EdvoTech Tips: How to Read Product Labels and Safety Data Sheets

Summary

In March 2012, OSHA adopted the GHS to standardize chemical hazard communication globally. This system classifies chemical hazards and guides manufacturers on effective communication, ensuring safe handling. The script explains the importance of GHS pictograms, safety data sheets, and product labels in conveying chemical hazards without language barriers. It outlines the sections of an SDS, detailing chemical hazards, first aid, fire fighting, storage, exposure limits, physical properties, stability, toxicology, environmental impact, disposal, and transportation information.

Takeaways

• 📅 In March 2012, OSHA adopted the GHS to standardize chemical hazard communication globally.
• 🌐 GHS provides guidelines for classifying chemical hazards and systems for communicating these hazards.
• 🧪 The system applies to various industries including pharmaceuticals, chemicals, pesticides, and cleaning supplies.
• 👷‍♂️ Target audiences for GHS include production workers, lab workers, emergency responders, and consumers.
• 📜 Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and product labels provide detailed information for safe chemical handling.
• 🚩 Pictograms are a key component of GHS, using symbols to convey hazard information universally.
• 🔍 The Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) number allows for quick research of chemical information.
• 📝 SDS are comprehensive documents detailing the hazards of a product in a clear and concise manner.
• 🆘 Section 4 of SDS provides first aid measures for unexpected chemical exposure.
• 🧯 Section 5 covers firefighting measures, detailing hazards and suitable extinguishing techniques.
• 🏚️ Section 7 explains safe handling and storage, including chemical incompatibilities.

Q & A

What is the GHS and why was it adopted by OSHA in 2012?

The GHS stands for the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. It was adopted by OSHA in 2012 to standardize the way companies around the world communicate information about chemical hazards from their products, ensuring a consistent approach to safety.

How does the GHS system benefit companies and users?

The GHS system benefits companies and users by providing guidelines on classifying chemical hazards and defining a system for effective communication regarding these hazards. This helps in advising users on safe handling and reduces confusion, ensuring products are used safely.

What are the target audiences for the GHS?

The target audiences for the GHS include production workers, lab workers, emergency responders, and consumers, as they all need to understand how to safely handle chemicals.

What are the key components of the GHS that are used in product labels?

Key components of the GHS used in product labels include standardized signal words, pictograms, and precautionary statements. These elements help convey important safety information quickly and efficiently.

What is a pictogram and how does it help in communicating chemical hazards?

A pictogram is a graphic symbol that conveys a message through symbols, eliminating language barriers for fast and efficient communication. In the context of chemicals, each pictogram represents a potential hazard, such as a flame indicating flammability or a skull and crossbones indicating toxicity.

Why are Safety Data Sheets (SDS) important and what do they contain?

Safety Data Sheets are important documents that communicate the hazards associated with each chemical product in depth. They contain sections explaining the chemical's hazards, ingredients, first aid measures, firefighting measures, accidental release measures, handling and storage, exposure limits, physical and chemical properties, stability and reactivity, toxicological information, ecological information, and disposal considerations.

What information can be found in Section 1 of an SDS?

Section 1 of an SDS includes identifying information for the chemical and the manufacturer, such as the chemical's name, product number, the manufacturer's name, address, and phone number.

How does Section 2 of an SDS help in understanding chemical hazards?

Section 2 of an SDS highlights all hazards regarding the chemical, including signal words, pictograms, and hazard statements, providing a clear understanding of the potential risks associated with the chemical.

What should you refer to in an SDS if you need information on how to handle a chemical spill?

If you need information on how to handle a chemical spill, you should refer to Section 6 of the SDS, which details emergency procedures, proper personal protective equipment, and the necessary protocol for containment and cleanup.

What is the purpose of Section 11 in an SDS, and what does it provide?

Section 11 of an SDS provides information about a chemical's toxicology, which includes the effects of the chemical on living creatures. It covers routes of exposure, a description of symptoms (both acute and chronic), and numerical measures of toxicity like LD50 and LC50.

Why is Section 13 important for the proper disposal of chemicals?

Section 13 outlines general considerations for the disposal of chemicals, which is important to ensure that chemicals are discarded in a way that is safe for the environment and complies with state and local guidelines.