Warning labels HAZCOM

One out of every four workers contacts hazardous chemicals on the job. As a construction worker, you have a need and a right to know the chemicals to which you are exposed, their hazards, and how to protect yourself when working. This simple concept is the basis of the Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom). Labeling is the part of HazCom that requires a label on containers so that you are alerted to the fact that a potential hazard exists. Because labels are right on a container, in most cases, you can immediately find out what the chemical s hazards are. The label s message about the hazards is the hazard warning label. Take a look at a hazardous chemical container in your facility, it should have a label. This label should have the following minimum information ... 

By adopting portions of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS), OSHA s Hazard Communication (HazCom) Standard, requires the use of GHS-compliant labels. Chemical hazard warning labels are one way of informing employees of the hazards and of how to protect themselves when using or storing a material. 

The hazard communication (HAZCOM) standard is a central feature in the safe operation of the chemical processing industry. HAZCOM ensures that process technicians can safely handle, transport, and store chemicals. The standard mandates that workers have access to chemical lists, material safety data sheets, information on physical and health hazards, toxicology, hazardous chemicals and operations, manufacturers information, and warning labels. It also sets requirements for availability and use of personal protective equipment. 

Alternative labeling systems such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 704 Hazard Rating and the Hazardous Material Information System (HMIS) are permitted for workplace containers. However, the information supplied on these labels must be consistent with the HazCom standard (e.g., no conflicting hazard warnings or pictograms.)... 

Q Implement an emergency action plan and maintain exit routes properly. However, OSHA revised the HazCom rule in 2012. In the revised rule, combustible dust hazards must be addressed on labels and SDSs. Label elements are provided for combustible dust in the final HCS and include the signal word warning and the hazard statement May form combustible dust concentrations in the air. For chemicals in a solid form that do not present a combustible dust hazard, but may form combustible dusts while being processed in normal downstream uses, OSHA aUows the chemical manufacturer some fiexibility in labeling requirements. The manufacturer or importer to may transmit the label to the customer at the time of the initial shipment, but the label does not need to be included with subsequent shipments unless it changes. This provides the needed information to the downstream users on the potential hazards in the workplace, while acknowledging that the solid metal or other materials do not present the same hazards that are produced when these materials are processed under normal conditions of use. 

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