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HUMAN SAFETY LABELING


How to Read It and Understand It!

For the consumer, the human safety information is one of the most important features of the label. In fact, to ensure accurate safety labeling, the Federal Hazardous Substances Act governs how precautionary statements are used on household cleaning product labels. The Act requires that human safety information follow a standard format which is explained below. (Keep in mind that these statements are only related to human saftey, not environmental safety.)

Most household cleaning products are not dangerous; in fact, many do not carry any precautionary statements. This is because no major harm would be done by being exposed to or by swallowing small amounts of the product. Many window cleaners, fabric softeners and some hand dishwashing detergents fall into this category. But what about those products that do include precautionary statements? Exactly what kind of human safety information can be found on a cleaning product label?

Elements of the Precautionary Statement
WHAT IT IS
WHAT IT TELLS US
FOR EXAMPLE ...
Degree of hazard Uses a "signal word" to
denote the extent of a
potential hazard
  • CAUTION or WARNING
  • DANGER
Specific hazard Explains the possible
consequences that
could occur if the product
is misused
  • Eye or Skin Irritant
  • Harmful if Swallowed
  • Flammable
Precautionary
measures		 Describes actions to be
taken or avoided
  • Wear Rubber Gloves for Protection
  • Avoid Product Vapors
  • Use in Well-Ventilated Areas
  • Do Not Use Near Open
    Flame or in Areas Where
    Sparks May Be Generated
  • Do Not Mix
    with (lists specific products)
The statement
"KEEP OUT OF
REACH OF
CHILDREN"
or its equivalent		   
First aid
instruction		 Included when necessary
or appropriate
  • If Swallowed, Drink a
    Glassful of Water.
    Call a Physician
  • In Case of Eye Contact,
    Flush Eyes with Water
    for 15 Minutes
Appropriate
handling, storage
and disposal
instructions		 Included if they are
relevant to the hazard
  • Do Not Reuse Container
  • Store Away From
    Heat or Out of
    Direct Light