Hazard Communication Chemical Labels Introduction The basic goal

Hazard Communication Chemical Labels

Introduction The basic goal of an effective Hazard Communication program is to ensure the safety of the employee who works with and around different hazardous chemicals. Over 30 million workers in the US are potentially exposed to a chemical hazard during the course of their workday. Exposure to chemicals can cause serious physical and health problems. In order for employees to be safe when dealing with chemicals, information must be transmitted to them about the identities and hazards of the chemicals. This training program was created to assist with training employees concerning these chemical products and the hazards they present. The main focus of this training will be the chemical label. 2

Contents of the OSHA Standard The Occupational Safety and Health Administration created the Hazard Communication Standard 29 CFR 1910. 1200, or HCS, to specify the different measures employers must take to communicate and train employees about chemical safety. The standard is based on a simple concept – Employees have both a need and a “right to know” the hazards and the identities of the chemicals to which they are exposed when working. The requirements of the HCS are intended to be consistent with the provisions of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. This world-wide system provides for more consistent and uniform classification and identification of chemicals and their potential hazards, creating a safer workplace for all employees. 3

Contents of the OSHA Standard A list of all hazardous chemicals in the workplace must be created and kept updated. Additionally, chemical labels and Safety Data Sheets should be obtained for each hazardous chemical. The Safety Data Sheet is a standardized, 16 -Section, detailed information bulletin prepared by the manufacturer or importer of a chemical which describes the chemical. It provides information about various aspects concerning the chemical including hazards, handling measures and safety precautions. SDSs should automatically be provided by the manufacturer at the time of the initial shipment. 4

Contents of the OSHA Standard The list of hazardous chemicals should be cross-referenced with the Safety Data Sheets to ensure the list and the Safety Data Sheets are accurate and correctly reflect the number of hazardous chemicals in the workplace. Hazard information must be communicated to employees. Employers must establish and implement a written hazard communication program covering the list of chemicals, use of labels, Safety Data Sheets and employee training. This program should outline the different policies and procedures the employer has in place to keep employees safe and ensure adherence to the HCS. 5

Contents of the OSHA Standard The HCS also requires employers to provide equipment and training concerning protective measures to prevent exposure to chemicals and reduce the risk of working with hazardous chemicals. The HCS does not apply to consumer products such as window cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner and dishwashing liquid, when used in the workplace in the same manner and with the same duration and frequency that a normal household consumer would use them at home. 6

Chemical Labels OSHA recognizes the dangers of chemicals when used improperly and/or when employees don't realize the dangers due to lack of knowledge. The HCS is designed to eliminate potential dangers by ensuring employees have the information necessary to protect themselves and their coworkers. This information is provided in two forms: Safety Data Sheets and Chemical Labels provide quick, important information about a chemical which could save your life. They are effective in communicating health and physical hazards, as well as how to minimize or prevent adverse affects resulting from exposure to the hazardous chemical or improper storage or handling. Labels are affixed to, printed on, or attached to the container of a hazardous chemical, or the outside packaging. 7

Chemical Labels Chemical manufacturers, importers and distributors are responsible for labeling, tagging or marking each container. OSHA mandated Appendix C of the HCS to guide them on the correct information to place on chemical labels. The label must be prominently displayed in English on each container and must include the name, address and telephone number of the manufacturer, importer or other responsible party. Employees should know how to read chemical labels and understand the information presented before dealing with hazardous chemicals. The following information is required on chemical labels: 8

Chemical Labels • Product Identifier – This is the unique name or number used to identify a hazardous chemical. The same Product Identifier must be used for the label, SDS and required company chemical list for each chemical. • Signal Word – A word used to alert employees of a potential hazard and its relative level of severity. The two signal words used are: 1. Danger - Used for more severe hazards 2. Warning – Used for less severe hazards Only one word will be present on a label. If “Danger” is included then “Warning” should not appear. 9

Chemical Labels • Hazard Statement – A statement describing the nature of the chemical hazard, including, where appropriate, the degree of hazard. Statements such as “Fatal if swallowed”, “Toxic if swallowed” and “Causes severe skin burns and eye damage” are examples of Hazard Statements. • Pictogram – A composition which is intended to convey specific health and physical hazard information about the chemical. OSHA has mandated eight specific pictograms to be used on chemical labels. A ninth pictogram is part of GHS but not mandated by OSHA as the area it covers is regulated by a different governmental agency. Each pictogram is in the shape of a square, set at point and includes a black hazard symbol on a white background, with a red frame sufficiently wide to be clearly visible. The nine pictograms and the associated hazards are: 10

Chemical Labels Pictogram Hazard Flame Over Circle Oxidizers Flame Flammables, Pyrophorics, Self-Heating, Emits Flammable Gas, Self Reactive, Organic Peroxides Exploding Bomb Explosives, Self Reactives, Organic Peroxides Skull and Crossbones Acute Toxicity (Severe) Corrosion Corrosives Gas Cylinder Gases Under Pressure Health Hazard Carcinogens, Mutagenicity, Reproductive Toxicity, Respiratory Sensitizer, Target Organ Toxicity, Aspiration Toxicity Exclamation Point Irritant, Skin Sensitizer, Acute Toxicity (harmful), Narcotic Effects, Respiratory Tract Irritation Environment Non-Mandatory concerning OSHA, this pictogram conveys Aquatic Toxicity 11

Chemical Labels • Precautionary Statement- A phrase describing recommended measures to be taken to minimize or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure to the hazardous chemical or improper storage or handling. There are four types of Precautionary Statements used on labels. The four types of statements are Prevention, Response, Storage and Disposal. 1. Prevention – Statements meant to keep you from harm, such as “Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product” or “Wear protective gloves. ” 2. Response – Statements providing steps to take if you have been exposed to a chemical hazard. “If on skin: Gently wash with plenty of soap and water” or “Immediately call a poison center or doctor/physician” are examples of response statements. 12

Chemical Labels 3. Storage – Explains the safe way to store the chemical. “Store locked up” and “Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed” are statements you might see in this section of the label. 4. Disposal – The last statement explains to the employer/employee how to dispose of the chemical safely. “Dispose of contents in accordance with local, regional, national, international regulations. ” is an example of a disposal statement you might see on a label. 13

Additional Info • Sometimes manufacturers, importers or distributors may choose to add supplementary information to the label when it provides further details and does not contradict or cast doubt on the validity of the standardized hazard information. • If the hazardous chemical is transferred by the employer from the primary container to a secondary container, the employer must label the secondary container. Employers are responsible for ensuring each container of hazardous chemicals in the workplace is labeled, tagged or marked with the appropriate information. • Workplace labels must be legible, in English and prominently displayed on the container. Other languages may be used as long as the information is presented in English as well. 14

Additional Info • Employees may transfer a hazardous chemical from a labeled container to a non-labeled portable container as long as it is for the employee’s immediate use and the portable container never leaves the employee’s possession. • For stationary process containers, such as storage tanks, employers may use signs, placards, process sheets, batch tickets, operating procedures, or other written materials in lieu of affixing labels. This alternative method must identify the containers to which it is applicable and convey the information required on secondary containers. The written materials must be readily accessible to employees in their work area throughout each work shift. 15

Additional Info • OSHA considers solids to be chemicals and they are covered by HCS. For such items as solid metal, solid wood, plastic items or shipments of whole grain, the required label may be transmitted to the customer at the time of initial shipment or with the SDS that is to be provided prior to or at the time of the initial shipment. Labels need not be included with subsequent shipments to the same customer unless the information on the label changes. This exception to requiring labels on every container of hazardous chemicals is only for the solid material itself. Please refer to the CFR 1910. 1200 HCS for additional information concerning such items and labeling. 16

Conclusion Your safety depends upon your understanding of the dangers and hazards associated with the chemicals you work with and are around. OSHA has required manufacturers, importers and distributors to label chemical containers for your safety. Make sure you know where to find the label, how to read it and understand the information it contains. If you have any doubts or questions contact your supervisor immediately. 17