A FlatRock Group ToolBox Talk

Toolbox Talks: Hazard Information on Container Labels

When using any chemical it is important to know if the chemical is actually

hazardous. So, what qualities make a chemical hazardous according to

OSHA?

1. Flammable, combustible, and / or explosive.

2. Corrosive (acids or caustics).

3. Irritating or damaging to the eyes and / or body.

4. Poses a hazard through inhalation, ingestion, or body contact.

5. Any known or suspected carcinogen.

There are two basic ways to determine if a chemical is hazardous: (1) the

container or packaging label and (2) the material safety data sheet

(MSDS). We’ll review the label with this tool-box-talk.

Warning labels, found on containers of hazardous materials, provide much of

the information you need to know to use the product safely. You can get the

same information, and more, from a MSDS but the container label is easier

to read and sometimes includes easy-to-understand symbols. If you find a

container with no label or a torn or unreadable label, the law requires you to

replace the label or remove the container from the work area.

The most important information on the label is the word that indicates how

hazardous the product is. There are three levels of hazard wording. They

are Danger, Warning, and Caution.

Danger: means it is the most hazardous kind of material.

Warning: is less hazardous than Danger, but more hazardous than

Caution.

Caution: is the least hazardous rating. However, products listed with

the Caution label can be harmful if you don’t follow proper procedures.

The minimum requirements for labels on in-coming containers must include:

The identity of the hazardous chemicals that are cross referenced to

the applicable MSDS,

Appropriate hazard warnings for health (inhalation, irritation to the

eyes, burns to the skin, or other ill health effects) and physical

concerns (flammable, explosive or corrosive), and

Name and address of the chemical manufacturer.

Warning labels may also tell you how to store and dispose of the product

properly. The label may indicate precautions to take, such as how to clean it

up, and what personal protective equipment to use. First aid instructions

may include antidotes for poisons and what steps to take when someone is

exposed to the product.

If you need more information than is found on the label, check the MSDS or

contact your supervisor or safety representative.

The FlatRock Group provides free ToolBox Talks as a service to the industry in accordance with our Copyright &

Disclaimer Policies. All tips and content contained in these ToolBox Talks are believed to true, correct and safe;

however, The FlatRock Group, LLC and/or the Author accepts no legal responsibility for the correctness, sufficiency, or completeness of such information or suggestions contained within these ToolBox Talks.

Kent Leighton kent@flatrockgroup.com 830-201-0678

WWW.FLATROCKGROUP.COM

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