How to understand hazardous signs on your glue packaging
Glue and adhesive products often include important safety information on their packaging. Hazardous signs on glue packaging are designed to alert users to potential risks and help ensure products are used safely and responsibly.
These signs are part of an internationally recognised system that communicates hazards such as flammability, irritation or health risks through clear visual symbols. Understanding what these symbols mean allows you to take the right precautions and reduce the risk of accidents.
In this guide, we explain how to understand hazardous signs on your glue packaging, what common warning symbols represent and why reading the label carefully is essential before use.
The “irritant” symbol: The most common one
What does it mean?
The "irritant" symbol is one of the most common hazard pictograms. It represents an exclamation mark in the shape of a diamond with a red border. It tells us that some components of the glue may have irritating effects.
The projection of the glue on organic tissue such as the skin or the eyes can cause itching, redness or inflammation. Prolonged exposure can over time cause respiratory irritation and even dizziness. If this happens, the user should go outside for fresh air, which is usually enough to clear the symptoms. If there is no improvement, the Poison Control Centre should be contacted. The product will be more harmful if swallowed or inhaled. In this case, you should contact the Poison Control Centre immediately.
How to avoid improper use?
This will seem obvious but let us remind you of the basic instructions for handling Bostik glues with the "irritant" pictogram on the packaging.
- Wear protective glasses and gloves while handling the glue.
- Also wear a protective mask to avoid splashing product into your mouth or nose.
- Keep the product out of reach of children and store it on a high shelf or in a locked cabinet.
The “corrosive” symbol: Beware of skin contact and contact to metals
What does it mean?
The "corrosive" symbol indicates that the product can not only cause burns on the skin and mucous membranes in case of incorrect handling, but also be corrosive to metal.
The pictogram represents a metal plate and a hand side by side, both damaged by the projection of corrosive liquid.
How to avoid improper use?
Although serious injuries are rare when handling our adhesives marked with the "corrosive" symbol on their packaging, there is a simple way to eliminate them altogether: Avoid direct contact with the product by wearing protective gloves, heavy clothing, a mask and protective eyewear.
The “dangerous for the environment” symbol
What does it mean?
The “dangerous for the environment” symbol is quite self-explanatory: It represents danger to fauna and flora as it could possibly release some toxic elements. While chemical compounds are very effective and essential to ensure the quality of our manufactured goods, at Bostik we make it a point to honour the environment and we do our best to prevent releasing synthetic products into nature.
Released chemicals can enter the air, water and soil. Some do not have an immediate impact. For example, they enter the food chain and accumulate or continue to stay in the environment for many years, gradually destroying the fauna and flora.
How to avoid improper use?
At Bostik, the importance of preserving nature as much as possible is a commitment that influences every decision. The main actions to adopt and to limit the impact of chemicals in the environment are:
- Avoid releasing and dumping glue or any other chemicals into the environment.
- Always clean up any spills after using the adhesive.
The “flammable” symbol: For substances that ignite easily
What does it mean?
The “flammable” symbol leaves little to the imagination. It tells us that the product in question contains substances that can be ignited by a flame, a spark, heat or friction.
Flammable substances come in many forms: Gas, aerosol, liquid or solid. They can be handled safely if a few simple rules are followed.
How to avoid improper use?
These simple rules involve keeping heat or fire sources away from flammable products:
- Do not use a sprayable glue near an open flame.
- Use non-sparking tools when handling flammable glue.
- Keep the container tightly closed after use.
The “serious health hazard” symbol: To be avoided by some
What does it mean?
The "dangerous to your health" symbol indicates that the product, due to its components, is more likely to cause health complications if inhaled or ingested. If the user is a person with a fragile health condition, the handling of these products are not recommended.
How to avoid improper use?
Fortunately, by following the rules of use, the handling of these products remains under control: Read the instructions carefully before using your Bostik product. Avoid skin contact with the product. Be sure to wear a sanitary mask when using Bostik products to avoid breathing toxic fumes. Use them in a well-ventilated area. Store your Bostik glue locked up or on a high shelf and always out of the reach of children. Pregnant women are strongly advised against using these products. Take the opportunity to have someone else do the work for you!
Using glue safely and responsibly
Understanding hazardous signs is an important part of safe adhesive use. Always:
- Follow the instructions on the packaging
- Use products in well‑ventilated areas
- Keep adhesives out of reach of children
- Store products according to label guidance
Responsible use helps protect people, surfaces and the environment.
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