Page 38 - OHS, January/February 2021

IH: CHEMICAL SAFETY
■ Signal Word. “Danger” or “warning” used to communicate the relative severity of the hazard
■ Hazard Statement. The nature of the hazard (for example, “causes serious eye damage” or “toxic if swallowed”)
■ Pictograms. Specific, globally standardized black and white symbols surrounded by red diamonds that convey health, physical and environmental information to transcend language barriers
■ Precautionary Statements. Any measures that could be employed to minimize and/or prevent the effects of the hazard (for example, first aid or PPE)
■ Supplier Identification. The name, address and telephone number of the supplier
Where to Find Chemical Information for GHS Labels
All the information required to create GHS-compliant labels is in- cluded in the SDS. However, there are three additional ways to find chemical information for replacing a GHS label: the original GHS label on the primary container, an online chemical database or a GHS label design subscription that includes a chemical database.
If the original label is intact and legible, simply copying it is a great option, though the information will still need to be manually added to the label. Using a GHS subscription for label design soft- ware that includes a chemical database can help autofill your labels if you have the Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) registry number or the chemical name.
Whichever method you choose, the most important thing you need is the SDS because you’ll need it for supplier information and to verify that the information on your label matches the SDS. If it’s missing, contact the supplier and request a replacement—the burden of providing SDS is always on the supplier.
Using SDS to Cross-check Your GHS Label Information
Although there are 16 sections on an SDS, the first three sections are all that are needed to fill out the six elements of a compliant GHS label. SDS Section 1 (Identification) includes the product name/identifier and information for supplier identification. Sec- tion 2 (Hazard Identification) includes the signal word, hazard statements, pictograms and precautionary statements.
Section 3 (Composition/Information on Ingredients) may in- clude a CAS number, which isn’t required to include on GHS labels, but is helpful to have on hand for looking up chemical information. If the chemical is not a mixture and the CAS number was not in Section 1, it will definitely be listed in Section 3.
bel element. Posting the information in, on or near your SDS bind- er ensures employees who need the information can find it quickly. You can simply print or write out the table and keep it in the SDS binder pocket or use sheet protector to add it as another sheet in the binder. Other options include printing the table on a durable label and sticking it right to the binder, or posting the information
on the wall near your SDS binder station.
It’s also a good idea to color-code the SDS sections needed in
order to make the information easier to reference. A few minutes spent highlighting the relevant SDS sections pays off in the long run, saving time when creating new/replacement labels and mak- ing in-house GHS label inspection more efficient.
What Should a GHS-compliant Label Look Like?
GHS pictograms are the only required chemical label elements that must look a certain way in order to be compliant. There are nine specific GHS symbols, which are black and white, surrounded by a red diamond:
■ Health Hazard
■ Flame
■ Exclamation Mark
■ Gas Cylinder
■ Corrosion
■ Exploding Bomb
■ Flame Over Circle
■ Skull and Crossbones
■ Environment (which is not mandatory)
All other GHS label elements should be designed and laid out
in a way that is easy for workers to read and understand. While there are no explicit font guidelines, a clean sans-serif font, large enough to read and in high contrast to any background are good practices to follow. There’s no need to get creative with fancy fonts or colors—simplicity and directness are key.
GHS Label Element
SDS Section
Product Name/Identifier
Section 1/Section 3
(will include the CAS number if not found in Section 1)
Signal Word
Section 2
Hazard Statement
Section 2
Pictograms
Section 2
Precautionary Statements
Section 2
Supplier Information
Section 1
SDS Reference Tips for GHS Label Compliance
One way to make referencing SDS easier is to copy the table above to use an index for the exact SDS section required for each GHS la-
How to Create GHS Labels Without a Graphic Designer
The best way to make sure your GHS labels are optimized for com- municating information and include all required elements is to use GHS label design software. Options range from free online tem- plates to templates included with label printer software and low- cost GHS subscription services.
Most basic online GHS templates, along with those included with label printer software, generally include fields for the six re- quired GHS elements and access to the nine GHS pictograms.
34 Occupational Health & Safety | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021
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