work instruction and training focusing on the requirements to wear PPE provided and "follow the instructions on the container".