HazCom & SDS
In 11 days, the Hazard Communication Standard will be updated to more align with a recently published new version of the Globally Harmonized System. The purpose of the changes is to improve information on labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS). Most of the changes will affect the manufacturers and suppliers of your chemicals and products. If you want to watch a short video that OSHA produced about the update, you can find it here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/qXPPWZe1i34. Once the changes have been published, we’ll focus a safety tip on the changes that will affect us, the end users of the chemicals and related products.
For now, we are focusing this tip on a refresher on the importance of labels and SDSs. We must rely on information that the manufacturers and suppliers give us, as it impacts our safety on the job. Let’s take a look:
Labels: OSHA tells us that a label “includes a harmonized signal word, pictogram, and hazard statement for each hazard class and category. Precautionary statements must also be provided.” Signal words are “Danger” – the most hazardous and “Caution” for a less hazardous product. Hazard statements include information like “flammable liquid” or “could cause serious eye damage.” An example of a precautionary statement is reminding us to keep the lid on the container or to store it in a cool, well-ventilated place.
Pictograms are diamond-shaped, outlined in red, and have a descriptive picture inside. The pictogram for explosive materials shows something exploding. Extreme toxicity is depicted by a skull and crossbones.
Each Safety Data Sheet has 16 standardized sections. For information about the manufacturer, you can look in section 1. Precautionary statements, pictograms, and labeling information are listed in section 2. If you need to look up first aid information, you should go to section 4. The personal protective equipment (PPE) needed to handle the material is in section 8. To see all the sections on OSHA’s quick card, you can download it here: https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHA3493QuickCardSafetyDataSheet.pdf
The important information to remember from this tip is this – if you need to know the hazards of the chemicals you work with, and how to protect yourself from harm, read the labels and the SDS. Knowing the hazards and the protections will make you safer.
Weekly Safety Challenge:
Where are the SDSs for the chemicals you work with kept? When was the last time you and/or your coworkers reviewed the SDS?
