Quote:
Originally Posted by Stardrifter_WA
Hi Stuart,
Snip
Yes, these safety data sheets can be technical, however, I totally disagree that they are useless for the layperson, as you state, as the pertinent section on use of Personal Protect Equipment (PPE) and the hazards associated are VERY relevant to anyone using chemicals of any nature. Labels are well and good, but often hard to read or do not contain all the necessary info.
Snip
I understand that you use many dangerous chemicals, as it is part of your job. The average person doesn't have a hope to gain that level of understanding and that is where an SDS is most useful. After all, we can't afford to pay an expert to advise us each time we use a new chemical.
Cheers Peter
|
Hi Peter,
I don't think I said that the SDS was totally useless, I just said that there's a wealth of information on one, much of which a layperson would not understand. Sometime the provision of all this information, much of which, on the first page is quite technical, turns people off reading the important bits, so they don't read them. This negates any good that they do.
I have similar arguments with our OHS people all the time, they are big on SDSs, I point out that much of the information is not relevant to everyday situations and that this information "dilutes" the good stuff to the point of ineffectiveness.
Labelling laws have been tightened up recently in Aus, so there should be PPE and safety information on all but the smallest containers of chemicals, particularly those destined for the consumer market.
Sometimes just large (friendly) letters on the front saying things like "don't drink", "wear XX type of respirator" etc are far more effective means of communication than a five page document.
I'm not a chemical engineer either. You don't need to pay someone to advise you each time you use a new chemical either, RTFL (read the label), if you still are unsure there's a phone number to call the manufacturer. You would probably be pleasantly surprised that they'll help.
But, I think that we basically agree on everything, just a slightly different viewpoint.
Oh, and if anyone on IIS is concerned about a chemical that they are using, or plan to use, feel free to contact me, if I can give advice (i.e. if I know the dangers of the chemical) then I'll happily give it.
Cheers
Stuart