simple Hazard Communication Classification and Labeling of Chemicals

Key Points
1.Workers have a right to know what chemicals and hazards they are exposed to at work

2.Communication is through SDSs and container labels

3.Chemicals must be approved before being brought on site

4.SDS must be available on site for all hazardous materials


Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)
1.Provide information on chemical’s hazards, precautions for safe handling and use, emergency & first aid procedures, etc.

2.MSDSs are now SDSs (Safety Data Sheets) in most countries

3.SDS have a specified 16-section format

Labels
1.Labels are required on containers of hazardous chemicals.

2.Serve as an immediate warning & as a reminder of the more detailed information provided on SDSs

3.The use of pictograms is more and more common under GHS activities

Pictograms are 9 symbols used to identify hazards.

Summary
1.Workers have a right to know what chemicals and hazards they are exposed to at work

2.Communication is through SDSs and container labels

3.Chemicals must be approved before being brought on site

4.SDS must be available on site for all hazardous materials