Laboratory Technicians’ Use and Interpretation of Hazard Communication Elements on Chemical Labels

Abstract

Laboratory technicians are the backbone of academic research and teaching laboratories, undertaking many tasks such as keeping the chemical inventory up to date, which includes systematic identification and categorization of chemical hazards, the first step to assess and minimize risks from chemicals. This study assessed whether laboratory technicians in higher education institutions recognize and understand the hazard information conveyed on chemical labels, standardized by the Globally Harmonized System for the Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS), through a questionnaire based on labels of frequently used chemicals. Pictograms were free and promptly recalled and the most common noticed element. However, only 5 of 9 pictograms were satisfactorily explained by the participants. Those pictograms with greater semantic distance between what the symbol depicts and the function it represents were poorly interpreted. When asked to identify chemicals belonging to a specific hazard class using the elements displayed on the labels, the number of correct answers increased due to the presence of the H-statements in the labels. Although occupying intermediate positions in both recall and sequence of reading, H-statements are concrete written messages that helped participants identify the chemical hazard. Technicians did not understand the implicit meaning associated with signal words nor did they recognize it as a hazard communication element, as suggested by the bottom rank position in both recall and sequence of reading. Although possessing a good educational level, technicians did not have enough knowledge regarding GHS hazard communication elements displayed on the labels, compromising the hazard and risk assessment and management of chemicals.

Validity and Reliability of Survey Data: Key to Empowering Chemical Health and Safety Research

“…3 One effective method for examining response processes is through cognitive interviews. These in-depth interviews are designed to elicit detailed feedback from participants about specific survey items, 20 shedding light on their thought processes when responding to survey items. They typically consist of asking participants to respond to the survey and think out loud as they do so in the presence (virtual or otherwise) of the researchers.…”

“…This allows the survey developer to explore in detail the participants’ thinking and understanding of the items when they respond in certain ways to the individual item. For example, in the study of the investigation into laboratory technicians’ use and interpretation of hazard communication elements on chemical labels, the authors employed cognitive interviews to gather feedback from participants about the survey items and made small adjustments to avoid misinterpretations …”

Evaluation of knowledge, attitude, and perception of pictograms in improving understanding of foreign medicine packages and leaflets among Malaysians

“…Pictograms are used in all domains of our daily lives and can be found in many settings such as hospitals, airports, zoo, gardens, schools and universities, museums and libraries, and many more (Adîr et al, 2021;Choi & Choi, 2021). For instance, they are commonly used to quickly convey important information such as prohibitions or warning signs on the road or safety hazards in the lab (Roca et al, 2018;Rossete & Ribeiro, 2021). In the context of medication, pictograms are used to represent the essential details of the medication including indications, dosage, side effects, and special warnings (Merks et al, 2018).…”

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“…gardens, schools and universities, museums and libraries, and many more (Adîr et al, 2021;Choi & Choi, 2021). For instance, they are commonly used to quickly convey important information such as prohibitions or warning signs on the road or safety hazards in the lab (Roca et al, 2018;Rossete & Ribeiro, 2021). In the context of medication, pictograms are used to represent the essential details of the medication including indications, dosage, side effects, and special warnings (Merks et al, 2018).…”