Based on a short recording transcript written for this page. Every fact in it comes from 29 CFR 1910.1200, Hazard Communication, US Electronic Code of Federal Regulations.
Reading a hazard label, and where the data sheets live
5 scenes, about 0.9 min11 filler words removed. Cut the opening apology, the aside about losing the room, the correction about the telephone number, and the closing remark about next time.
Six things on every label
Every shipped container carries six pieces of information. Once you know the six, a label stops being decoration and starts being something you can read at a glance.
Visual: A container label drawn as six numbered callouts around a diamond pictogram.
Identifier, then signal word
First the product identifier, which is what the substance actually is. Then the signal word, and there are only two of those: danger, or warning.
Visual: Two label fields highlighted in sequence, with the two signal words shown as the only options.
What it does to you
Then the hazard statements, which say what it does to you, and the pictograms, the red bordered diamonds that carry the same message without words.
Visual: A hazard statement line next to the matching pictogram, joined by a short connector.
What to do, and who to call
Then the precautionary statements, what to do and what not to do. And last, the name, address and telephone number of the party responsible for the chemical.
Visual: A precaution list on the left, a responsible party block on the right with a phone icon.
16 sections, reachable on shift
Safety data sheets sit behind the label. Sixteen sections, always in the same order, and they have to be reachable in the work area on every shift. A locked office does not count.
Visual: A grid of sixteen numbered tiles beside a work area floor plan, with the office marked as not acceptable.