“Chemical Labelling: Dos and Don’ts for Laboratory Safety”

A crucial component of laboratory safety and hazard communication is chemical labeling. The safety of lab workers can be increased and accidents can be avoided with proper chemical labelling. In order to help guarantee that chemicals are labelled accurately and safely, we will go over the dos and don’ts regarding chemical labelling in this blog post.

 

Dos of Chemical Labeling

Use the Correct Information:

Chemical labels should always include the product name, manufacturer name, and appropriate hazard warnings. This information should be accurate, clear, and easy to understand. It’s also a good idea to include the date of manufacture & expiration date, if applicable.

Use Standardized Symbols: 

Hazard warning signs ought to be standardized and simple to recognize. A standardized set of pictograms & labeling criteria for chemicals are provided by the Ghs System of Classification & Labeling of Chemicals (GHS).

Make Labels Visible:

Chemical labels should be placed in a visible location on the container and should not be obscured by other labels or stickers. The labeling should be easily seen by anyone who may come into contact with the chemical.

Update Labels Regularly:

Labels should be updated whenever the contents of the container change or if new information about the chemical’s hazards becomes available. This ensures that the most current information is readily available to those who may come into contact with the chemical.

 

Don’ts of Chemical Labeling

Don’t Use Faded or Damaged Labels:

Chemical labels should be in good condition and should not be faded or damaged. If a label is faded or damaged, it should be replaced to ensure that the information is accurate & readable.

Don’t Use Non-Standardized Symbols:

Avoid using non-standardized symbols or pictograms on chemical labels. This can lead to confusion & may not accurately convey the hazards associated with the chemical.

Don’t Overcrowd Labels:

Avoid overcrowding labels with too much information. This can make it difficult to quickly identify the key information needed in an emergency.

Don’t Rely Solely on Labels:

Chemical labels should never be the only source of information about the hazards of a chemical. It’s important to also refer to the manufacturer’s safety data sheet (SDS) and other relevant resources.

 

Conclusion:

Proper chemical labeling is an essential aspect of laboratory safety. By following the dos and don’ts of chemical labeling, we can reduce the risk of accidents and improve the safety of those who may come into contact with hazardous chemicals. It’s important to always be mindful of the information included on chemical labels & to regularly update labels to ensure that the most current information is readily available.