1. BLR’s Safety Training Presentations
Working with Chemical Labels
29 CFR
I. Background for the Trainer:
This training session is intended for use as a supplement to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Hazard Communication training session and goes in depth about how to use and understand chemical labels.
II. Speaker’s Notes:
Each one of us works with chemicals, whether at work or at home. These chemicals have hazards and you need to know how to determine them and how to protect yourselves against them.
Chemical labeling is the first step in the process of using chemicals safely.
In today’s session we will discuss:
Label requirements
Hazard warnings
Color and number labels
Department of Transportation labels
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2. Close Encounters with Chemicals
We encounter chemicals almost every day
Filling your vehicle with gasoline
Cleaning the bathroom
Applying pesticides or insecticides
Using solvents or acids at work
Many chemicals can cause injury or illness if not handled properly
I. Speaker’s Notes:
Although we use some form of chemical almost every day, how many of us read the label before using the chemical? Gasoline, for example—how many of you have read the labels posted on the pumps?
The chemical you use to clean the bathroom might give off toxic gases or vapors. The label might suggest using ventilation such as the bathroom fan or another type of mechanical fan.
After applying fertilizers to the yard, you do not want to walk through the house with your fertilizer-contaminated shoes because your children and pets play on the floor you just contaminated. The label will give you these precautions.
These are all examples of why we are conducting this class. We want employees to be able to work safely with hazardous chemicals at work and at home. As long as you understand the hazards and know how to protect yourself from them, working with chemicals can be done safely.
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3. Goals Basic chemical label information HMIS®, NFPA, and DOT labels
Quiz
I. Speaker’s Notes:
In this training session we will discuss the information that is required to be placed on labels and the additional information that many chemical manufacturers provide.
Next we will discuss Hazard Material Information System (HMIS®) labels, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) labels, and Department of Transportation labels.
Finally, we will wrap up the class with a quiz.
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4. Label Requirements Identity of the hazardous material
Name and address of chemical manufacturer
Appropriate hazard warnings
I. Background for the Trainer:
Your company should have receiving personnel trained to inspect chemical containers for labels containing the information on this slide. If a container does not have the required information, it should be rejected.
Bring in a couple of containers that have the appropriate manufacturer’s label so that you can point out the above features.
II. Speaker’s Notes:
These are the minimum labeling requirements, as established by OSHA in the Hazard Communication Standard, for each container of hazardous chemical leaving the site of the chemical manufacturer, importer, or distributor.
The identity of the chemical might include:
A trade name such as ABC Paint Remover
A common name such as Paint Thinner
Or chemical name such as Xylene
The name and address of the chemical manufacturer, importer, or distributor is important in obtaining the material safety data sheet (MSDS) if it did not come with the attachment. Also, if an employee is injured by the chemical, the employer can contact the manufacturer for first-aid information.
Hazard warnings are the most important part of the label for people who intend to use the chemical. This is where you learn about the chemical’s dangers, appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), storage instructions, first aid, and spill-cleanup information. The following few slides will address each of these topics in further detail.
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5. Appropriate Hazard Warnings
Words
Pictures
Symbols
I. Speaker’s Notes:
The label must provide at least general information regarding the hazards of the chemical that, in conjunction with the other information required by the Hazard Communication program (i.e., MSDSs), details the physical and health hazards of the chemical.
This general information is usually found in words, which include detailed descriptions and warnings of the chemical’s potential hazards. These words are usually found in the English language.
Pictures can also be used to express hazards, PPE, or proper working procedures. These are especially effective for employees that use English as a second language.
Symbols are used more often than pictures. A flame might express a fire hazard. Skull and crossbones might reflect poison. DOT labels and placards almost always use symbols to coincide with words on the labels. Symbols can also be used to inform chemical users about the PPE they should be wearing (i.e., safety glasses, respirator, etc.).
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6. Words to Watch for Caution = May cause moderate injury
Warning = May cause serious injury or death
Danger = May cause immediate serious injury or death
I. Background for the Trainer:
Bring some containers that have these key words on their labels. Discuss the differences between the hazards described when these specific words are used.
II. Speaker’s Notes:
When working with a chemical, be sure to read the entire label before you use the chemical.
Three words to watch for are “caution,” “warning,” and “danger.” These words indicate the chemical could cause harm to you or others.
In this case, do not open the container unless you completely understand the hazards of the chemical and are equipped to protect yourself against them.
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7. Physical and Health Hazards
Flammable
Corrosive
Reactive
Toxic
Skin Irritant
I. Background for the Trainer:
Have the class give examples of the chemicals in each of these categories that they might use at work or at home.
Flammable: gasoline, acetone
Corrosive: oven cleaner, nitric acid, caustic soda
Reactive: ammonia and bleach
Toxic: fertilizers
Skin irritant: solvents, cleaners
II. Speaker’s Notes:
Remember, labels usually provide only a summary of information – particularly about the hazards. Refer to the MSDS for detailed information on physical and health hazards.
If a chemical is flammable or explosive, it might contain phrases such as:
Do not smoke when using chemical
Keep away from sparks, heat, or flame
Corrosive chemicals, such as oven or tile cleaners, often use phrases such as:
Avoid contact with skin or eyes
Do not breathe vapors
A reactive material might have warnings about proper storage or mixing with other chemicals or even water.
Toxic chemicals will often use words such as: “Carcinogen: Use in well-ventilated areas.” These chemicals can often cause short-term effects such as dizziness or nausea.
Skin irritants will often cause rashes on the skin. These labels will usually caution the user to wash hands with soap and water immediately after use.
It is important to remember that not all people are affected by chemicals in the same manner. While one person may not be affected by a particular chemical at all, another could get very sick.
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8. Protective Measures Glasses or face shields Gloves
Respirators or dust masks
Other skin protection
I. Background for the Trainer:
Bring samples of the different PPE items to discuss in class. Show employees the different types of PPE that should be worn when using some of the chemicals at your workplace.
II. Speaker’s Notes:
Labels will often contain information about the appropriate PPE to wear when using the chemical. Sometimes PPE may not be required, but the manufacturer may recommend other protective measures such as adequate ventilation or other working procedures.
Safety glasses and face shields should be used with almost every chemical. Almost any kind of chemical can do damage to eyes.
Gloves also should be worn with almost every type of chemical. The label will usually tell you what kind of glove to wear (i.e., latex, rubber, nitrile, etc.).
Respirators or dust masks might be listed on the label. Even if the label does not suggest a respirator, you may want to wear one if the label uses phrases such as “Avoid breathing vapors” or “Use in well-ventilated areas.”
Other skin protection such as plastic aprons, Tyvec® suits, raingear, or other chemical-resistant clothing might be suggested. Just like the gloves, make sure you are wearing the appropriate material that will adequately protect against the hazards of the chemical.
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9. Symptoms of Overexposure
Dizziness or nausea
Headache
Skin rashes or burns
Stomach pain
I. Background for the Trainer:
Have the employees look at some of the chemical labels and discuss the symptoms of exposure that are described on the labels.
II. Speaker’s Notes:
This slide lists just a few of the symptoms of overexposure. Dizziness, nausea, headache, skin irritation or burns, stomach pain, etc., are all possible symptoms of short-term overexposure to chemicals.
Some labels may also describe long-term overexposure to chemicals that might include lung or liver damage or even cancer.
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10. First-Aid Information
Eyes: Flush with water
Skin: Wash with soap and water
Inhalation: Move to fresh air
Swallowing: Get emergency medical assistance
Bring label or MSDS to medical provider
I. Background for the Trainer:
Have employees look at some of the chemical labels and discuss first-aid information that is described on the labels.
II. Speaker’s Notes:
Most chemical labels will provide some kind of first-aid information so that the user can know how to adequately treat symptoms of overexposure.
The information on this slide is generic, and while it is sufficient for most chemicals, you must refer to the label or MSDS for the exact first-aid information.
Eyes that are splashed with a chemical will usually require up to 15 minutes of flushing to ensure that they are completely cleaned of the chemical.
Skin contact usually requires immediate flushing and cleaning with soap and water.
Symptoms of overexposure due to inhalation usually require only moving the person to fresh air.
Swallowing a chemical will usually require a visit to a medical facility and a specific way of removing the chemical from the victim’s stomach, depending on the type of chemical ingested.
If you ever require medical treatment for overexposure to a chemical, be sure to bring the chemical container with the label or the MSDS.
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11. Special Handling Instructions
Do not store near corrosives
Keep away from flammables
Keep out of direct sunlight
Store in moderate temperatures
I. Background for the Trainer:
Have employees look at the chemical labels and discuss storage or handling instructions.
II. Speaker’s Notes:
This slide has just a few examples of statements that you might see on chemical labels that describe the way the material should be stored or handled.
When a label recommends not storing the chemical near other hazardous substances, that chemical is most likely reactive with those other chemicals, and if a spill were to occur, it could cause a very dangerous situation.
Keeping a material out of direct sunlight might prevent a material from overheating and expanding in its container. Expansion might cause the container to rupture or may cause some vapors to leak out of the container.
When a chemical needs to be stored in moderate temperatures, the label will usually give a temperature range such as between 30 degrees F and 90 degrees F.
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12. Fire Response and Spill Information
Extinguishing media
Possibility of noxious fumes
Containing and cleaning up a spill
Special tools or materials
I. Background for the Trainer:
Have the employees look at some of the chemical labels and discuss any fire response or spill information that they find on the labels.
II. Speaker’s Notes:
Fire response and spill information are not found on every label.
Fire response information might include the type of extinguishing media or the type of extinguisher to use, whether the fire will give off noxious gases, whether the fire burns unusually hot or fast.
Spill information will usually be very generic. The instructions might include specific information for containing and cleaning a spill. If special tools (i.e., non-sparking) or materials (i.e., acid absorbents) are needed, the label may tell you.
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13. In-house Labeling Identity of the hazardous material
Appropriate hazard warnings
I. Background for the Trainer:
Note that OSHA does not require labeling a container into which a hazardous chemical has been transferred if the chemical will be used immediately by the person who transferred the chemical.
However, safe practices suggest that all containers be labeled even if the transferring person will immediately use the chemical. That way, employees will not be confused about when they do and do not have to label a container.
Bring in some examples of quality in-house labels that were done by other employees.
Bring in some manufacturers’ labeled containers and have employees practice writing in-house labels as if they are about to transfer the chemical into another container.
II. Speaker’s Notes:
Anytime a chemical is transferred out of the container in which it was shipped and into another container, the new container must be labeled as described on the slide.
At a minimum, the label must contain the identity of the material that might include:
A trade name, such as ABC Paint Remover
A common name, such as Paint Thinner
Or the chemical name, such as Xylene
The label must also contain information about the hazards that might include:
A written description
Symbols or codes
Colors or numbers such as the HMIS® or NFPA systems that we will discuss shortly
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14. Stationary Process Containers
Sign
Placard
Process sheet
Operating procedures
I. Speaker’s Notes:
Instead of labeling individual stationary process containers, alternative methods may be used as long as they convey the required information including:
Identity of the hazardous material
Appropriate hazard warnings
Signs might be posted in a room that has a number of chemical storage tanks. The piping from each tank could be painted a different color, and the signs would show that each color represents a different chemical.
Placards are often placed on tanks. These usually include NFPA placards that we will discuss shortly.
Process sheets stored near a process would also include the names and hazards of the chemicals used in that process.
Operating procedures might tell you more than just what, when, and how much chemical needs adding – they would also tell you the identity and hazards of those chemicals.
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15. Goals Basic chemical information HMIS®, NFPA, and DOT labels Quiz
I. Speaker’s Notes:
Are there any questions on the required labeling information including hazard warnings and safety precautions?
Let’s talk about HMIS®, NFPA, and DOT labels.
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16. Labeling Systems HMIS® NFPA Both utilize colors and numbers
I. Background for the Trainer:
If your company has implemented a process where the receiving department puts HMIS® labels on incoming materials or if your facility uses NFPA labels, discuss this with the employees.
Bring in examples of completed HMIS® and NFPA labels to discuss.
Have employees look at the chemical labels and have them try to find HMIS® or NFPA information on the labels provided by the manufacturer.
II. Speaker’s Notes:
HMIS® and NFPA labels are not found on every manufacturer-provided label. HMIS® labels are often added to chemical containers by the company that is using the chemical.
HMIS® and NFPA labels are another way for chemical users to quickly look at a label and immediately understand the basic hazards. If the labels indicate a high degree of danger, the employee must take added precautions.
NFPA labels are primarily found on stationary tanks and bulk storage systems. They consist of color- and number-coded diamonds.
HMIS® labels are often found on smaller containers such as drums or gallon jugs. They consist of colors and numbers and are arranged in diamonds or horizontal bars.
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17. Color Systems Blue = Health hazard Red = Flammability
Yellow = Reactivity or instability
Orange = Physical hazard
White = Other hazards, special handling, or PPE
I. Speaker’s Notes:
It is very important to remember what these colors stand for.
Blue, or health, indicates how the chemical will impact the health of the human body both short- and long-term.
Red, or flammability, indicates how likely the chemical is to ignite and how hazardous the resulting fire might be.
Yellow, or reactivity or instability, indicates how likely the chemical is to release energy when in contact with other chemicals and how violent that reaction might be.
Orange, is now used by the HMIS® III system to indicate a physical hazard. However, earlier versions still use yellow to indicate reactivity.
White is used to indicate special handling, other specific hazards, or PPE recommendations.
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18. White Color Code NFPA HMIS® Cor, OXY, ACID, ALK, W PPE recommendations
I. Speaker’s Notes:
NFPA labels use the white diamond to indicate special information such as: corrosive, oxidizer, acid, alkaline, water reactive, radioactive, etc.
HMIS® labels use the white area to indicate what kind of PPE should be worn. Symbols or words for specific PPE might be used. Also, a lettering system is sometimes utilized to indicate the protection required:
A: safety glasses
B: safety glasses and gloves
C: safety glasses, gloves, and apron
D: face shield, gloves, and apron
E: safety glasses, gloves, and dust respirator
F: safety glasses, gloves, apron, and dust respirator
G: safety glasses, gloves, and vapor respirator
H: goggles, gloves, apron, and vapor respirator
I: safety glasses, gloves, and dust and vapor respirators
J: goggles, gloves, apron, and dust and vapor respirators
K: supplied air, gloves, encapsulated suit, boots
X: Ask your supervisor
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19. Number Systems 4 = Extreme hazard 3 = Serious hazard
2 = Moderate hazard
1 = Slight hazard
0 = Minimal hazard
I. Background for the Trainer:
Bring in two chemical containers with NFPA or HMIS® labels – one with low numbers and the other with high numbers. Read the detailed information on both labels so that the employees get a feel for the significance of the different numbers. Discuss the specific differences in the hazards, PPE requirements, and special handling. The hazards associated with a number 3 are much different from the hazards associated with a number 2.
II. Speaker’s Notes:
If the numbers in any colored section are high, such as a 3 or 4, this would warrant careful reading of the chemical’s MSDS to get more information. The following is a breakdown of what the numbers in each section indicate:
Health 4: Life threatening major or permanent damage may result froma single or repeated exposure.
Health 3: Major injury likely unless prompt action is taken and medical treatment is given.
Health 2: Temporary or minor injury may occur.
Health 1: Irritation or minor reversible injury possible.
Health 0: No significant risk to health.
Flammability 4: Very flammable gases or very volatile flammable liquids.
Flammability 3: Materials capable of ignition under almost all normal temperature conditions.
Flammability 2: Material that must be moderately heated before ignition will occur.
Flammability 1: Materials that must be preheated before ignition will occur.
Flammability 0: Materials that are normally stable and will not burn unless heated.
Instability or reactivity 4: Materials that are readily capable of detonation or explosive decomposition at normal temperatures and pressures.
Instability or reactivity 3: Materials that are capable of detonation or explosive reaction but require a strong initiating source or must be heated under confinement before initiation, or materials that react explosively with water.
Instability or reactivity 2: Materials that in themselves are normally unstable and will readily undergo violent chemical change but will not detonate. These materials may also react violently with water.
Instability or reactivity 1: Materials that are normally stable but can become unstable at high temperatures and pressures. These materials react with water but will not release energy violently.
Instability or reactivity 0: Materials that are normally stable even under fire conditions and that will not react with water.
Note: NFPA recently changed its “reactivity” designation to “instability.”
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20. Flammable Liquid Red with picture of a flame Do not smoke when using
Special storage requirements
May be an inhalation hazard
Skin and eye protection
Ground when transferring
I. Speaker’s Notes:
Now we are going to talk about DOT labels.
Never remove a DOT label from a container. Not only are these labels very effective for safely shipping a hazardous material, they also serve as an additional hazard warning device.
The DOT label for flammable liquids is very recognizable. You will find this placard on many tank trucks that travel our highways as they ship fuels and other flammable chemicals.
When you see the DOT flammable liquid label, look for other warnings such as:
Special handling or storage instructions
Inhalation hazards (many flammable solvents are)
Recommended PPE
Properly ground when transferring the chemical from one container to another
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21. Corrosive Liquid Black and white
Picture of liquid corroding steel and destroying skin
Storage requirements
Skin and eye protection
I. Speaker’s Notes:
The corrosive liquid label is also very common and recognizable. The picture tells you immediately what that chemical would do to your hand if it touched you.
Read the container label in greater detail to determine the appropriate PPE to wear.
There may also be special storage requirements such as “Do not store near combustible or flammable materials.”
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22. Poison White Skull and crossbones Known to be toxic to humans
Might have one or all three hazards: skin, inhalation, or ingestion
I. Speaker’s Notes:
The poison label is also very recognizable with its skull and crossbones.
A material containing this label is known to be toxic to humans and is also probably toxic to animals and insects.
Use extreme caution when using a material that has this DOT label. Read the manufacturer’s label carefully to determine the hazards.
The chemical could have a long list of hazards, and routes of exposure might include skin, inhalation, and ingestion.
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23. Explosive Orange with picture of explosion
Includes items from dynamite to bullets
Do not handle unless trained and authorized
I. Speaker’s Notes:
While not as common, this label is also recognizable because of the obvious picture of an explosion.
This label is used on items from dynamite to bullets.
Do not even touch a container with this DOT label until you have read the fine print on the manufacturer’s label and you are trained and authorized to handle such a material.
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24. Gases Number 2 Flammable Gas–Red with flame
Non-flammable Gas–Green with cylinder
Oxygen–Yellow with burning circle
Poison Gas–White with skull and crossbones
I. Speaker’s Notes:
Compressed gas DOT labels will come in a number of colors with different pictures that explain the hazard; however, each label will have the number 2 at the bottom of the label, which indicates that the material is a hazardous gas.
A flammable compressed gas such as acetylene will have a red label with the flame symbol.
A non-flammable compressed gas, such as carbon dioxide, will have a green label with a picture of a compressed gas cylinder.
An oxygen label is yellow with a picture of a burning circle or “O.” This indicates that oxygen is not a flammable material; however, it will greatly contribute to the severity of a fire.
Poison gases use the skull and crossbones to indicate their hazards.
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25. Goals Basic chemical information HMIS®, NFPA, and DOT labels Quiz
I. Speaker’s Notes:
Are there any questions on HMIS®, NFPA,or DOT labels?
Let’s wrap up this session with a summary and a quiz.
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26. Summary
To protect against hazards, always read the container label before using a chemical
Make sure every container is properly labeled
Do not remove chemical labels
Ask your supervisor about label information that you don’t understand
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27. Quiz
1. The blue color on an HMIS® or NFPA label indicates the ________________________________ hazard.
2. Information about appropriate PPE isn’t listed on all labels. True or False
3. The word “caution” on a label indicates a more severe hazard than the word “warning.” True or False
4. Name the two items that must be indicated on all in-house labels: ____________, ___________.
I. Background for the Trainer:
Remind employees that the quiz is to encourage further discussion and to help you, the trainer, ensure an understanding of the information presented.
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28. Quiz (cont.)
5. The DOT symbol for a corrosive liquid is a skull and crossbones. True or False
6. Besides words, how else might labels indicate hazard warnings? ___________________________________.
7. The numbers on HMIS® and NFPA labels range from 0 to 10 with 0 indicating minimal hazard and 10 indicating extreme hazard. True or False
8. Besides labels, name an alternative method companies may use to identify a chemical and indicate its hazards. ____________________________________________.
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29. Quiz (cont.)
9. The white area on an HMIS® label is used to indicate recommended PPE. True or False
10. All chemical labels contain information on first aid, fire response, and any special handling instructions. True or False
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30. Quiz Answers 1. The health hazard is indicated by the blue section.
2. True. Some—but not all—labels will recommend the PPE needed to protect you from the chemical’s hazards.
3. False. The words ranked in order from least severe hazard to most severe are “Caution,” “Warning,” and “Danger.”
4. In-house labels must contain at minimum: the identity of the hazardous material and appropriate hazard warnings.
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31. Quiz Answers (cont.)
5. False. Corrosives use a picture of liquid corroding steel and destroying skin. Poisons use the skull and crossbones.
6. Labels might also use pictures or symbols to indicate hazards.
7. False. The numbers range from 0, minimal hazard, to 4, extreme hazard.
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32. Quiz Answers (cont.)
8. Companies may also use signs, placards, process sheets, and operating procedures as long as they identify the chemical and its hazards.
9. True
10. False. Although not required, many labels do have this additional information. If a label does not, consult the MSDS for the additional information.
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