I agree with your statement making sure lab staff understanding what chemicals they dealing with suggestions; but include the staff that transport the chemicals within the organization and/or agency. As a precautionary procedure, I rather have laboratory personnel supervised location storage when non-lab personnel move or store chemical shipments.
Jimmie Julion, MSPH
-----Original Message-----
From: Eric Clark <erclark**At_Symbol_Here**PH.LACOUNTY.GOV>
To: DCHAS-L <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU>
Sent: Fri, Oct 17, 2014 1:38 pm
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] GHS and NFPA query
The NFPA or HMIS labels, or something from another "competent authority" are for workplace containers you transfer chemicals to. But you're right, you don't need that if you're using the original distributor's labeling. In my opinion the NFPA and HMIS labels are basically a courtesy for fire fighters. One problem with just using those pictogram placards is you still have to be careful about the corrosives, because it doesn't distinguish between acids and bases - or even that DOT quarter-inch steel corrosive definition that has nothing to do with pH. So if somebody's not careful and sorts chemicals solely based on the pictograms, they just might put all the acids and bases in the same cabinet. So you have to make sure everybody in the lab understands that, and exactly what those chemicals are that they're dealing with. Eric Eric Clark, MS, CHMM, CCHO Safety Officer, Public Health Scientist III Los Angeles County Public Health Laboratory From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:dchas-l**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU] On Behalf Of George D. McCallion
Sent: Friday, October 17, 2014 8:13 AM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU
Subject: [DCHAS-L] GHS and NFPA query Dear DCHAS members, It seems that from the attached OSHA HazComm info, The NFPA labeling might no longer be required. From a Hazardous Materials Technician level (completing this in Oct.) I would use that placard as fist line if identification. Any ideas as to why it might not be required? Thank you in advance. Sincerely, George ******************************************************* George D. McCallion
124 Magnolia Court
Collegeville, PA 19426 Voice: 610.888..2436
Email: medchem**At_Symbol_Here**comcast.net
https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgedmccallion *******************************************************