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Safety Reference
1-800-452-1261
flinnsci.com
The Dos and Don’ts of Chemical Labeling Information on What’s Required to Make Your Lab Safe
In 1983, OSHA implemented the Hazard Communication Standard (Right-to-Know law). This standard gives instructors, students and parents the right to know about the hazards associated with the chemicals they are using in the classroom/laboratory. The standard requires chemical manufacturers to transmit this safety information to their customers by means of labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
In March 2012 OSHA updated the Hazard Communication Standard to incorpo- rate the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals, better known as GHS. GHS provides a set of objective criteria for classifying the physical and health hazards of chemicals. Hazardous chemical labels will be required to include pictograms, a signal word, as well as specific hazard and precautionary state- ments. The pictograms, signal words, and hazard statements will help you quickly iden- tify and describe the nature of the hazard(s). Precautionary statements provide guidance to prevent accidents and avoid exposure to chemicals. There are eight pictograms, shown below. In addition to the pictograms, GHS requires the use of signal words, either Danger or Warning, to heighten awareness of the relative risk when using certain chemi- cals. (Danger is the more severe warning!) Depending on their hazard rankings, not all chemicals will have a pictogram or signal word. GHS also assigns specific hazard statements to chemicals and applicable precautionary statements to prevent accidents and minimize exposure.
A well-written and designed chemical label will reduce accidents and may even save lives. For more than 40 years you have counted on Flinn Scientific labels to help you safely store, handle and use laboratory
chemicals. We are excited about the oppor- tunity to further improve chemical safety by adding the GHS label elements while preserving the indispensable Flinn storage, disposal, shelf-life, and hazard alert advice. See pages 638–638 for a GHS-compliant Flinn Scientific label, and a convenient guide to using this information.
Chemical Labels in
Your Laboratory
You may be wondering: “What about the chemicals I already have and the solutions I prepare for my lab?” GHS-formatted labels are the responsibility of the chemical manu- facturer and distributor. You do not have to reproduce proper GHS-formatted labels and you don’t have to re-label any chemi- cals you currently have in your storeroom. You must, however, ensure that the hazards of any chemical are easy to recognize and understand. We suggest the best approach to proper chemical container labeling is to list these four items on the label:
1. Chemical Name—Spell out the name correctly and completely. Avoid using abbreviations or chemical formulas.
2. Concentration—If the chemical is in solution, indicate the solution’s molarity or strength.
3. How can the chemical hurt you?— List in clear terms how the chemical can hurt you and what target organs will be affected. This information can easily be found on your SDS or in the Flinn Scientific Catalog/Reference Manual. Avoid numerical or alphabeti- cal codes. These codes are difficult to remember and could easily be misin- terpreted. Use words that everyone will understand.
4. Date Prepared—Knowing the date the chemical was prepared is very impor- tant, especially for those chemicals that have a limited shelf life or become more hazardous with age.
For example, let’s say you just prepared a 6 M hydrochloric acid solution. The label should say:
Additional information may be required in your state. A few states require the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) code on the label. Other states may require the Chemical Abstract Services (CAS) number to be on the label.
Finally, remember that this label may need to be on the chemical container for years to come. Avoid using grease pencils and writing directly on the bottle. Always use a permanent marker on label paper that has a good adhesive. Print clearly so everyone can read and understand the label you have prepared.
If you have questions regarding how to label chemical containers, please call us toll free at 1-800-452-1261. We’ll gladly help in any way we can.
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Hydrochloric acid
6M solution
Corrosive to all body tissue, especially skin and eyes. Avoid all body contact. 2019
GHS Pictograms
Acutely toxic
Copper(II) Chloride
Explosive or self-reactive substance Not in school science labs!
Oxidizer
Ammonium Nitrate
Irritant to skin, eyes or respiratory tract Iodine
Gas under pressure
Oxygen
Flammable or self-reactive Methyl Alcohol
Corrosive to skin or eyes
Hydrochloric Acid
Carcinogen, mutagen or reproductive toxin Formaldehyde
GHS Stickers
See page 144