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 

GHS Label Design

What about those Red Diamonds?

The GHS Rule uses a variety of symbols to convey hazards.  Each symbol MUST be placed inside a RED Diamond shape and be located at the top section of the label.  NO Black borders are allowed and NO Empty Diamonds are allowed either.

OSHA goes into great detail about why they made this decision.  The rule states that the Red Border will be easily recognizable, the color will draw the eye and bring awareness to the hazard.   They have monetary evaluations of the cost of the Red Border, although this writer does not agree with all of the financial information provided.  For instance, the rule states that a simple color printer will solve the problem of placing the Red Border.  That would be true, if the requirement called for "temporary" labels.  However, since these labels must be in place for....well, forever as far as we know, they have taken no accounting of replacement costs.  So, although a chemical manufacturer may use a color printer to create a label to place on a container, it must be able to withstand weather elements, travel and then, once to its final destination, the duration of exposure needed on through disposal.  It is unlikely that a label produced on a color printer will suffice.

As a side note...SAFETYCAL is hard at work upgrading our EZMAKE® program to address this very issue.  Due out this fall, we look forward to presenting this cost-effective tool to ease your compliance.

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