Toolbox talk, Health, about 7 minutes
Chemical labels and SDS
Date
Site or job
Led by
Why this one
People get burned, sick or worse from chemicals they didn't know about or mixed by accident. The label and the safety data sheet tell you what's in it, what it does and what to do if it goes wrong.
Say this
- 1.Read the label before you use the product. It names the product, the hazards, the signal word and the pictograms.
- 2.The safety data sheet is the longer document. It covers handling, PPE, first aid, spill response and storage.
- 3.Know where the sheets are on this site and how to get one fast, including on a phone with no signal.
- 4.Never use or pour from an unlabeled container. If you move a chemical to a smaller container, label it.
- 5.Don't mix products unless the sheet says it's OK. Some combinations make toxic gas or heat.
- 6.Wear the PPE the sheet calls for, such as gloves, eye protection or a respirator. Ask if you're not sure what applies.
- 7.Know what to do for a spill, a splash in the eye or skin contact. Get medical help and bring the sheet.
Ask the crew
- – What chemicals do we use here that you've never read the label on?
- – Where would you go right now to find a safety data sheet?
- – Have you ever found a container with no label or a faded label? What did you do?
Watch for today
- Unlabeled or damaged containers, including spray bottles and buckets.
- Chemicals stored together that shouldn't be, or left open.
- Workers using a product with no PPE because it seemed mild.
Close with: If you can't read the label, don't open it.
Notes and questions raised
Name (print)
Signature
Initials
A starting point. Adapt it to your job, your procedures and the rules that apply to you. portalbaseai.com/toolbox-talks