Now It’s Easy to Find the Signs You Need for the Chemicals You Use

Chemicals commonly found in many workplaces require a variety of signs or labels to identify their potential hazards. But clearly defining which signs to use for each chemical has always been a challenge. Now there’s an easy-to-use tool to help identify correct signs for common chemicals: The Chemical Sign Selector at ComplianceSigns.com.

This tool uses hazard information from safety data sheets to select a unique collection of relevant signs for each chemical. Simply enter a chemical name, CAS number or UN number to view a collection of appropriate signs and labels in seconds.

Why Accurate Chemical Labeling Matters

Businesses commonly need signs and chemical labeling to address hazards and health risks, required PPE, handling procedures or transportation instructions. Such information is required by regulatory bodies including OSHA, NFPA, DOT or DOD.

ComplianceSigns analyzed Safety Data Sheets for the most common industrial chemicals to identify appropriate hazard warnings, signs and labels. The result is a unique collection of signs for each chemical, which can include:

  • NFPA hazard diamonds
  • GHS labels
  • Hazmat warnings
  • PPE notices
  • DOT placards
  • Pipe markers
  • Emergency information
  • Other warnings indicated on the SDS

Users must decide which specific signs, chemical labels or placards they need for their unique operations.

Developing the Chemical Sign Selector

The idea of a tool to help people select correct chemical labeling grew from our customers. Our customer service team frequently receives calls from people asking for help selecting signs related to specific chemicals. They needed an easy way to identify PPE and other safety precautions for the chemicals they use.

That sparked a plan. We would build a tool to help customers find correct signs from our extensive chemical labeling offering. Safety Data Sheets are the best source for details on safe chemical use. So, we identified the most common industrial chemicals and accessed Safety Data Sheets for those chemicals.

A development team reviewed the SDSs to identify correct HazCom messages and requirements for each chemical. They then matched them to correct signs and labels in our extensive sign library. Next, we created the selector tool, with the goal of making it both comprehensive and easy to use. The resulting tool lets users select chemicals by CAS#, UN#, or by entering or selecting a chemical name.

This isn’t the first time ComplianceSigns has created a unique tool to address customer needs. We have a variety of custom sign generators, as well as a tool for California Proposition 65 warning notices.

Safety regulations are complicated, and small businesses often don’t have the time or resources to do a lot of research. So we provide resources that can make their jobs a little easier. Those materials include Compliance Resource Bulletins with key information on GHS, NFPA 704, Hazchem, pipe marking, hazmat and other topics. We also produce a workplace safety blog and monthly newsletter with a variety of news, tips and articles.

Chemical Safety in the Workplace

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that hundreds of private industry workers die from exposure to harmful substances every year, including chemicals and other biohazards. In 2017, these hazards contributed to 37,110 nonfatal injuries/illnesses involving days away form work.

Many workers are unaware of chemicals that create potential hazards in their work environment. This makes them more vulnerable to exposure and injury. To ensure chemical safety in the workplace, information about the identities and hazards of the chemicals must be available and understandable to workers. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) defines a hazardous chemical as any chemical which can cause a physical or health hazard. OSHA requires employers to communicate these hazards to workers.

All employers with hazardous chemicals in their workplaces must have labels and safety data sheets for exposed workers. And also train them to handle the chemicals appropriately. Training must also include information on the hazards of chemicals in their work areas, and measures to protect themselves.

Employers must comply with a number of standards where employees are potentially exposed to chemical hazards. OSHA standards that generally apply to hazardous substances include the Hazard Communication standard (1910.1200) and the Respiratory Protection standard (1910.134). Employers may also need to provide personal protective clothing where there is a potential hazard from skin contact with chemicals, or eye and face protection to guard against chemical splashes.

Chemical Safety Resources:

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