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• Chemical labeling is changing to help make it easier for us to understand the products we use so we can continue to be safe.
• The GHS is an international approach to hazard communication.
• Many different countries have adopted the GHS including Canada, the European Union, China, Australia and Japan.
• Washington State’s Hazard Communication (GHS) Rule, Chapter 296-901, WAC became effective April 15, 2013.
Globally Harmonized System
• Labels are changing to conform with the Globally Harmonized System or GHS.
• Worldwide effort by the United Nations to have common ways to describe chemicals and how to use them safely.
• The system is very similar to what is already on today’s labels.
What’s on the Label?
Labels must contain five items:• Product Identifier – what is this chemical• Signal Words – to tell us about the danger level• Hazard Statement – what kind of harm could the chemical
cause• Pictograms – a symbol that tells us about the hazards• Precautionary Statement – what do we need to do to be
safe around this chemical
Hazard Statement
Describes what kind of hazards this chemical has, such as:• Highly Flammable Liquid• Causes Serious Eye Irritation• May cause drowsiness and dizziness
Health Hazard
• Could cause cancer• Can impact breathing
and may cause asthma
• May cause reproductive problems and birth defects
• May be toxic to organs and damage lungs
• Mutagenicity
Flammables
• Solids, liquids and gasses
• May react with other substances to cause a fire
• Could burn on its own simply by coming in contact with air
Oxidizers
• Flame over the letter “O”
• Oxidizers can cause organic materials to combust
• Oxygen is the most common
Irritant
• Indicates Irritants or Skin Sensitizers
• Can cause problems with skin, eyes and respiratory system
• Generally short-term (acute) irritations or rashes upon contact
• May make you light-headed or sleepy
Gases Under Pressure
• May be flammable, oxidizing or reactive compressed gas
• Accidental release causes cylinder to rocket or pinwheel
• Liquid contents may cause skin to freeze
Explosives
• Explosive materials• Self-reactive or self-
heating• Pyrophoric – burns if
it contacts air• Organic Peroxide –
burns or explodes
• Harms plants or animals
• Impacts air or water quality
• Could contaminate soil
Environmental Toxicity
Summary
READ THE LABEL!!!! KNOW THE PICTOGRAPHS!!!!
• KNOW what you are working with.• KNOW if it can harm you.• KNOW how to protect yourself.• KNOW what to do if something goes wrong.