Friday, July 12, 2013

GHS Workplace Labels



The BIG 3 in the new HCS/GHS

According to OSHA, the three Core components of a Comprehensive Hazard Communication program are Labels on all containers, up to date SDS and Training.  Just as the Chemical Companies are responsible for writing and providing new and updated SDS on all chemicals, and the end users are responsible for maintaining up to date labeling, employers are responsible for proper training to ensure that employees are well versed in the new label format.  Understanding the difference between the signal words Danger vs Warning may seem pretty obvious.  However, as stated in previous posts, the pictograms may require a bit more training and understanding before employees are clear on the meaning.  ANSI Z353.3 states that a pictogram design is successful if 85% of viewers understand its meaning.  That said, some of the pictograms adopted by GHS scored as lower than 13%.  Whether we agree with the chosen symbols or not, they are here to stay and employees need to understand their meanings.  It should be said that training has ALWAYS been part of the HCS.   OSHA has extensive documentation that reinforces that these three elements are complementary parts of a well place hazard communication program as each one of them reinforces the other.  With the ultimate goal of this standard being the employees right-to-know the hazards they face, a strong training program, consistent labeling of good quality and clear and easy to read SDS simply make sense.

This information is offered for evaluation and discussion only.  For more information contact your local OSHA representative or go to http://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/index.html