The purpose of this booklet is to help workers read and understand
labels and material safety data sheets (MSDS) relating to chemicals
used on the “shop floor”.
Chemicals used in the workplace can be classed in four different
ways:
A chemical can be a hazardous substance AND/OR a poison or any
other of these classifications or combination of classifications.
Hazardous substances are substances which are harmful to health.
What does the law say about providing labels and
MSDS in workplaces?
The legal obligations of suppliers and employers are specified by the Occupational Health and Safety (Hazardous Substances) Regulation 1996.
Suppliers, and this includes importers and manufacturers, are
required to provide labels on containers and MSDS for the
hazardous substances they supply. Bulk containers such as tanks
are exempt from these labelling provisions of the legislation, but
must be labelled if they contain dangerous goods.
Employers must ensure that labels are appropriate and make MSDS
accessible to employees who may be exposed to hazardous
substances. All hazardous substances used in the workplace must
be listed in a register together with the relevant MSDS. Employees
must have access to this register.
The Hazardous Substances Regulation also requires that employers
provide instruction and training to help employees understand the
information on labels and MSDS and how to apply this information in
the workplace.
Note: Regulations under the OHS Act are under review, but it is
expected that provisions of the Hazardous Substances Regulation
will continue substantially unchanged although these provisions will
be contained in a chapter of the proposed OHS Regulation rather
than as a separate Hazardous Substances Regulation.
Reading labels
Reading the label on containers is the first step in getting health and
safety information on the chemicals used in your workplace. It is
important to recognise symbols and read labels so that you can take
steps to protect your health.
Chemicals classified as hazardous substances have labels which show:
• a symbol or key word indicating the hazard:
(a)the dangerous goods “diamond” where relevant, and/or
(b)a “signal word” providing a warning about the substance, or
(c)the word “Hazardous” (in red)
• product name
• chemical name(s) of the substance and/or ingredients
• risk information
• directions for use
• safety information
• first aid directions
• emergency procedures
• name and phone number of manufacturer or supplier
• expiry date (where relevant)
• reference to an MSDS
How to interpret signs and words on labels
First, look to see if the label shows a dangerous goods "diamond", a
warning "signal word" or the word "HAZARDOUS."
"Diamond" labels - dangerous goods
If a substance is a dangerous good it will have a "diamond" sign(s)
which indicates a type of hazard. Where a substance has two or
more hazards, the labels indicate the hazards. However, not all
hazardous substances are classified as dangerous goods and so
the container will not necessarily have a dangerous goods label. This
is because the dangerous goods "diamond" indicates an immediate
hazard and not a health risk.
A dangerous goods label is a "diamond". For toxic substances it looks like this:
Other types of diamonds are shown in the section Symbols for dangerous goods.
The SUSDP poisons label - poisons
Some containers may have a “signal word” which is one of the following:
This indicates that the substance in the container is classified as a scheduled poison.
The "hazardous" label - hazardous substances
Some containers have the word “Hazardous” in red.
The risk and safety phrases on the label give more detail as to the nature of the hazard.
Sample of an acceptable hazardous substance label
Detailed information on the "hazardous" label - hazardous substances
Name of the substance and ingredients
Since most products have a trade name, both the trade name and
the common chemical name are given on the label.
For mixtures, each chemical which is hazardous is usually listed as
an ingredient. Sometimes these are given in a range of
concentrations, eg. 30% - 60%, to preserve commercial
confidentiality. Sometimes a generic name is used, eg. "phenol
derivative" or "inorganic mercury compound".
Risk phrases
This is a general description of the hazards. It is also written as an
alpha-numeric classification number. For example, a phrase such as
"Toxic if swallowed" (R25) or "Irritating to skin" (R38) indicates the
way in which harm could occur.
These phrases are chosen by the supplier from a standard list of
phrases based on the health criteria classification.
Safety phrases
Safety phrases provide information on safe storage and handling
and personal protection. They can also be written as a alphanumeric
classification number. Examples are:
• "Keep container dry" (S8)
• "When using, do not eat or drink" (S20)
• "Wear suitable protective clothing" (S36)
These phrases are chosen by the supplier from a standard list.
Directions for use
This section of the label provides directions on how the substance
should be used, in more detail than the safety phrases.
First aid
Brief first aid instructions are provided for immediate treatment if
exposure or contact occurs. These instructions are based on
methods and materials commonly available.
Emergency procedures
These apply to situations such as a spillage, fire or leakage of the
substance. This includes the type of equipment to be used, for
example, the type of fire extinguisher to use.
Details of manufacturer or supplier
This is the name, address and Australian emergency number of the
manufacturer or supplier initially responsible for distributing the
substance. This is also the source of material safety data sheets.
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