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More on chemical labels
The labels should be uniform throughout the practice; this simplicity is easier to explain in the written plan and easier for staff members to understand. It also gives the impression of consistency to the whole program. The information contained on the label must identify the chemical contents and display the appropriate hazard warnings. For instance, a bottle of alcohol would have a label that identified the contents as alcohol and warns the user that it is flammable, harmful if ingested and to avoid contact with the eyes. Many people like the ease of using pre-designed labels. There are a variety of these pre- designed labels available. Some labels use pictures and symbols which identify the hazard and the protection required when using the substance. The Hazard Materials Identification Guide (HMIG) system uses colored bars, and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) system uses colored diamonds to identify the hazard. A number is placed in each colored area representing the severity of that particular chemical's hazard; the higher the number, the more severe the hazard. Click here for a tip sheet on using HMIG secondary container labels. Remember to label ALL containers of chemicals; don't think of it as an instrument tray, think of it as a chemical tray with instruments! Some commonly overlooked examples include museum jars with tissues fixed in formalin, thermometer holders with disinfectant or alcohol, cold sterilization trays and buckets full of disinfectant that everyone uses to clean up pet accidents. For those containers that defy labeling - shampoo and dip dilution bottles and small or odd shaped containers (especially in the trucks/trunks of mobile practitioners) consider using color- coded bottles instead of "whatever bottle is available." This has a limited expense, but it certainly saves time and frustration. Another method is to tie a small piece of colored ribbon to the bottle handle or neck. Different colors denote different chemicals. This works extremely well for those bottles that just will not accept an adhesive label. If you use these methods, don't forget to make an "index" of what color identifies which chemical. Try making a poster with a sample of the colored ribbon next to the corresponding information for that chemical. Hang the poster in a convenient location so that the system is obvious to everyone.
The information on these pages is excerpted from |
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There is no special system that must be used; the labels can
be pre- designed (store-bought) or home-made. They can use words, pictures, colors, or any
other method to communicate the information. The labels don't even have to be labels!
Specially color-coded bottles or even tags, ribbons or signs can be used in certain
places. When deciding which method to use, consider the chemical involved, the size, and
design of the container, and how it will be used. 