Pictograms
OSHA has determined that the use of Pictograms greatly
increases the understanding of a label message.
Simply stated, users like them.The GHS component of the new HCS requires the use of anywhere from zero
to 8 symbols on Hazardous Chemical Labeling.
Of the eight approved symbols, many have multiple definitions. For example, the Flame can be used for
materials that are Flammable, Self-Reactive, Pyrophorics, Self-Heating,
Emitting a Flammable Gas or an Organic Peroxide. It will be interesting to see how the
finalized SDS are presented. Will
Chemical Companies use the pictograms?
OR will they simply define the class and leave it up to those that
create the labels to assign the proper Pictogram? We will all soon know the answer to this question.
It is worth noting that, as with all
portions of the HCS, OSHA has gone to great lengths to study the comprehension
and understanding of the Pictograms.
User recognition is the number one goal.
The symbols have been reviewed and passed a rigorous process before
being adopted. What was discovered was
that not all symbols are created equal. In fact, some of the adopted GHS Symbols received a very low recognition
score. This is where the training comes
in. OSHA restates that training will be
important in the understanding of the symbols used in any and all GHS Labeling.
For instance, among the
symbols is an Exclamation mark !
Certainly we all recognize this symbol. And although one might think the meaning here
is to draw attention to or a severity statement perhaps, in fact the
exclamation mark in this instance can denote that a particular product is an Irritant, a Dermal Sensitizer, has Acute
Toxicity (harmful), has Narcotic Effects OR is a Respiratory Tract Irritation. Not exactly intuitive! Many of the symbols are familiar, for instance the Corrosive symbol has been used for used for years and should be easily recognizable by most.
Hence,the Pictograms stipulations of the new HCS are all the more reason to begin training your employees sooner rather than later.
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
