ContainerLabeling. What You Don t Know Can Hurt You

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "ContainerLabeling. What You Don t Know Can Hurt You"

Randolph Roberts
5 years ago
Views:

1 ContainerLabeling What You Don t Know Can Hurt You F A C I L I T A T O R S G U I D E

2 What s Inside Facilitator s Guidelines a Overview b Getting Started d Presentation Guidelines f Lesson Plan h Frequently Asked Questions 1 Introduction 3 ANSI 5 DOT 7 HMIS 10 NFPA 12 Summary 13 Quiz 15 Quiz Answers 2007 Summit Training Source Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without written permission from Summit Training Source Inc. If you wish to purchase additional copies, please call our office at

3 Overview Labels are used on a daily basis to help us distinguish what a container may hold. Whether at home or work, labels help us identify and separate items that may be potentially harmful to our health and safety from other non-hazardous items. Without the proper labeling, hazardous materials can have a devastating impact if handled or stored improperly. Being able to identify and communicate each labeling system appropriately and following safe work procedures, involving the proper use and handling of a chemical, you can be sure your home and work area remain safe for you, your family, and co-workers. a

4 Getting Started Training Materials Collect all of the necessary materials and supplies before training begins. Here are some suggested materials and supplies: A training location that is free of distractions, has good lighting, and a comfortable temperature. Desks and chairs arranged so that everyone will be able to see the viewing screen, the facilitator, and each other. The video, a VCR, and a TV with a remote. Make sure the video is rewound. An employee handbook and pen/pencil for each trainee. Each handbook includes a quiz at the back, which can be used to test comprehension and document training. Other supplies and equipment you may need - blackboard chalk, paper, handouts, transparencies, overhead projector, markers, notepads, etc. Additional information, such as a copy of the regulation or other reference tools. b

5 Preparation A successful presentation requires preparation and planning. Give yourself several days before the training session to get organized. Locate and schedule the training site as soon as possible. Notify trainees of the training date and time, the training schedule, and proper dress. Obtain all necessary equipment and supplies. Make sure you know how to operate the TV, VCR, and other equipment. Check to ensure that it is working properly. Replace or repair any damaged equipment. Review all training materials, including the Facilitator s Guide, handouts, and any other reference materials. Prepare your presentation, including a lesson plan or outline of the training. Include the training goals and objectives. Some presentation guidelines are included on the next page. A sample lesson plan has been included on page f of this Facilitator s Guide. A day or so before conducting the training session, you may want to have participants take the quiz as a pre-test. The results of this test can help you to determine weak areas to focus on during the training session. Preview the videotape. Note any key points you want to expand upon in your training. c

6 Presentation Guidelines How you present the training course can have a great impact on learning. By following these simple presentation guidelines and keeping your objectives in mind, you can effectively and efficiently get the most out of your training session. Organize Training Time Efficiently In today s busy work climate it can be difficult to find the time needed for training, so it is important to be organized and wellprepared when you do schedule training sessions. Whether you use Summit s suggested lesson plan or not, it is important to have a lesson plan prepared that you can implement comfortably. This ensures that time spent in training is productive and beneficial for everyone. Stress the Purpose and Goals of Training Training needs to be goal-oriented. State the purpose of training in a clear, specific manner - whether it s to reduce injuries, increase production, improve quality, improve working conditions, etc. Review the goals and objectives of the training so trainees know what is expected of them. Capture Their Attention Training needs to be interesting and compelling to hold trainees attention. To help motivate learners, give them specific evidence that their effort makes a difference and provide feedback on their progress. Also, remember that the first experience with a new subject usually forms a lasting impression on the learner. By making that experience a positive one, you can help ensure your audience retains the information learned. d

7 Make New Learning Experiences Pleasant For some adults, past experiences with education were unpleasant and not helpful. Adults learn best when they feel comfortable. By making the learning environment open and friendly, you can help adults to feel secure in their new learning experience. Offer support and feedback as often as possible, and be ready to provide extra attention to those who may require it. Ask If There are any Questions When most adults learn new information that conflicts with what they already know, they are less likely to integrate those new ideas. It is very important to make sure participants fully understand the training and do not have any unresolved questions. Provide for a question and answer period so participants can resolve those questions and/or answer questions throughout the training session. e

8 Lesson Plan As a qualified trainer, your job is to effectively communicate a great deal of information in a well-organized manner. By preparing a lesson plan, you can ensure that each minute of the training session is productive. Summit has provided a suggested lesson plan for your use. 1. Program Objective This guide reviews Container Labeling: What You Don t Know Can Hurt You. In it, we will cover: ANSI labels DOT labels HMIS labels NFPA labels 2. Show the Video: Container Labeling: What You Don t Know Can Hurt You 3. Discussion and Demonstration To help relate the training to your site, you may wish to incorporate your own discussion topics and exercises. Key issues you might consider include: What should be done if you suspect a chemical is labeled incorrectly or stored improperly? Where can employees find additional information on chemicals used at our facility? What procedures must be followed in the event of a hazardous spill? f

9 4. Use Handbooks to Reinforce Training The handbooks increase comprehension and reinforce the information learned in the video program by explaining the main points and expanding on the original material. For increased employee information retention, go over one section at a time and stop to answer questions. The quiz at the back of the Facilitator s Guide is provided to document employee training. Answers to the quiz are provided on a separate page. 5. Questions and Answers Provide for a Q&A session to answer any questions. It may be necessary to review some of the material when providing answers. The employee handbook, equipment manuals, and other reference tools may be helpful. g

10 Frequently Asked Questions I noticed there are a couple different types of HMIS labels. One label has a yellow section for Reactivity and the other replaces the yellow section with orange meaning Physical Hazards. Which HMIS label is correct and should be used? The HMIS III label is the more recent of the two labels, but both labels are correct and can be used. The label with the yellow Reactivity section is referred to as HMIS (second edition). This version may also be missing the chronic health hazard box. The label with the orange Physical Hazard section is known as HMIS III. The HMIS III label is the more recent of the two labels, but both labels are correct and can be used. When referring to the second edition version of the Hazardous Materials Identification System, what does the 0-4 rating stand for in the Reactivity section of the label? When referring to the yellow Reactivity section of the HMIS second edition label, the hazards are rated as follows: Four Severe Hazard Materials that are readily capable of detonation or explosive decomposition at normal temperatures and pressures. Three Serious Hazard May detonate if exposed to heat; materials react explosively with water Two Moderate Hazard May undergo a violent chemical change at high temperatures and pressures; may also react violently with water One Slight Hazard Substances normally stable but show some reaction at higher temperatures and pressures Zero Minimal Hazard Normally stable even under fire conditions, and will not react with water h

Because of the serious potentials of hazardous substances, it is important to understand container labels and respect the potential hazards.

11 Introduction Lack of identification would be more than an inconvenience if hazardous substances were not identified in the workplace. It would be a threat to the health and safety of yourself and your co-workers. The risk can be just as great if you ignore or misunderstand container labels. Because of the serious potentials of hazardous substances, it is important to understand container labels and respect the potential hazards. In this handbook, Container Labeling: What You Don t Know Can Hurt You, we will discuss different labeling systems used in industry, and the meaning of the symbols and terminology used, including: to adversely affect your health and safety. This can be a physical hazard, such as fire or explosion, or a health hazard. Health hazards can vary from skin rashes or burns to respiratory diseases and cancer. Manufacturers or importers of chemicals are required to analyze each chemical to determine its characteristics and potential hazards. Labels are then produced to communicate the information to you. These labels are found on all types of containers, including: drums, cylinders, bottles, bags, and storage tanks. ANSI labels DOT labels HMIS labels NFPA labels Substances are considered hazardous if they have the potential 1

12 Introduction continued A universal system for labeling hazardous materials does not exist. Separate government agencies and trade associations have developed systems that meet their specific needs, yet their similarities make it easy for you to understand. All labels are required to identify the substance by name, list the manufacturer, distributor, or importer of the chemical, and have the appropriate hazard warning signs. The label may also list the personal protective equipment to be used, first aid steps in the event of an exposure, and proper procedures in the event of a spill. The four main labeling systems that we will look at in this Program are: ANSI the American National Standards Institute DOT--the Department of Transportation NFPA--the National Fire Protection Association HMIS--the Hazardous Materials Identification System. To effectively communicate, labels are composed of words, graphics, geometric shapes, and colors. They are designed so that they can be instantly recognized and cross language or literacy barriers. Their purpose is to communicate the type of hazard and its severity. Your understanding of the hazards listed on the container label and willingness to follow safe work procedures will prevent incidents from occurring. 2

severe--and CAU- TION is a moderate hazard, but still of concern. In addition to these signal words any materials that are highly toxic must be marked poison.

13 ANSI The American National Standards Institute, ANSI, communicates information in greater detail because it favors text over symbols. The degree of hazard is posted using one of three key signal words: DANGER represents a serious hazard, if not avoided it will result in death or serious injury-- WARNING is less serious, but still severe--and CAU- TION is a moderate hazard, but still of concern. In addition to these signal words any materials that are highly toxic must be marked poison. After the signal word is an explanation of why the chemical is a potential hazard to you. Substances become hazardous if they are absorbed through the skin, inhaled into the respiratory system, ingested into the digestive track, or enter through body openings, such as the eyes or unprotected cuts. warning states that the warning must convey the hazards of the chemical and is intended to include the target organ effects. If, when inhaled, the chemical causes lung damage, then that is the appropriate warning. Lung damage is the hazard, not inhalation. This information is important to you as a guideline to select the proper personal protection when engineering controls do not reduce or eliminate the hazard. It also includes the hazard warning. The definition of hazard 3

ANSI continued If the substance is flammable, the information will be listed along with the signal word. The degree of hazard is determined by its flashpoint.

14 ANSI continued If the substance is flammable, the information will be listed along with the signal word. The degree of hazard is determined by its flashpoint. The flashpoint is the temperature in which a substance forms vapors that will burn if exposed to an ignition source. Other sections of the ANSI label inform you on first aid measures, fire fighting procedures, steps to take in the event of a spill, and a number to call in the event of an emergency. 4

The diamond shaped placard found on railroad cars, trucks, and vessels allows quick identification of the hazards in the event of an emergency. does not rate the degree of hazard.

15 DOT In many cases, the ANSI label contains the Department of Transportation, or DOT diamond. The Department of Transportation governs how hazardous materials must be identified when shipped via all means of transportation. The diamond shaped placard found on railroad cars, trucks, and vessels allows quick identification of the hazards in the event of an emergency. does not rate the degree of hazard. A substance that has multiple hazards may contain more than one DOT diamond. If the hazard is determined to be of a much lesser degree, then only the main hazard will be identified. This key word found in the diamond means the substance fits into a class created by the Department of Transportation to best identify its hazards. The smaller number below the diamond represents that class. It 5

16 DOT continued There are 9 classes in which a substance will be classified. Class 1 is explosives Class 2 compressed gases Class 3 flammable liquids Class 4 flammable solids, spontaneous combustibles, and substances that are dangerous when wet Class 5 is organic peroxides and oxidizers; an oxidizer, if improperly released, makes the atmosphere more susceptible to fire. Class 6 poisons, poisons that are toxic, inhalation hazards, and infectious substances Class 7 radioactive materials Class 8 corrosive liquids; a corrosive substance is either a strong acid or a strong base. Class 9 is miscellaneous hazardous materials not classified by the other 8 classes. 6

HMIS The Hazardous Materials Identification System, developed by the National Paint and Coatings Association, is a five part rectangle with three color coded sections, each representing a particular

The Hazardous Materials Identification System, developed by the National Paint and Coatings Association, is a five part rectangle with three color coded sections, each representing a particular The

17 HMIS The Hazardous Materials Identification System, developed by the National Paint and Coatings Association, is a five part rectangle with three color coded sections, each representing a particular type of hazard. The Hazardous Materials Identification System, developed by the National Paint and Coatings Association, is a five part rectangle with three color coded sections, each representing a particular type of hazard. The orange represents the physical hazard, the red represents the flammability hazard, and the blue represents the health hazard. The severity of each hazard are as follows: Health Four Severe Hazard Life-threatening Three Serious Hazard Major injury is likely unless immediate medical treatment is given Two Moderate Hazard Temporary or minor injury may occur One Slight Hazard Irritation or minor reversible injury possible Zero Minimal Hazard No significant health risk Flammability Four Severe Hazard Has flash point below 73 degrees Fahrenheit Three Serious Hazard Capable of ignition under normal temperatures.flash point is below100 degrees Fahrenheit Two Moderate Hazard Flash point that is between 100 and 200 degrees One Slight Hazard Flash point is above 200 degrees Fahrenheit Zero Minimal Hazard Substance will not burn 7

HMIS continued Physical Hazard Four Severe Hazard Readily capable of explosive water reaction, detonation or explosive decomposition, polymerization, or selfreaction at normal temperature and

18 HMIS continued Physical Hazard Four Severe Hazard Readily capable of explosive water reaction, detonation or explosive decomposition, polymerization, or selfreaction at normal temperature and pressure. Three Serious Hazard May form explosive mixtures with water and are capable of detonation or explosion Two Moderate Hazard Unstable. May undergo violent chemical changes at normal temperatures and pressure with low risk of explosion One Slight Hazard Materials normally stable but can become unstable at high temperatures and pressures Zero Minimal Hazard Non-Explosives; normally stable If there is an asterisk in the first space, then there is a chronic health hazard, meaning that longterm exposure to the material could cause a health problem such as emphysema or cancer. In addition to the HMIS label, you may also see icons on the container near the label to help you visually identify the target organs affected by exposure to a hazardous material. These symbols include; respiratory system, eyes, nervous system, skin, kidneys, reproductive system, liver, and blood. 8

In addition to the rating for specific hazards, the HMIS gives guidelines for the use of personal protective equipment. A letter ranging from A thru K is found on the bottom white bar.

19 There are seven classes that may be represented by a symbol in the physical hazard section. They are: water reactives, organic peroxides, explosives, compressed gases, pyrophoric materials, oxidizers, and unstable reactives. In addition to the rating for specific hazards, the HMIS gives guidelines for the use of personal protective equipment. A letter ranging from A thru K is found on the bottom white bar. This is cross-referenced to a chart that depicts the type of personal protective equipment to be used when handling the substance. If you find an X in the box of the white bar, consult your supervisor for the type of personal protective equipment to be used. Older versions of the HMIS label will provide a Reactivity section in place of the Physical Hazard section and the chronic health hazard box may be missing. 9

The top red diamond represents the fire hazard or flammability.

20 NFPA The Hazardous Materials Identification System is derived from the system developed by the National Fire Protection Association. The NFPA was developed so that fire fighters and emergency response personnel could quickly identify what materials are involved during an emergency. The top red diamond represents the fire hazard or flammability. Like the HMIS system, it uses a number system to identify how severe the hazard is; a four being the most severe and a zero being the lowest (see Figure A). The blue diamond on the left represents the health hazard and yellow is for reactivity. If the red, blue, or yellow area is not assigned a number, consult the proper personnel at your facility. Its absence does not mean that there is not a hazard. The white diamond at the bottom is for special hazards. Some examples include: Radioactive Acid Oxidizer Acid OX A "w" with a line drawn through the middle means it will react violently with water, information that is essential when fighting a fire. 10

Other labeling systems do exist which have similar formats to the ones discussed here. If you have any questions, contact the proper personnel at your facility.

If the information cannot be found, contact the distributor of the chemical for the proper information.

21 Other labeling systems do exist which have similar formats to the ones discussed here. If you have any questions, contact the proper personnel at your facility. When using an in-house labeling system, make sure the information is complete and conforms to the label from the original container or the Material Safety Data Sheets. If the information cannot be found, contact the distributor of the chemical for the proper information. Notify the proper personnel in your facility if you come across a container label that is worn, torn, or missing. Never deface or remove a container label, unless it is immediately replaced with a label that has the correct information. Figure A 11

Summary Working safely with hazardous materials includes labeling all temporary containers to prevent confusion and keeping a minimum amount of hazardous materials at the work station.

More detailed information can be found in the material safety data sheets. Do not be discouraged by the complex terminology that is needed to describe hazardous substances.

22 Summary Working safely with hazardous materials includes labeling all temporary containers to prevent confusion and keeping a minimum amount of hazardous materials at the work station. Container labeling is one aspect of hazard communication at your facility. Labels are designed to warn you of hazards at the point of use. More detailed information can be found in the material safety data sheets. Do not be discouraged by the complex terminology that is needed to describe hazardous substances. Ask the proper personnel at your facility if you do not understand the hazards related to the substance. working with hazardous substances. Communication is a key ingredient for safety when handling hazardous substances. Ignoring or misunderstanding the container label is equivalent to having no label at all. Create a safe work environment by understanding and respecting the information communicated on the container label. Read the label on all materials that you work with know what the colors, symbols, and terminology represent. Contact the proper personnel if the label is worn or defaced keep hazardous materials to a minimum at your work station...and always follow safe procedures when 12

23 Quiz To review your knowledge of Container Labeling: What You Don t Know Can Hurt You, answer the questions below. Your Name Date 1. A substance that could have an adverse affect on a person s health and safety is considered a non-hazardous substance. a. True b. False 2. What must be shown on all labels? Select all that apply. a. the substance name b. manufacturer, distributor, or importer of chemical c. hazard warning signs d. clean-up procedures e. All of the above 3. Labels use words, geometric shapes, and colors to communicate information about a chemical. a. True b. False 4. On an ANSI label, what signal word represents a less serious hazard, but still severe? a. Danger b. Warning c. Caution d. Alert 5. Using the DOT labeling system, what does the smaller number at the bottom of the diamond represent? a. Degree of hazard b. Degree of flammability c. Hazard Class d. None of the above 13

24 Quiz continued 6. Using the DOT system, if a substance has multiple hazards then all hazards must be identified even if they are determined to be of a much lesser degree. a. True b. False 7. Using the HMIS labeling system, how severe is a hazard rating of 4? a. Not severe b. Not really severe c. Most severe d. The HMIS system does not have a rating system 8. If you find an asterisk in the first space of an HMIS label, then there is a chronic health hazard present. a. True b. False 9. Which colored section of the NFPA label would communicate whether a substance would react violently with water? a. Blue b. Red c. Yellow d. White 10. What should you do if you notice a container label that is worn, torn, or missing? a. Notify the proper personnel in your facility b. Smell the substance to identify it c. Throw the substance in the Trash can d. Pour the substance down the sink drain in the bathroom 14

25 Quiz Answers 1. b False 2. a the substance name b manufacturer, distributor, or importer of chemical c hazard warning signs 3. a True 4. b Warning 5. c Hazard Class 6. b False 7. c Most severe 8. a True 9. d White 10. a Notify the proper personnel in your facility 15

26 Notes 16

27 4170 Embassy Drive SE Grand Rapids, MI

SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS KEEPING A STEP AHEAD

SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS KEEPING A STEP AHEAD FACILITATOR S GUIDE 2660 Horizon Drive SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546 800-842-0466 www.safetyontheweb.com What s Inside Overview 1 Facilitator s Guidelines 1-a Overview