Take Time for Safety: OSHA recently revised their Hazard Communication Standard to require manufacturers and distributors of hazards chemicals and products to begin standardizing their container labels to display new features called “Pictograms”. These are eight different icons used to depict distinct hazards associated with their products. Some products may have only one or two of the eight pictograms displayed on their labels, whereas more complex products may have multiple pictograms appearing on their label when the product presents multiple safety or health hazards. Containers displaying the “Exclamation Mark” pictogram on their product label contain a hazardous material that, while still potentially harmful to your health or safety, represents the lower end of the scale for specific hazards when compared to products bearing some of the other Pictograms we have previously discussed. Here are three examples: * A material that is highly corrosive and will burn the skin or cause serious eye damage will display the “Corrosive” pictogram, whereas the “Exclamation Mark” pictogram could appear on products that are irritants to the eyes or skin; * A material that is potentially fatal or highly toxic if it is ingested, inhaled, or contacts the skin will display the “Skull and Crossbones” pictogram, whereas the “Exclamation Mark” pictogram will appear on products that could cause lesser harm (such as nausea or other similar reactions). * A material that may cause damage to one or more of your organs through prolonged exposure will display the “Health Hazard” pictogram, whereas the “Exclamation Mark” pictogram could appear on products that might only make you feel drowsy or dizzy; As you can see, products with labels marked with the “Exclamation Mark” pictogram might not represent quite as severe a particular hazard as those marked with some of the other Pictograms, but they still deserve our respect. So always pay attention to the Warning Statements that appear on the container label, and also read and follow the Precautionary Statements, as they explain what steps to take to minimize the hazards. Additional detailed information about warning and precautions is available on the product’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS). This particular pictogram should help you quickly recognize products which present various lower-level hazards (if possible, give specific examples of such products present at your job site). OSHA has given manufacturers and importers of all hazardous products until June 1, 2015 to make the full transition to this new labeling system. So in the meantime, watch for the “Exclamation Mark” pictogram to appear on containers at work, and heed the warnings and precautions provided for use of that product. EXCLAMATION MARK Irritant (skin and eye) Respiratory Tract Irritant Skin Sensitizer Acute Toxicity Narcotic Effects Self-Reactives Organic Peroxides Hazardous to Ozone Layer (Non-Mandatory)
Posted on: Mon, 12 Jan 2015 06:10:52 +0000
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