The hazardous communication standard uses two primary ways to communicate the chemical hazards to the employees: the label on the chemical container and the safety data sheet. The following Safety Talk will focus on understanding the container label and the new GHS requirements. Required Labeling Elements: Under the GHS HAZCOM standard, OSHA requires that all hazardous material containers be marked with the following six items: Product identifier (name) Pictograms (new definition) Signal word (new definition) Hazard statement (new definition) Precautionary statements Responsible party (manufacturer) Signal Word: Either “Warning” or “Danger” depending on the degree of hazard. Danger represents a higher hazard material than warning. Hazard Statement: Describes the nature and when possible, the degree of the hazard. Defined by OSHA and chemical classification. Precautionary Statement: Recommended measures that should be taken to minimize or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure to a chemical from improper storage or handling. New GHS Labeling Elements Defined: Pictograms: A standardized symbol on a white background framed within a red border that represents a distinct hazard(s). There are a total of 9 pictograms possible.

Colby’s labeling protocol relies on maintaining the original manufacturer labels whenever possible Must be intact and legible Must contain product identifier, manufacturer name/address and appropriate hazard warnings required by OSHA under the 1994 hazcom, 2012 GHS, or equivalent by June 1, 2016 Under GHS, Manufacturers are required to put out only GHS labels by June 1, 2015 When used, secondary containers must be labeled with equivalent information as the manufacturers label Example of a GHS Complaint Chemical Label Colby’s Container Labels: Colby’s labeling protocol relies on maintaining the original manufacturer labels whenever possible:  Must be intact and legible  Must contain product identifier, manufacturer name/address, and appropriate hazard warnings required  Secondary containers must be labeled with equivalent information as the manufacturer’s label unless it is a single use day container under the control of the employee who filled it.

Review / Discussion Questions: 1.Where would you get the information to put on a secondary label? 2.Which products used by your department are using GHS labels? Which are not? 3.What are some quick clues to determine the hazards of a chemical from a GHS label? Printed NameSignature Questions, concerns or comments contact the EHS Director at extension 5504.