Hazard Communication Training: Read the Label

5-minute toolbox talk · 2:23 video + discussion, quiz and sign-off · free printable sheet with sign-off table.

Key points

• Every container of a hazardous chemical must have a label.
• A label has six parts: product identifier, signal word, hazard statements, pictograms, precautionary statements, and the supplier's name and phone number.
• The signal word tells you how serious the hazard is. "Danger" is more serious than "Warning".
• Pictograms are red diamonds with a black symbol. Each one shows a type of hazard.
• Each chemical has a safety data sheet with 16 sections. Ask where the SDS binder or system is.

Step by step

1. Before you use a chemical, read the label.
2. Look at the signal word and the pictograms.
3. Follow the precautionary statements: gloves, eye protection, ventilation and storage.
4. If you need more information, read the SDS. Section 4 is first aid and section 8 is protective equipment.
5. If a label is missing or you cannot read it, stop and tell your supervisor.

Never

• Never use a chemical from a container with no label.
• Never put a chemical into a food or drink container.
• Never mix chemicals unless the procedure tells you to.

Who needs this training

• Every worker who could be exposed to hazardous chemicals at work — in normal work or in a foreseeable emergency.
• This includes cleaners, maintenance, kitchen, warehouse, laboratory and production staff, not only people who work with "chemicals" all day.

What the rule says

In the US, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200, the Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom), is aligned with the UN Globally Harmonized System (GHS). It is regularly one of OSHA's most-cited standards.

Employers must have a written hazard communication program, keep a list of the hazardous chemicals on site, label containers, keep a safety data sheet (SDS) for every hazardous chemical where workers can get it during their shift, and train workers.

Training is required when a worker is first assigned, and whenever a new chemical hazard is brought into their work area.

Common mistakes

• Pouring a chemical into an unlabeled bottle or a drinks bottle.
• Mixing cleaning products — for example bleach with ammonia or acids — which can release toxic gas.
• Not knowing where the SDS binder or app is until there is an emergency.
• Treating "Warning" as harmless. It is still a hazard, only less severe than "Danger".
• Skipping the gloves or goggles named in section 8 of the SDS.

Talk about it

1. Where are the safety data sheets for our area?
2. Which chemicals here have the signal word "Danger"?
3. What does the flame pictogram mean?

Quick check

Questions people ask

Based on OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.1200; OSHA QuickCards: Labels (OSHA 3492) and Pictograms (OSHA 3491). This talk is a summary for training. Your site's written procedure and your supervisor's instructions come first.