Aerosols manufactured in the UK conform to
strict legislative
requirements, and codes of practice, which include:
The Code of Practice of the British Aerosol
Manufacturer's Association
European Commission Directives 75/324/EEC and 94/1/EC, the
Aerosol Directive and Amendment
Statutory Instrument 1996 No.2421, Consumer Protection. The
Aerosol Dispensers (EEC Requirements) (Amendment) Regulations
1996
Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging) Regulations
Cosmetic Products (Safety) Regulations
General Product Safety Regulations
For further information, the reader is
recommended to contact
The British Aerosol Manufacturers'
Association (BAMA)
All aerosols are safe to use, and the important thing is to read the label, not just the description of the product on the front of the can, but also the Directions For Use, and the important Safety Information which is printed on the reverse, and is usually in a separate text box.
What might you see on a typical label ?
| LABEL INFORMATION | COMMENT |
|---|---|
| AIR FRESHENER 300ML or FURNITURE POLISH 200ml or PRODUCT 'X' 200ml |
This tells you what the product is, and how much is in the container. |
| SAFETY INFORMATION | This tells you that this section of the label contains the safety information. |
| Do not spray directly onto food preparation surfaces, fabrics, or polished surfaces | This is because the product may taint food, might stain fabrics, or may affect the appearance of polished surfaces. |
| Do not spray on or near naked flames, including cooker pilot lights and fires | This will reflect that the product has a 'flammable' classification. (see later) |
| Do not use on floors, the inside of baths or shower trays, as the high gloss could be dangerous | This is often seen on aerosol polishes, and is a good example of safety information. |
| CAUTION | This section contains statutory, and other recommended wording. |
| Use only as directed. Intentional misuse by deliberately concentrating or inhaling contents can be harmful or fatal | This is a BAMA recommendation, and has been superseded by:- |
 |
The BAMA recommendation of July 1997 for the labelling of all UK aerosols. |
| Pressurised container | This is a statutory requirement. This tells you that the contents of the container are under pressure, and the aerosol is different from other packages. |
| Protect from sunlight and do not expose to temperatures exceeding 50°C. Do not pierce or burn after use. | This is a statutory requirement. During manufacture aerosols are tested at 50°C, however if exposed to higher temperatures there is a risk that the container may eventually burst. |
| Do not spray on a naked flame, onto or near
fire, or any incandescent material. Keep away from sources of ignition - No smoking |
This is a statutory requirement. |
| FLAMMABLE or EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE together with a FLAME SYMBOL or X% by mass of the contents are flammable |
This is a statutory requirement, and reflects the flammability classification of the product. |
| KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN | A statutory requirement. |
Home ~|~ History ~|~ Safety ~|~ Filling ~|~ Propellants ~|~ Aerosol Cans ~|~ Aerosol Valves
How an Aerosol Works ~|~
Links to other Aerosol and
Associated Sites
Last revision : 1 January, 2007