Friday, August 30, 2013

GHS RED DIAMONDS vs BLACK DIAMONDS



GHS Labels – Red Diamonds vs Black Diamonds?
Is it acceptable to have Black Diamonds surrounding the images on your GHS Labels?

The short answer is no.
The new HCS Rule that adopted the GHS elements for labeling requires a RED Diamond shaped border around all images.  And although OSHA did acknowledge that the RED Diamonds would require a bit more planning, and yes “money”, the counter side of that is that the visibility will be greatly increased.  Red is a much more noticeable color which will draw the eye of a user to the hazards.  
OSHA calls for a use of anywhere from 0-8 images, however, the ANSI standard Z129.1 does include a ninth image for environmental hazard.  Since this exceeds the OSHA regulation, one can assume it would be acceptable to include the environmental hazard image.  As stated in a previous post, there are to be NO BLANK or EMPTY Diamonds.    
SAFETYCAL® is hard at work putting together all the labeling products you will need to meet the rule head-on with confidence.  For now, send us an email to be put on our announcement list when these products are ready to launch you into compliance.   Visit us at www.safetycal.com
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