Chemical Safety / MSDS :- Make Sure Your HazCom Employee Training Is GHS-Compliant

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Chapter : Chemical Safety / MSDS

Make Sure Your HazCom Employee Training Is GHS-Compliant

Topic: Training

Training on label elements must include information on the type of information employees would expect to see on the new labels, including:

• Product identifier. This refers to how the hazardous chemical is identified. This can be (but is not limited to) the chemical name, code number or batch number. The manufacturer, importer or distributor can decide the appropriate product identifier. The same product identifier must be  both on the label and in Section 1 of the SDS (Identification).
• Signal word. This is used to indicate the relative level of severity of hazard and alert the reader to a potential hazard on the label. There are only two signal words, "Danger" and "Warning." Within a specific hazard class, "Danger" is used for the more severe hazards and "Warning" is used for the less severe hazards. There will only be one signal word on the label no matter how many hazards a chemical may have. If one of the hazards warrants a "Danger" signal word and another warrants the signal word "Warning" then only "Danger" should appear on the label.
• Pictogram. OSHA's required pictograms must be in the shape of a square set at a point and include a black hazard symbol on a white background with a red frame sufficiently wide enough to be clearly visible. A square red frame set at a point without a hazard symbol is not a pictogram and is not permitted on the label. OSHA has designated eight pictograms under this standard for application to a hazard category.
• Hazard statement(s). Describe the nature of the hazard(s) of a chemical, including, where appropriate, the degree of hazard. For example: "Causes damage to kidneys through prolonged or repeated exposure when absorbed through the skin." All of the applicable hazard statements must appear on the label. Hazard statements may be combined where appropriate to reduce redundancies and improve readability. The hazard statements are specific to the hazard classification categories, and chemical users should always see the same statement for the same hazards, no matter what the chemical is or who produces it.
• Precautionary statement(s). This means a phrase that describes recommended measures that should be taken to minimize or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure to a hazardous chemical or improper storage or handling.
• Name, address and phone number of the chemical manufacturer, distributor, or importer.
• Employee training should also cover how employees might use labels in the workplace. For example:
  
  • Explain how information on the label can be used to ensure proper storage of hazardous chemicals.
  • Explain how the information on the label might be used to quickly locate information on first aid when needed by employees or emergency personnel.
  Employees must also be trained in a general understanding of how label elements work together. For example:
  
  • Explain that where a chemical has multiple hazards, different pictograms are used to identify the various hazards. The employee should expect to see the appropriate pictogram for the corresponding hazard class.
  • Explain that when there are similar precautionary statements, the one providing the most protective information will be included on the label.

  SDS Training

  Training on the format of the SDS must include information on:
  
  • Standardized16-section format, including the type of information found in the various sections For example, the employee should be instructed that with the new format, Section 8 (Exposure Controls/Personal Protection) will always contain information about  exposure limits, engineering controls and ways to protect yourself, including personal protective equipment.
  • How the information on the label is related to the SDS. For example, explain that the precautionary statements would be the same on the label and on the SDS.