How to read hazard icons on glues

When working with adhesives, understanding the warning labels or hazard icons on packaging is essential for safety. These adhesive warning labels help you identify potential hazards and take necessary precautions.

This guide will walk you through the key safety symbols found on Bostik adhesives and explain what they mean so you can be sure you're in safe hands when glueing. We're deep diving into our top 5 most common adhesive warning icons, starting with the 'irritant' icon…

Irritant: Causes inflammation or discomfort to the body

What does 'irritant' mean?

The irritant symbol is one of the most common hazard icons on adhesive products. Represented by an exclamation mark, this symbol indicates that the glue contains substances that may cause irritation to the skin, eyes, or respiratory system.

If the adhesive touches these areas, it can cause itching, redness, or inflammation, with prolonged exposure causing respiratory irritation and even dizziness. If this happens, the user should go outside for fresh air, which is usually enough to clear the symptoms.

However, if the user experiences 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 safely use 'irritant' adhesives:

Although obvious, here are the key points to handle adhesives labelled with the 'irritant' icon:

Always wear safety glasses and protective gloves while handling the glue.
Use a face mask to avoid inhaling fumes or accidentally ingesting the adhesive.
Store the product out of children's reach, ideally in a locked cabinet or on a high shelf.

Corrosive: Beware of contact with skin and sensitive materials

What does 'corrosive' mean?

The corrosive symbol is represented by a hand and metal surface being damaged by a liquid. It indicates that the product can cause severe burns to skin and mucous membranes in case of incorrect handling, but can also damage surfaces such as metals and soft plastics.

Direct contact with corrosive adhesives can lead to painful burns, while prolonged exposure can cause damage to underlying tissues. Corrosive substances can also degrade metals, which is important to consider when using the adhesive around metal fixtures.

How to safely use 'corrosive' adhesives:

Although serious injuries are rare when handling adhesives marked with the "corrosive" symbol on their packaging, there are simple steps you can take to eliminate them altogether:

Avoid direct contact with the product by wearing protective gloves, long heavy clothing, a mask, and protective eyewear.
Use thick, protective materials that will not react with the adhesive to protect the work area.
Ensure the area is well-ventilated and clean up any spills immediately.

Flammable: For substances that ignite easily

What does 'flammable' mean?

The 'flammable' symbol is another crucial hazard icon to recognise. Represented by a flame symbol on a black horizontal line, it indicates that the adhesive contains substances that can easily catch fire when exposed to a flame, spark, or even high temperatures or friction. This warning applies to various adhesive forms, such as liquids, aerosols, gases, or solids.

Flammable adhesives are highly volatile, and improper handling can lead to fires. Understanding this symbol ensures that you keep such products away from heat sources or open flames.

How to safely use 'flammable' adhesives:

These simple rules involve keeping heat or fire sources away from flammable products:

Keep the adhesive away from fire, heat, or sparks.
Use non-sparking tools when applying the adhesive.
Ensure that the container is tightly sealed when not in use and store away from heat sources.
If available, store in an appropriate flame proof cabinet.

Dangerous for the environment: For toxic substances

What does 'dangerous for the environment' mean?

The 'dangerous for the environment' safety symbol is represented by a dead tree and fish. It indicates that the adhesive may contain harmful chemicals that can damage wildlife and ecosystems, if released into the environment.

Whilst creating effective, high quality adhesives is essential to Bostik, we make a point to honour the environment and do our best to prevent releasing potentially harmful, synthetic products into nature.

For those adhesives that release chemicals, they do not always have immediate impact. For example, upon entering the environment, they enter the food chain and accumulate or continue to stay in the environment for many years, gradually destroying the plants and animals, which is why it’s crucial to use them with care.

How to safely use adhesives that damage the environment:

The main actions taken to limit the impact of chemicals in the environment are:

Correct disposal of chemicals to avoid dumping glue or any other chemicals into the environment.
Always clean up any spills after using the adhesive.

At Bostik, the importance of preserving nature is a commitment that influences every decision when manufacturing adhesives.

Serious health hazard: Causes health complications if inhaled or ingested

What does health hazard 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. It is represented by an image of a person with internal damage.

Adhesives that can cause serious health hazards can affect internal organs, fertility and more. Those who suffer from health conditions, are pregnant, or are simply more vulnerable individuals like children or the elderly, are advised to avoid using these adhesives.

How to safely use health hazard adhesives:

By taking care to follow the application instructions, these adhesives can be safely applied:

Thoroughly read the instructions before using the adhesive.
Avoid skin contact with the product.
Be sure to wear a suitable sanitary mask when using 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.

General tips to consider

It's good to know that not all Bostik adhesives have safety labels on their packaging as their chemical makeup does not require them. However, for those that do have hazard symbols, you must:

Always read the instructions thoroughly before use - hazard symbol or not!
Follow all safety precautions listed on the packaging.
If you experience any adverse reactions, contact your local Poison Control Centre for assistance - Bostik adhesives have a unique formula identifier code (UFI) indicated on the product label to facilitate identification of the product.

It is important to be aware of the hazards that come with using adhesives, so you know what to do if an accident occurs. By following the simple rules shared on each product's packaging, you can use the adhesive safely and efficiently to achieve maximum results with your repair or creation.

Got a glue that you've opened and need to store away? Now you've used your glues safely, discover our guide on how to store glues safely to prolong their lifespan.