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Product Labels

Safe Handling Means Reading the Label

Using and handling a hazardous material means you have to thoroughly review its label. Most chemicals you will encounter in the workplace are in primary containers, or containers received directly from the chemical manufacturer, importer or distributor. It is the responsibility of the manufacturer to label, tag or mark each primary container with the following three elements of information:

The product name and all hazardous ingredients.
Any physical or health hazards.
The name and address of the manufacturer or importer.

The label may also provide important information regarding safety precautions you should follow prior to, during and after using a potentially harmful chemical, including:

Precautions to follow when using the product.
Signs or symptoms of exposure.
Instructions as what to do in case of exposure.
The next screen displays several sample hazard warnings which can be found on product labels.

Please note: If you use a container other than the original to store hazardous chemicals, such as a spray bottle or plastic jug, consult your supervisor for more information. These containers are referred to as secondary containers and alternative labeling may be required.

Sample Hazard Warnings on Labels

Painting & Coating	Glycol Ethers & Acetates
May cause irritation of skin, eyes, nose and throat May cause headache, nausea and dizziness May cause nervous system disorders May be reproductive hazard May cause allergic sensitization of skin/respiratory tract Some materials may be carcinogenic Very high levels may cause unconsciousness and death These materials can be flammable or highly flammable	Can pass directly through the skin into blood stream May be reproductive hazard May cause kidney damage May cause blood disorders/anemia May cause headaches and drowsiness These compounds do not have strong odors and cannot be detected by smell as hazardous levels.
Adhesives	Lead
May cause irritation of eye, nose, throat and lungs May cause skin rash and allergic reactions May cause respiratory allergies Liquid resins may contain flammable solvents Glycidyl ethers are a possible carcinogenic Allergic sensitization may occur	Low Levels: Headache Joint and muscle pain Abdominal cramping High Levels: Anemia Kidney disease Damage to nervous system Very High Levels: Seizures - coma - death May be reproductive hazard

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