You might recall this Kickstarter campaign from earlier this year http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1742632993/heirloom-chemistry-set?ref=recently_launched

In the narrative, they mention the following:  <John says, “we’re the only ones putting QR codes directly on the chemical labels.” A quick scan of the code with a cell phone, and the MSDS appears on your smartphone.>

To which my PhD candidate responds (in her forward to me):  <Aside from this being just plain awesome, the QR code idea is pretty neat.  It's too bad vendors don't include them on their labels so an MSDS is available instantaneously. I think people would be more inclined to read the safety info if it was one step closer.>

How can we, as a Division, encourage chemical manufacturers to do this?

Debbie

PS:  For the uninitiated, a QR code is a next-generation bar code, for lack of a better descriptor.  They appear as a black and white square on all sorts of products.  Scanning the QR code with a smart phone gives you information, additional content, money-saving coupons, etc.

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Debbie M. Decker, CCHO

Safety Manager

Department of Chemistry

University of California, Davis

122 Chemistry

1 Shields Ave.

Davis, CA  95616

(530)754-7964

(530)304-6728

dmdecker**At_Symbol_Here**ucdavis.edu

Birkett's hypothesis: "Any chemical reaction

that proceeds smoothly under normal conditions,

can proceed violently in the presence of an idiot."