Pages in this chapter (2 of 3)
Pictograms
Each pictogram is a red bordered diamond with a black symbol:
| Pictogram | Hazard |
|---|---|
| Exploding bomb | Explosives, self reactive substances, organic peroxides |
| Flame | Flammable gases, aerosols, liquids and solids, self heating, self reactive and pyrophoric substances |
| Flame over circle | Oxidisers |
| Gas cylinder | Gases under pressure |
| Corrosion | Skin corrosion, serious eye damage, corrosive to metals |
| Skull and crossbones | Severe acute toxicity |
| Exclamation mark | Irritant, skin sensitiser, acute toxicity at lower severity, narcotic effects |
| Health hazard | Carcinogen, mutagen, reproductive toxicity, respiratory sensitiser, organ toxicity, aspiration hazard |
| Environment | Hazardous to the aquatic environment (not enforced by OSHA) |
Safety data sheets
A label cannot carry all the information, so the chemical's manufacturer or importer must supply an SDS, and the employer must keep one for each hazardous chemical in the workplace where workers can reach it during every shift. The 16 sections are:
- Identification
- Hazard identification
- Composition and information on ingredients
- First aid measures
- Fire fighting measures
- Accidental release measures
- Handling and storage
- Exposure controls and personal protection
- Physical and chemical properties
- Stability and reactivity
- Toxicological information
- Ecological information
- Disposal considerations
- Transport information
- Regulatory information
- Other information, including the date of preparation or last revision
OSHA created no symbols or colour codes of its own under the earlier standard, but it endorsed the Department of Transportation hazard class symbols and colours for use in training.
Acute and chronic effects
Acute effects appear quickly and follow a short exposure, for example burns, cuts or puncture wounds. Chronic effects develop after long exposure, for example silicosis, dermatitis and cancer from carcinogens.
Routes of entry
- Skin absorption. Some chemicals pass through the skin. Use PPE and wash any exposed area.
- Inhalation. The most common route, from fumes, solvent vapours, gases and dust. The employer must know of such hazards and protect workers.
- Ingestion. Do not eat, drink or smoke after handling hazardous material until you have washed your hands with soap and water.
- Injection. Through a puncture of the skin.
Controlling hazards
- safe work practices
- substitution of a safer product
- engineering controls
- training and communication
- environmental monitoring
- personal monitoring
- personal protective equipment
The written program
Each workplace where employees are exposed to hazardous chemicals needs a written hazard communication program. It lists the hazardous chemicals, says where workers can get the written safe handling information, names who is responsible for each part, and describes labels, SDSs and training.
A study aid, not published or endorsed by IOSH or OSHA. Laws and limits differ between countries.