A press release from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration released earlier this month shows a commitment to make chemical labeling requirements more visible. In light of this announcement, manufacturers should reassess their own internal processes for creating efficient labels for chemical containers. To do so, the correct stock and printers are needed that will allow for industrial levels of production and correct placement.
OSHA is partnering with the Society for Chemical Hazard Communication (SCHC) to create label standards that are compliant with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). The SCHC consists of representatives from organizations within and outside of the chemical industry, and this collaboration is part of a larger alliance program that OSHA uses to reduce hazard levels in various workplaces. The new education initiative will include online webinars as well as other informative materials.
Businesses that are well-informed as to how to prevent chemical-related problems will be able to make better labels to this effect. In the press release, Dr. David Michaels, Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA, referenced the improvements that will hopefully result as these two organizations join forces.
“American workers use thousands of chemicals every day, and every year tens of thousands of workers are made sick or die from occupational exposures to hazardous chemicals,” he said. “Our renewed partnership with SCHC will extend our efforts toward ensuring healthier workers and safer workplaces.”
The ultimate result of GHS adoption should be a better understanding of the dangers surrounding everyday use of pesticides and other chemicals. With GHS label printers like the Epson ColorWorks TM-C3400, chemical producers will be able to follow regulations and create a color-based communication system efficiently. Each company could include the specific pictograms and other elements it needs on its barrels for appropriate identification.
Leave a Reply