Understanding chemical warning signs – and what actions they require you to take – is a key part of workplace safety, especially in environments where handling hazardous materials is part of employees’ day-to-day responsibilities.
Chemical hazard classification and signage have been internationally standardised under the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). The system features a series of symbols designed to communicate the presence of chemicals and the risks associated with them. This can include things like flammability, toxicity, skin irritation, and environmental harm.
Despite the fact that GHS symbols were made to be easy to understand universally, a recent BMC Public Health study – which focused on Tehran hospital staff – found that employee perception and comprehension of chemical warning signs can fluctuate greatly.
These discrepancies in perception are normally due to differences in workplace practices, safety culture, and training across various organisations.
Why Are Chemical Warning Signs Important?
Chemical warning signs are designed to reduce the risk of exposure to harmful substances in the workplace to a minimum. Understanding these visual clues involves not simply knowing what an image represents, but also how you’re expected to behave in response to the warning sign.
There are different levels of caution and urgency associated with each hazard (compare flammable materials to skin irritants, for example), so comprehending each one enables employees to take the necessary precautions.
In many workplaces where hazardous materials are present (such as laboratories, hospitals, and industrial sites), the GHS signs act as the first line of defence against accidents. But, if employee perception and comprehension of these warnings is poor, your organisation is at risk of harmful exposures.
The BMC Public Health study, for instance, highlighted that some symbols are more widely recognised by employees than others (e.g. the flammable substances sign is more familiar to people than the skin irritant symbol).
And, since employee perception has a direct impact on how they respond to warnings, the research has uncovered a need for hazardous substances safety improvements.
The BMC Public Health Study: Key Findings
A 2023 study published by BMC Public Health looked at the level of GHS symbol understanding among hospital cleaning staff. It concluded that, while most employees have general chemical hazards awareness, in-depth comprehension of the signage is inconsistent.
Some symbols, such as the ‘hazardous to the environment’, ‘flammable’, and ‘acute toxicity’, were widely recognised by most participants in the study, while others (e.g. ‘skin irritant’, ‘oxidising’, and ‘gas under pressure’) were not well understood by the majority.
The problem highlighted by this research is, of course, not limited to the sample employee group. Rather, the study has highlighted a wider issue with employee perception of chemical warning signs, which needs to be addressed through safety culture and training improvements across workplaces.
How to Improve Chemical Warning Sign Perception
From frequent safety training to general high safety priorities and open communication within the organisation, safety culture can make all the difference in how well employees understand chemical hazard warnings.
To better educate employees on the GHS symbols and enable them to respond more effectively to warnings, consider:
Implementing regular safety training – Ensure both new and existing employees are up to date on the chemical warning signs system by providing regular hands-on training and demonstrations.
This will help your team not only recognise the relevant symbols but also gain a better understanding of how to respond to each hazard.
Account for all levels of education in diverse workplace environments by making sure training is jargon-free, presented in a straightforward language, and supported by illustrations where possible.
Investing in clear and visible signage – Alongside comprehensive staff education, it’s paramount that you have each of the relevant chemical warning signs clearly displayed in the designated area housing hazardous materials.
Best practice for this type of signage includes simple language used alongside the symbols, contrasting colours, and arrows indicating the location of each hazard – in essence, having signs that are easy to understand at a glance.
For optimal effectiveness, engage employees in sign placement, size, and design – after all, they know best where the signage is needed from daily experience. Choosing the correct size for chemical warning signs is particularly key for fast-paced workplaces where rapid response is of the essence.
Promoting a positive safety culture – The best way to maintain high engagement levels with chemical hazard perception is through fostering a positive culture around workplace safety.
This can be done through regular discussions about chemical hazards in the workplace, openly addressing safety concerns during team meetings, clearly signposting avenues for reporting issues, and rewarding safe practices.
Chemical Warning Signs from Label Source
Having clear warning labels is one of the foundations for improved chemical hazard perception, and therefore a safer workplace.
We provide a range of COSHH and GHS-compliant dangerous goods signs, specifically designed with accessibility in mind, so your employees can easily identify and respond to chemical safety risks.
Not sure which UN, COSHH, or GHS signs you need for your organisation? Contact us and one of our experts will help.
Read more: What is COSHH and How is Label Source Compliant?
