BELGIUM: The European Solvents Industry Group has produced a solvents safety label and poster, available in 11 EU languages, which delivers clear, short messages about the dos and don'ts of solvent handling.
Simple symbols are accompanied by brief wording, for example a face with glasses accompanied by the words "Eye Protection. Do wear safety glasses or goggles as indicated", or a can with an open lid and the message "Vapour - don't leave containers open. Avoid inhaling vapours".
The label has already been successfully tried out with UK distributors. Commenting on these, ESIG chairman Bert Fokkama said: "We find the results most encouraging. This initiative complements our existing efforts to extend product stewardship so that even the smallest downstream companies can be reached with clear guidance on the safe use of solvents in the workplace. We plan to extend this programme and are looking forward to co-operation with other distributors and customers." Trials in France and Germany are planned.
